What are the laws for hunting fox in New Jersey? This article covers many of the fundamental laws you will need to know to get started. It also provides information such as seasons, harvest limits, and required permits for bobcat hunting in New Jersey. It is not a legal document and is not intended to cover all hunting laws and regulations.
In New Jersey, fox hunting season begins the 4th Saturday prior to the last Friday in October and ends the following March 15. There are three (3) seasons for hunting fox –
- Bow & Arrow Only Season from the 4th Saturday prior to the last Friday in October through the Friday following Election Day in November.
- Firearm or Bow Season from the Saturday after Election Day in November through March 15.
- Special Permit Coyote / Fox Season from January 1 (or Jan. 2 if Jan. 1 is a Sunday) through March 15.
Purchase a New Jersey hunting license here.
First time hunting fox? Check out these articles:
Read: How to call in a fox.
Read: How to use tracks and scat to hunt a fox.
Related: Read the laws for hunting coyotes in New Jersey.
Hours for fox hunting in New Jersey.
- During the Bow & Arrow Only Season, hunting hours are 1⁄2 hour before sunrise to 1⁄2 hour after sunset.
- During the Firearm or Bow Season, hunting hours are 8AM to 1⁄2 hour after sunset on opening day and 1⁄2 hour before sunrise to 1⁄2 hour after sunset on all other days.
- During the Special Permit Season, coyote and fox may be hunted 24 hours a day (some weapon or ammunition types are restricted during evening hours).
Permits and licenses for hunting fox in New Jersey.
During the Bow & Arrow Only Season, a valid archery license is required.
During the Firearm or Bow Season, a valid firearm or a valid archery license (depending on which weapon type you want to use) is required.
During the Special Permit Season, a valid firearm or a valid archery license (depending on which weapon type you want to use) is required in addition to a $2 Special Permit. A rifle permit is required when using any rifle.
Using bait when fox hunting in New Jersey.
The use of bait is allowed when hunting during the Bow & Arrow Only Season or the Firearm or Bow Season, with the following restrictions –
- If you’re elevated in a standing tree, or in a structure of any kind, you must be 300 feet from the baited area.
- The distance restriction would apply to a ground blind, which is defined as a temporary man‐made structure
used for the purpose of concealing from sight a person who is hunting. - A baited area is defined as the presence of placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered agricultural
products, salt, or other edible lure whatsoever capable of attracting or enticing such birds or animals.
The use of bait during the Special Permit Season is prohibited when hunting under the permit provisions.
Using predator callers while hunting fox in New Jersey.
Hand or mouth-operated calls and electronic calls that imitate wounded prey or coyote calls are legal.
Related: Learn how to use an open reed caller here.
Related: Learn how to use a closed reed call here.
Check Amazon for electronic predator caller prices here.
Using thermal and IR Scopes when hunting fox in New Jersey.
Both devices are legal when hunting on private lands.
Starting with a simple scope mounted light is inexpensive—but truly an exciting way to hunt foxes. Read this article to choose the right color of light for night hunting predators.
Infrared scopes have their value in terms of better target identification compared to thermal, but they cost a lot more. Beginners should consider the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro, but read this article before buying one.
A thermal riflescope is a major purchase. You must wait until you have determined you are addicted to coyote or predator hunting before buying one. For new hunters, I recommend the ATN Thor 4 (good for up to 150 yards). Please check out my article on ATN Thor 4 scope before buying one.
Night vision equipment is available on Amazon. Check prices here.
Do you need a special permit for fox hunting in New Jersey?
- Woodchuck hunting with a small caliber rifle;
- Using a .22 caliber rifle and .22 short ammunition to hunt raccoon and opossum, or to dispatch legally captured
furbearers other than muskrat; - Waterfowl hunting;
- Hunting rabbit and squirrel with an air gun; and
- Hunting coyote and fox under the Special Permit provisions.
During the Firearm or Bow Season, firearm hunters: - May hunt only between 1⁄2 hour before sunrise to 1⁄2 hour after sunset;
- May only use a shotgun not larger than 10 gauge using shot size up to #4 fine;
- Must wear a cap of fluorescent Hunter’s orange or some outer garment containing at least 200 square inches of
fluorescent Hunter’s orange material visible from all sides; and, - May use hounds to chase coyote and fox (except during the Six‐day Firearm Deer Season or the following
Wednesday of the Shotgun Permit Deer Season).
If Any of the above describes your manner of hunting coyote and fox from January 1‐March 15, then you do not need a Special Permit.
Provisions of the Special Coyote / Fox Permit allow hunters pursuing coyote and fox to:
Hunt without the fluorescent hunter’s orange requirement when using with a firearm;
Use shot sizes larger than #4 fine shot during daylight hours (“BB” to #3 Buck);
Use a muzzleloading rifle (.44 caliber or larger) during daylight after the Permit Muzzleloader Deer Season expires;
Use center‐fire rifle (.25 caliber or smaller using 80 grain ammunition) and rim‐fire rifle (.22 caliber or smaller using 50 grain ammunition) during daylight hours;
Hunt during evening hours with 10‐12 gauge shotgun only using shot sizes as small as #4 fine to “T” shot;
Hunt by calling and stand hunting only (so use of dogs is prohibited); and,
Use portable lights at night. If the above provisions describe your manner of hunting coyote and fox from January 1‐March 15, then you need a Special Permit.
Note: Federally‐owned properties (Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and, National Wildlife Refuges) may prohibit the use of center‐fire or rim‐fire rifles. The State Park Service Code (NJAC 7:2) prohibits the use of any rifle, including a muzzleloading rifle, for hunting coyote and fox on all State Parks, Forests and Recreation Areas. Hunters should always check with the landowner before hunting coyote/fox