DMZ 3, New Jersey
Unit info
- Game species
- Deer, Turkey, Bear
- Group
- Zones 30–39
- Area
- 2,133 mi²
- Public land
- N/A
White-tailed Deer — season & harvest
- Reported harvest
- 410
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 · sourcedNew Jersey Deer Management Zone 3 covers portions of Sussex, Morris, Passaic, and Bergen counties in the northwestern corner of the state — prime mixed hardwood ridges, highland lakes, and agricultural edges that support a robust deer population. Hunters must comply with the Antler Point Restriction (APR) requiring at least 3 points on one side for antlered deer. The zone offers significant public land access through multiple WMAs and state parks, and falls within New Jersey's active black bear range.
Northwestern NJ highlands — mixed hardwood and hemlock-lined ridges, highland lakes and reservoirs (Wanaque, Greenwood Lake), agricultural valley floors, and rocky glaciated terrain. Elevation ranges from valley floors around 400 ft to ridge tops above 1,400 ft. Classic Northeast whitetail habitat with mature forest interior and productive edge cover along farm fields and lake margins.
moderate-to-high
DEER: APR zone — antlered deer must have minimum 3 points on one side (does not apply to Youth Firearm or Youth Archery days). Fall Bow Sept 13 – Oct 31; Permit Bow Nov 1 – Dec 31; Winter Bow Jan 1 – Feb 21. Youth Firearm Day ~Nov 22; Six-Day Firearm (antlered) Dec 8–13; Permit Shotgun antlerless Nov 24–26, 28 and Dec 8–13; Permit Shotgun either-sex Dec 17–19 and Jan 3 – Feb 14; Permit Muzzleloader Dec 1–2, 15–16, 20–31 and Jan 1–31. Antlerless tags available via permit system; quota varies by year. NJ does not permit rifles for deer statewide — shotgun slugs and muzzleloaders are standard firearm methods. BEAR: Zone falls within NJ black bear core range (Sussex, Morris, Passaic counties consistently rank highest in harvest — Sussex ~127 bears, Morris ~42, Passaic ~20 in 2025 season). Bear hunting runs two one-week segments in Oct and Dec; check current NJDEP black bear zone designations annually as hunt structure can change. TURKEY: Spring gobbler season typically mid-April through May statewide; fall turkey archery available. Zone 3 forested ridges and agricultural edges provide excellent gobbler habitat.
One of NJ's top trophy-potential zones due to APR producing older age-class bucks across multiple seasons. Wildcat Ridge WMA is the largest public tract and offers remote interior hunting. Wawayanda State Park provides vast acreage but requires navigation of heavy cover. Bear hunting is active in the zone — hunters should carry appropriate licenses if targeting bear concurrently with deer. Strong turkey population in spring. Zone 3 is not a special restricted zone so the full suite of deer seasons applies.
Questions, tips & discussion
Ask anything about DMZ 3— 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 3.
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.