DMZ 13, New Jersey
Unit info
- Game species
- Deer, Turkey, Bear
- Group
- Zones 10–19
- Area
- 2,295 mi²
- Public land
- N/A
White-tailed Deer — season & harvest
- Reported harvest
- 812
Draw odds for White-tailed Deeraren't on file for this unit yet. Check your state wildlife agency website for current draw statistics.
Season & harvest data is published for White-tailed Deer so far. Deer, Turkey, Bear also occur here — that data can be added as the community contributes.
About this unit
AI-compiled · sourcedDMZ 13 covers a suburban-rural corridor spanning portions of Morris, Somerset, and Union counties in north-central New Jersey, defined by the Route 206/Route 78/Route 22 triangle anchored near Somerville and Morristown. Rolling farm country, wooded ridges, and private woodlots dominate the landscape, with deer densities that trigger zone-specific antler point restrictions (3 points on one side) and an earn-a-buck requirement during early fall bow. Public land hunters have access to Black River WMA (3,078 acres in Morris County) and Hacklebarney State Park, though the zone is largely private-land country.
Rolling hills, mixed hardwood-farmland matrix across Morris, Somerset, and Union counties. Hedgerows, woodlot edges, creek drainages, and suburban-fringe habitat typical of north-central NJ. Elevation modest; Great Swamp NWR excluded (Zone 38). Suburban development pressure increases toward Union County.
Moderate to high — dense suburban population creates significant hunter pressure on limited public land; private-land leases common. Walk-in permission on farmland is the primary route to quality hunting.
Deer: Fall Bow Sept 13-Oct 31 2025 (earn-a-buck Sept 13-Oct 3; APR 3 pts one side); Permit Bow Nov 1-Dec 31 2025; Six-Day Firearm (shotgun/slug) Dec 8-13 2025; Permit Shotgun and Permit Muzzleloader dates zone-specific (check NJDFW annually); antlerless permits zone-quota based sold Sept-Oct and Nov. Rifles prohibited for deer statewide — shotgun slugs/buckshot required. Bear: Morris County falls within NJ Bear Management Zone 4 (northern range — Morris/Passaic/Sussex/Warren counties); bear hunting permitted with zone-specific Black Bear Hunting Permit during designated season; population estimated 3,000+ bears statewide concentrated in northwest NJ. Turkey: Zone falls in Turkey Hunting Area 10 (Morris/Somerset/Union coverage); spring gobbler season (bearded only) per statewide dates; fall either-sex turkey season closed statewide beginning fall 2025 per NJ Fish and Game Council vote.
Zone carries a 3-point antler restriction on one side (APR) and earn-a-buck requirement during Sept 13-Oct 3 fall bow period — antlerless deer must be harvested before taking an antlered buck. Deer numbers are strong in wooded corridors between development. Black River WMA offers the best public-land opportunity with diverse habitat along the Lamington River.
Questions, tips & discussion
Ask anything about DMZ 13— or drop a tip or trick: access points, where game holds, glassing spots, conditions, crowding, gear that worked. This is where the unit's species-specific intel gets built, hunter by hunter.
Nothing posted yet about DMZ 13.
Be the first — ask a question (“Best public access on the north end?”) or share a tip (“Glass the burn scars off the main ridge at first light”).
Boundaries: NJDEP official Deer Management Zones. Community info last updated 23d ago.