NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife

Hunter Education
Study Guide & Workbook
Introduction

Congratulations on taking the first step in becoming a licensed New Jersey hunter.
In order to complete this course, you must read this study guide, watch the corresponding
DVD, and complete this workbook. When you are ready to finish your course, sign up for
your field walk, range time and exam by visiting our website at www.njfishandwildlife.com.
By completing this course, you will join over 750,000 other hunter education graduates
who have also completed these requirements.

Hunter education in New Jersey dates back over 50 years. In 1955, New Jersey was
the second state in the country to mandate hunter education for all new hunters. Since that
time, a dedicated corps of volunteer hunter education instructors have donated over 500,000
hours of their time and expertise. Because of this extraordinary effort, hunting in New Jersey
remains a safe outdoor activity for all to enjoy.

The award winning hunter education program you are now taking has become a
model for other states across the country. New Jersey was the first state to utilize an
alternate delivery system (home study) in 2002. Since that time we have seen a steady
increase in graduates from what had been a steady decline since the early 1990’s. This new
hunter education program has brought the fun and excitement back into learning about
hunting and our wildlife resources while involving the entire family in the process.

We should not forget, that for this tradition to continue we need to foster the love
we have for the outdoors in the next generation of hunters. Remember to include your family
and friends in your outings and explain to them why you have such a strong desire to be
outdoors and to be hunting. It will only be through this effort that hunting and hunter
education will continue to be a rich New Jersey tradition.
 Table of Contents

Study Guide

Chapter One: Responsibility (Ethics).......................................................1 - 6

Chapter Two: Wildlife Conservation.......................................................7 - 10
Chapter Three: Wildlife Identification...................................................11 - 15
Chapter Four: Game Care - Before and After the Shot..........................16 - 19
Chapter Five: Survival and First Aid.....................................................20 - 23
Chapter Six: Rules and Regulations......................................................24 - 27
Chapter Seven: Shotguns and Shotgun Shooting...................................28 - 35
Chapter Eight: Modern Rifles and Shooting Techniques.......................36 - 39
Chapter Nine: Air Gun Training............................................................40 - 42
Chapter Ten: Muzzleloaders..................................................................43 - 47
Chapter Eleven: Bow and Arrow Training.............................................48 - 56
Chapter Twelve: Treestand Safety..........................................................57 - 60
Chapter Thirteen: Black Bear Hunting in NJ.........................................61 - 63

Workbook

Appropriate sections must be completed by all students.........................1 - 29

Your completed workbook is your ticket into your hunter education class.

To register for a hunter education class near you, go to:

www.nj.wildlifelicense.com
 Chapter 1
RESPONSIBILITY (ETHICS)

Did you know?

Guidelines for a
Responsible Hunter Growing up as a citizen of the United
States you have a unique opportunity that few
people in other countries have. In many
countries hunting is only done by the upper
• Be a good neighbor. Ask permission when class who own the animals. Here in the US,
you hunt on private property. wildlife belongs to all the people. This means
that no matter what your race, religion or social
• Be a safe hunter. Know all the basic safety status you have the equal opportunity to hunt
rules and follow them all the time. wild game by legal means. However, there are
several steps you must take to become a legal
• Understand and obey all rules and hunter. The first step you are doing right now
regulations found in the NJ Fish and by completing this Hunter Education Course.
Wildlife Digest.
Six Responsibilities for All Hunters
• Work with the landowner to meet his
wishes. Offer to share a portion of your (1) RESPONSIBILITY TO YOURSELF
harvest with him. Are you physically prepared for the
hunt? Get in shape before the hunting season and
• Be responsible. Practice shooting year- stay within your physical limits.
round on a safe range, such as those Are you mentally ready for the hunt?
provided on the Division of Fish and Are you ready to make the split second
Wildlife’s Wildlife Management Areas. decisions needed before every shot taken? Are
you prepared to take an animal’s life? If you are
• Join a conservation group. Work to not, understand that it is okay to pass on a shot
ensure that there is wildlife and habitat for and still have a successful hunt.
the future. Have you scouted the area you will be
hunting? Is there any new development that may
• Be a responsible hunter. The future of affect your ability to make a safe shot? Has this
hunting in NJ depends upon you and your changed the 450 feet safety zone?
actions in the field. Do you have a map and compass or
GPS? Learn how to use them and learn where
your hunting property’s boundaries are.
1
Is all your hunting equipment in working order? even if the property is not posted or fenced. All
Have you checked your firearm, bow, tree stand, land in New Jersey is owned by someone. If you
and safety harness for loose or worn parts? do not know whom, go to the local town hall and
Are you wearing the proper amount of ask for a tax map of the area. Always secure
hunter orange clothing? There are times when permission before hunting on private land.
you may not need to wear 200 square inches of
hunter orange. Know the exceptions.
Avoid wearing colors that may confuse
you with game. Wearing colors such as red,
white or blue found on turkeys or brown and
white found on deer may lead the irresponsible
hunter to mistake you for game.

