Updated as of 10/3/2025 - “It is unlawful to use smokeless powder in a muzzleloader while hunting in New Jersey. Only black powder or black powder equivalents, such as Pyrodex and Triple Se7en, may be used with a muzzleloading firearm when engaged in hunting. Permitted action types include percussion, flintlock and inline. Electronic ignitions are not legal. For muzzleloader barrel types and legal hunting ammunition, see regulations for each game species. Muzzleloading rifles must not be less than .44 caliber and smoothbore muzzleloaders must be a minimum of 20 gauge and must not be larger than 10 gauge. Muzzleloaders must be loaded with a single projectile only and telescopic sights are permitted."
NEW JERSEY MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASONS
Muzzleloader Deer Hunts
| Season | Regulation Set | Season Dates | Zones |
| Permit Muzzleloader | #0 | Dec 1st -2nd; Dec 20th; Dec 22nd - 24th; Dec 26th - 31st | 21, 23, 24, 34*, 43 |
| Permit Muzzleloader | #2 | Dec 1st -2nd; Dec 15th; Dec 16th; & Dec 20th-24th & Dec 26th-31st | 1, 3*, 4, 18, 22, 26 |
| Permit Muzzleloader | #3 & #4 | Dec 1st - Dec 2nd; Dec 15h; Dec 16th; Dec 20th-24th; Dec 26th-31st; Jan 1-10th 2026 | 6, 30*, 55, 63*, 65 |
| Permit Muzzleloader | #5 | Dec 1st - Dec 2nd; Dec 15h; Dec 16th; Dec 20th-24th; Dec 26th-31st; Jan 1-10th 2026 | 2, 16, 27*, 28*, 29*, 31*, 35*, 47* |
| Permit Muzzleloader | #6 | Dec 1st - Dec 2nd; Dec 15h; Dec 16th; Dec 20th-24th; Dec 26th-31st; Jan 1-31st 2026 | 5, 19, 25, 42, 48 |
| Permit Muzzleloader | #7 | Either Sex: Dec 1st - 2nd & Dec 15th - 16th & Dec 20th - 24th & Dec 26th - 31st & Jan 1st - Feb 14th Antlerless Only: Dec 8th - 13th | 7, 8, 9*, 12, 17, 41 |
| Permit Muzzleloader | #8 | Either Sex: Dec 1st - 2nd & Dec 15th - 16th & Dec 20th - 24th & Dec 26th - 31st & Jan 1st - Feb 14th Antlerless Only: Nov 24th - 26th & 28th & Dec 8th - 13th | 10, 11, 13*, 14, 15, 36, 49, 50, 51 |
Muzzleloader Bear Hunts
| Season | Zone | Season Dates | Notes |
| Muzzleloader | A | Oct 16th - Oct 18th | |
| Muzzleloader | B | Dec 8th - Dec 13th | |
| Muzzleloader | B Extension | Dec 17th - Dec 20th | If Authorized |
NEW JERSEY MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASON REGULATIONS
- Muzzleloaders must use black powder or black powder substitute only
- Smokeless powder is prohibited
- Muzzleloaders with rifled bores must be .44 cal or larger
- Muzzleloaders with smoothbores must be 20 gauge minimum and no larger than 10 gauge
- Scopes are legal
This information is subject to change, for more information visit: New Jersey Hunting Regulations
HAVE NEW JERSEY MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASON QUESTIONS?
Muzzleloader Hunting season is the best for low-pressure hunting and plentiful wildlife. If you are new to muzzleloaders or would like more information on your state's muzzleloader hunting regulations, make sure to give us a call. Muzzle-Loaders.com is focused on promoting black powder hunting in all 50 states and can help you determine when your particular state's hunting season starts. If you have questions about New Jersey Muzzleloader Hunting Season, please call us at 1-855-236-5000 or email us at sales@muzzle-loaders.com.
