Updated as of 9/18/2026 - “IIt is unlawful to use smokeless powder in a muzzleloader while hunting. Only black powder or black powder equivalents, such as Pyrodex and Triple Se7en, may be used to hunt with a muzzleloading firearm. Properly licensed and permitted hunters 10 years and older may hunt with a muzzleloading rifle. A valid Rifle Permit must be possessed while hunting with a muzzleloading rifle. 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. It is unlawful to hunt with a muzzleloading rifle on WMAs except when hunting deer, black bear, and gray squirrel, and after Jan. 1 during the Coyote– Fox Daytime Season."
NEW JERSEY MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASONS
Muzzleloader Deer Hunts
| Season | Season Dates | Zones |
| Permit Muzzleloader | Nov. 23–25 & Nov. 27, 2026 — antlerless only; Nov. 30, Dec. 1, Dec. 14–24, Dec. 26–31, 2026 & Jan. 1–Feb. 20, 2027 — either sex |
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 36, 41, 42, 48, 49, 50, 51 |
| Permit Muzzleloader | Nov. 30, Dec. 1, Dec. 14–24, Dec. 26–31, 2026 & Jan. 1–9, 2027 |
2, 5, 6, 16, 25, 27, 28, 29, 31, 35, 47 |
| Permit Muzzleloader | Nov. 30, Dec. 1, Dec. 14–15, Dec. 19–24, Dec. 26–31, 2026 & Jan. 1–9, 2027 | 1, 3, 4, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 30, 34, 43, 55, 63, 65 |
| Permit Muzzleloader |
CLOSED to Permit Muzzleloader for 2026–27 |
45 & 46 |
Muzzleloader Bear Hunts
| Season | Season Dates | Notes |
| Muzzleloader | Oct. 15–17 & Dec. 7–12, 2026 |
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.
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