(2) RESPONSIBILITY TO YOUR FAMILY

Many people care about you. If
possible, always try to hunt with someone
responsible. For your safety, have you told If you are hunting on private property,
people exactly you will be hunting (leave a map) be sure to ask the landowner about any special
and when you will be returning in case you do rules you should observe. Leave fences and gates
not return on time? Do you have a cell phone or the way you found them, unless the landowner
two-way radio? Be sure to contact family mem- gives you different instructions. Do you have
bers if your plans change from what you have permission to hunt the entire property, or are
told them. some sections off limits? Does the landowner
want you to stop by before leaving his property?
(3) RESPONSIBILITY TO THE Take time to talk to landowners. They will
LANDOWNER appreciate your interest.
Wildlife is a product of the land. About
80 percent of New Jersey’s land is privately (4) RESPONSIBILITY TO THE WILDLIFE
owned, while the rest is owned by federal, state RESOURCE
or local government.Unfortunately not all Know the game species you are
hunters are responsible and ask permission. This hunting. Become familiar with the animal’s
lack of courtesy can lead to poor hunter / habits, food sources, cover, sounds and
landowner relationships. identifying markings. This varies from species
Whether you hunt on public or private to species. You must learn as much as you can
property, respect the land as if it were your own. about the animal. This should be done long
Do not litter or dump. Remember, to hunt on this before the season. Remember, you are in his
property is a privilege. Do not abuse it. Leave world now.
the property better than you found it. If illegal The goal of all hunters must be a clean,
dumping is found or seen, report it to 877- one shot kill. Know your bow or firearm and
WARN-DEP. Do not trespass. It is against the your effective shooting range. Practice often
law to enter private property without permission, until you are capable of hitting your target
2
accurately with every shot. Keep within your is no excuse for breaking the law.
personal limits. Your license is not a license to
Look closely to see if the animal was hit. trespass. All hunters must obtain permission to
Do everything possible to recover wounded hunt on private property and written permission
game but do not break the law and trespass on to hunt within the 450 feet safety zone. The NJ
property you do not have permission to hunt. Division of Fish and Wildlife has provided a
Make sure you can properly field dress the game Hunter Landowner Courtesy Card (in this
animal you are hunting. Do not allow an animal manual and in the digest) for you to use when
to spoil because you did not know how to field obtaining permission to hunt.
dress or skin it properly.
(6) RESPONSIBILITY TO OTHER USERS
(5) RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW THE LAWS OF THE OUTDOORS
Wildlife laws are designed to protect Just about everybody enjoys the great
wildlife, promote firearms safety and provide outdoors, but not everybody who goes outdoors
equal hunting opportunity for all New Jersey is a hunter. Less then two percent of the
hunters. A summary of the general regulations is population of NJ hunts. This does not mean the
found in the NJ Fish and Wildlife Digest. These remaining 98 percent are anti-hunting. Most
rules may change from year to year. Check the people do not have much of a pre-formed
current hunting digest before you hunt to be sure opinion on hunting. What you do in the field,
that you know the current regulations. It is your both positive and negative, affect the general
responsibility to know and obey all rules and public’s opinion. Your actions may represent that
regulations. If you have any questions you may of all hunters. Be considerate of non-hunters and
contact your regional law enforcement office to their personal feelings. Some non-hunters are
have them answered. You can find the number unfamiliar with hunting traditions and wildlife
for all offices, including law enforcement, on the laws.
inside cover of the digest. Remember, ignorance

Do not jeopardize the future of our sport by

your careless actions.
3
 Peer pressure can have both positive and
Fair Chase negative affects. Choose your hunting
partners wisely. Be a positive role model.

