DMZ 45, New Jersey
Unit info
- Game species
- Deer, Turkey
- Group
- Zones 40–49
- Area
- 767 mi²
- Public land
- N/A
White-tailed Deer — season & harvest
- Reported harvest
- 100
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 also occur here — that data can be added as the community contributes.
About this unit
AI-compiled · sourcedDMZ 45 covers the southern New Jersey coastal plain spanning portions of Cumberland, Atlantic, and Cape May counties — a mosaic of Pinelands pitch pine-oak forest, cedar swamps, and tidal wetlands centered on the Maurice River corridor. Deer populations were severely impacted by Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) outbreaks in 2021–2022 and have not fully recovered, resulting in restricted seasons: only Fall Bow, Youth Archery Day, Six-Day Firearm, and Youth Firearm Day are open, with antlerless shotgun and muzzleloader permits suspended until further notice. Public access is excellent via Peaslee WMA (29,570 acres spanning DMZs 45/46/47), Menantico Ponds WMA, and Millville WMA.
Southern New Jersey coastal plain — flat to gently rolling Outer Atlantic Coastal Plain terrain ranging 15–46 meters elevation. Dominated by pitch pine-oak upland forest, pitch pine lowlands, Atlantic white cedar swamps, freshwater wetlands, and tidal marshes along the Maurice and Manumuskin Rivers. Sandy, acidic Cohansey/Kirkwood formation soils. Zone bounded by Route 47 (Delsea Drive), Route 552, the Tuckahoe River, Route 49, and the Maurice River.
Low to moderate — EHD population crash has reduced hunter interest; public WMA acreage is large relative to hunter activity, and antlerless permit restrictions have further suppressed pressure since 2022.
DEER: Severely restricted due to EHD. Open seasons 2025-26: Fall Bow (archery), Youth Archery Day, Six-Day Firearm (antlered, second Monday after Thanksgiving), and Youth Firearm Day ONLY. Antlerless shotgun permit season and muzzleloader permit season CLOSED until further notice. No antlerless permits issued for DMZ 45. Coyote harvest encouraged by NJDFW to aid deer herd recovery. TURKEY: Spring season ~April 25–May 22 (5 periods); 2 bearded gobblers per season; permit lottery January–February. Public turkey hunting at Peaslee WMA (Turkey Area 22), Millville WMA (Turkey Area 20). BEAR: Not present — DMZ 45 is in southern NJ coastal plain; black bear hunting zones are exclusively in northern NJ (Sussex, Warren, Passaic, Morris counties).
Peaslee WMA is one of southern NJ's premier public hunting destinations offering deer, turkey, rabbit, squirrel, fox, coyote, and stocked pheasant. The Maurice River corridor provides exceptional early-season bow hunting in cedar swamp and hardwood fringe edges. Zone is NOT in bear range (bear hunting confined to northern NJ — Sussex, Warren, Passaic, Morris counties). Turkey hunting is available in Turkey Hunting Areas 20 and 22 covering Cumberland, Atlantic, and Cape May counties; spring season runs late April through late May with Peaslee, Millville, and Menantico Ponds WMAs all supporting public turkey hunting.
Questions, tips & discussion
Ask anything about DMZ 45— 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 45.
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.