Fair chase hunting involves a hunter Do things such as:

who understands and respects the animal
hunted, follows the law, and agrees to hunt • Picking up spent shells or litter in the field.
using no methods that would give him / her an • Taking only sporting shots. (No birds on the
unfair advantage over the animal. The fair ground or roosted in trees)
chase hunter understands that a successful hunt
does not need to end with a full bag limit. Negative peer pressure can lead to irresponsible
Ultimately it is your decision. Hunting or illegal hunting behavior.
should be a positive experience that you feel
good about. A few examples are:
The concepts of fair chase may vary
depending upon where you live. Some areas of • Allowing someone else to shoot your bag limit.
the country it is not acceptable to bait deer • Hunting within a safety zone
while other areas it is. There are some
techniques that no matter where you are in the Do not feel pressured by your hunting partner to
world are not considered fair chase, such as take part in activities such as these. It is your
shooting game from the air or from a moving responsibility to try to correct these actions of
vehicle. It is a balance that you must set your partner. Illegal hunting activities should be
between yourself and the animal hunted in a reported to your regional law enforcement office.
manner that does not provide you with an Poaching is a type of illegal hunting
unfair advantage. behavior that involves the taking of game
Competition between yourself and outside the legal season. A responsible hunter
other hunting companions can cloud your mind will not tolerate this type of behavior because it
and lead to irresponsible hunting and poor goes against everything fair chase stands for.
choices. Competition can lead you to rush
shots without being sure of your target and Remember: the future of hunting in NJ will
beyond or lead you to take far and difficult be decided by the majority of NJ residents
shots which are not in your effective range. Do that do not hunt and how they view the
not allow this competition to lead to an actions of you and your fellow hunters.
experience that you would not feel good about.

4
 THE FIVE STAGES OF A HUNTER

Studies have shown that hunters pass through different stages depending upon their
levels of development and skills. Some of these stages may lead the irresponsible hunter to poor
decision making. Remember that just because there are five stages doesn’t mean that you will go
through all five stages or go through them in order. The stage that we are all striving for is the
sportsman stage. This stage helps to ensure that we will have hunting for future generations.

Stage 1: Shooter Stage that their desire to harvest a particular

animal doesn’t drive them to become
The hunter is most concerned with irresponsible.
having success to demonstrate his skill to
himself and others. This may mean that many Stage 4: Method Stage
shots are fired to achieve this feat. The
eagerness to shoot can lead to poor decision Hunters in this stage focus more on
making. Hunters who take time to target how they hunt and their equipment chosen.
practice often will move out of this stage quickly. Some hunters may choose to hunt with the most
primitive equipment while others choose
Stage 2: Limiting Out to use the most hi-tech. Hunters in this stage
must always be aware of their own limitations
Success is determined by filling your while using either primitive or high tech
daily bag limit every time you go out. If not care- equipment. The goal remains a quick clean kill.
ful, the need to limit out may cause you to take
poor shots. The sooner the hunter realizes that
limiting out is not the only measure of Stage 5: Sportsman Stage
success, the quicker he may move out of this
stage. Success is measured by the total
experience of the hunt including things such as
Stage 3: Trophy Stage appreciation of nature, understanding the habits
of the animal hunted, the process of the hunt and
Quality is more important then hunting with others to share these
quantity. Hunters in this stage are hunting a spe- experiences. Hunters in this stage become
cific animal for a challenge and are willing to involved with conserving our natural resources
pass up shots they know they can make on other by becoming involved with conservation groups
animals. However, the challenge of and introducing new comers to the
harvesting this animal should be getting it within outdoors. Success in this stage is not based on
your effective range. Hunters must be careful the harvesting of an animal.

5
 HUNT SMART Courtesy Card HUNT SMART Courtesy Card
Visitor’s Copy - Not Transferrable Landowner Copy

I request permission to enter your Permission given to:

property for the following purpose: _______________________________
_______________________________ Address:
_______________________________ _______________________________
Dates from: ____ /____/ ____ to ____ _______________________________
/____/ ____ Vehicle Make ____________________
Limitations: Year _______ Color______________
_______________________________ License Plate No. ________________
Hunter can hunt within 450 feet of No. in Party _____________________
buildings: Yes No Dates from: ____ /____/ ____ to ____
Landowner’s Name: /____/ ____
_______________________________ Limitations: _____________________
Address: Other Licenses, tag no: ____________
_______________________________ Hunter can hunt within 450 feet of
_______________________________ buildings: Yes No

HUNT SMART Courtesy Card HUNT SMART Courtesy Card

Visitor’s Copy - Not Transferrable Landowner Copy

I request permission to enter your Permission given to:

property for the following purpose: _______________________________
_______________________________ Address:
_______________________________ _______________________________
Dates from: ____ /____/ ____ to ____ _______________________________
/____/ ____ Vehicle Make ____________________
Limitations: Year _______ Color______________
_______________________________ License Plate No. ________________
Hunter can hunt within 450 feet of No. in Party _____________________
buildings: Yes No Dates from: ____ /____/ ____ to ____
Landowner’s Name: /____/ ____
_______________________________ Limitations: _____________________
Address: Other Licenses, tag no: ____________
_______________________________ Hunter can hunt within 450 feet of
_______________________________ buildings: Yes No
6
 Chapter 2
Wildlife Conservation

Objectives What is Wildlife?

Wildlife is a word we use to describe

any animal that does not depend on man for
• Identify the major sources of funding for survival, or that man does not intentionally take
managing New Jersey’s wildlife resources. care of. Wildlife can include all animals such as
mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and
• Explain the difference between insects.
conservation and preservation. Population is the term used to describe
the number of animals of a particular species
• Explain the five basic elements of habitat. located in a given location at one time. The
population of deer on your farm may be 45 while
• Explain the basic concept of carrying the population of deer for New Jersey may be
capacity as it relates to wildlife. 180,000. Populations are always changing.
Game animals are animals that can be
• Explain the role of game laws, seasons and hunted. The NJ Fish and Game Council
bag limits as wildlife management tools. decides which game species can be hunted from
an approved list of game species. Not all game
• Identify the role of the hunter as a tool of species have open seasons. Animals such as
wildlife management. bobcat and tundra swans are considered game
species but have no current open season in New
• Explain the meaning of wildlife Jersey.
management. Non-game animals are animals that
cannot be hunted. Eagles, hawks, songbirds and
• Identify the role of the NJ Fish and Game owls are examples of non-game species.
Council.
. Role of the New Jersey
Fish and Game Council

The NJ Fish and Game Council is

assigned the task of setting the seasons and bag
limits for all game species, along with the way

7
they may be hunted. The council consists of 11 Jersey can benefit from knowing that we have
volunteers appointed by the governor. Here is streams full of native brook trout, skies with
the breakdown: eagles and falcons, and woods with bear and
bobcat. The vast majority of the over eight
6 sportsmen representatives million people that live in New Jersey will
3 farmer representatives probably never see a bobcat or catch a native
1 representative of the general public brook trout. However, if you take any one of
The Endangered and Non-Game these species away, New Jersey wouldn’t be
Species advisory committee’s chair- nearly as nice of a place to live.
person Wildlife brings millions of dollars into
New Jersey’s economy. Think of all the money
New Jersey is very lucky to have such a council. you spend on a typical hunting trip. Money you
This ensures that our wildlife is being managed spent on equipment, gas, breakfast, lease fees,
by sound management techniques. New Jersey licenses, butchering etc. Many shops close to
has some of the most progressive wildlife public hunting lands depend on your business
management programs in the nation. The end during the hunting season. For many small
result is healthy wildlife populations that businesses, opening day of small game and deer
everyone from New Jersey can benefit from. are the two busiest days of the year.

Why is Wildlife Important? Wildlife Management

Animals are a product of the land that There are several different ways of
they live on. Therefore, healthy animal managing our wildlife. One is through
populations are a sign that our environment is conservation. This is the wise use of our
healthy as well. The healthy environment that the natural resources without wasting them.
animals depend on is the same healthy Another is preservation. This is the saving of
environment that we live in. The high quality of natural resources with no consumptive use.
life in New Jersey is directly related to the sound Managing wildlife may sound like an
management of our natural resources. There is easy task but it is not. Modern wildlife
an important value, known as management is both a science and an art of
intrinsic value, that wildlife has, that you can working with habitats, animal populations and
not attach to a dollar sign. All people in New people to achieve specific human goals. The
purpose of wildlife management is to maintain
populations of wild animals at levels, which
are consistent with the best interests of wildlife
and people. Wildlife needs to be managed as an
asset and not a liability.

Wildlife Management = Managing

People + Wildlife + Habitat
8
What is Habitat? a higher amount of game then just the
forest or the corn field could support alone.
Habitat is the place where wildlife Working to protect and improve a particular
lives. Food, water, cover (shelter) and living habitat is the primary way of increasing a
space are the major components of habitat. For wildlife population.
a piece of habitat to be high quality, all the
components must be arranged close enough to Does Habitat Ever Change?
each other to be utilized easily by a particular
species. Therefore, arrangement is the fifth Succession changes habitat over time.
component of habitat. Succession is the natural progression of
vegetation and wildlife populations of an area.
Habitat = Food + Water + Cover + The open farm field near your house today will
Living Space + Arrangement not look the same in the future if it isn’t farmed.
An open field that isn’t touched will soon be full
Good habitat provides for healthy of natural grasses and forbs, utilized by small
wildlife populations. Poor habitat means little or rodents and some songbirds. If left untouched,
no wildlife. Each species of wildlife has its own the grass field will be replaced by a shrub layer,
habitat requirements. The wildlife habitat in your which will be the home of the cottontail rabbit.
area that is good for turkey may not be good for As the old field gets older, more woody
grouse. However, most of the time different vegetation such as cedars will grow in. This
animals share habitats. Many non-game animals becomes good escape cover as well as browse
share habitats that hunters preserve for game for deer. The mature hardwood forest will
animals. Some of the best woodcock breeding eventually take over giving habitat for turkeys
habitats that hunters work with are also home to and black bears. Succession can be set back
the endangered bog turtle and several species of naturally when the forest is destroyed by a
rare salamanders. natural fire or a wind sheer, or by man when he
Many times animals converge where clears the land for farming. Managing specific
two different components of habitat meet, like wildlife species involves managing the habitat to
where the forest (cover) meets a corn field remain in a particular stage of succession.
(food). This place where two different types of
vegetation meet is called edge effect. Many How Many Animals Can the Land
times this edge effect causes a wider variety and
Hold?

The number of animals that the habitat

can support throughout the year is called the
carrying capacity. The better the quality of the
habitat, the greater the carrying capacity. When
animals exceed their carrying capacity, the
excess die from starvation and other natural
causes. Animal populations that exceed their
9
carrying capacity may degrade the habitat in Who Pays for Wildlife
which they live. This means that wildlife can not Management?
be stockpiled. By not shooting rabbits this year,
doesn’t mean that we will have more next year.
You and your fellow hunters pay for
The surplus rabbits will die from diseases,
most wildlife management activities in our state.
accidents, predation, old age and other factors.
The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife
The changes that occur to a population
receives funding from the sale of hunting
over time are considered population dynamics.
licenses and permits. In addition, the Division
The two biggest factors are birth rate and death
receives money each year from the Pittman-
rate. When the birth rate is greater then the death
Robertson Act also called the Federal Aid In
rate, populations are increasing. When the death
Wildlife Restoration Program. This money is
rate is greater then the birth rate, populations are
generated by the sportsmen in the form an excise
decreasing.
tax. Firearms, ammunition, and certain archery
products are subject to this 11 percent tax which
How Does Hunting Affect the is collected and shared each year among the 50
Animal Populations? states, for use in wildlife management activities.
This federal money is used to pay for this book
Populations are always fluctuating. you are reading!
Most hunting that takes place across the country
harvests the surplus animals, animals that are What is the Biggest Threat to
going to die anyway. This helps keeps animal Wildlife Today?
populations healthy and within their carrying
capacity. Many studies have been done on games
Habitat loss is the biggest threat to
species proving this fact.
wildlife today. Regulated hunting has never
What about populations that are
caused a wildlife population to become extinct.
growing past their accepted carrying capacity
Market hunting and significant habitat loss in the
and are now viewed by some as a liability? Can
1800’s were generally responsible for the demise
these numbers be reduced? Hunters may affect
of several species. Can you believe that 100
these rates through aggressive and liberal
years ago there were virtually no deer or turkey
seasons such as those with deer and snow geese.
left in New Jersey? Sportsmen at that time were
These liberal bag limits and long seasons are
the first people to try to protect valuable habitat
aimed at harvesting the surplus animals, along
through taxes they brought upon themselves.
with part of the breeding population. Hunters as
The result of these caring sportsmen have been
wildlife managers have reduced deer herds to
the thriving animal populations we have today.
more acceptable levels in areas they can access,
Sportsmen were the first conservationists and are
which we all can benefit from. It is important to
still the best. Join a local conservation organiza-
remember that regulated sport hunting has never
tion in your area to secure a healthy environment
led to the extinction of any wildlife species.
for the future.

The future of wildlife depends upon you!

10
 Chapter 3
Wildlife Identification

As a hunter, you should know the game

animals and associated species in the area you
hunt. Responsible hunters not only take time to
learn field marks, but also to learn about the an-
imal’s sign, habits and environment. The best
way to learn this is to spend time in the field year
round with a good field guide and a pair of
binoculars.
Wildlife is usually broken down into
five groups:
1. Big game
2. Small game
3. Upland game
4. Migratory Waterfowl
Objectives 5. Non-game including rare,
threatened and endangered animals
• List five groups of wildlife.

• Learn identifying field marks of species in Big Game

each group.
Black bear – Ursus americanus
• Largest game animal in New Jersey. Can grow
to over 700 lbs.
. • Confirmed reports
from all 21 counties.
• Highest densities in
northwest corner of the
state.
• Hunting seasons
conducted in 2003 and
2005.
• Can run 35 miles per
hour and climb trees.
• Not a true
hibernator.
11
White-tailed deer – bow, muzzleloader or shotgun bow.
Odocoleous virginia • Modern rifle hunting only on private property.
• Most popular big game • Orange is not required, but recommended to
species in North America. and from hunting location.
• New Jersey has more
opportunities to hunt than Raccoon – Procyon lotor
any other state nation. • Night time season
• Annual harvest averages allowed with hounds.
about 50,000. • Can use .22 shorts.
• Antlered males must have at least one antler • Can be live trapped with
three inches long. trapping license, using
• Bucks harvested from Quality Deer snares or box traps.
Management zones, must have at least three
points on one side. A point must be at least one Red Fox – Vulpes vulpes
inch long. • Has white tip on tail.
• Native to Europe.
Small Game • Is an edge species that
thrives in New Jersey.
Gray Squirrel –
Sciurus carolinensis Gray Fox –
• Seasons open for bow, Urocyon cinereoargenteus
shotgun, and • Native to New Jersey
muzzleloader. • Can climb trees.
• No modern rifle season • Prefers large tracks
• Must wear at least 200 square inches of blaze of unbroken woods.
orange or a complete orange hat while firearm • Cannot interbreed with
hunting. red fox.

Eastern Cottontail Rabbit - Coyote – Canis latrans

Sylvilagus fioridanus • Our eastern coyotes
• Can be hunted with are much larger then
shotgun or bow. western coyotes. Many
• Frequently hunted coyotes in New Jersey
with hounds. are over 50 pounds.
• Prefers early • Coyotes can come in any color from blonde to
succession habitat. black.
• Has a black spot, 1/3 of the way down, on top
Woodchuck - of tail.
Marmota monax
• Can be hunted with Coyotes and Foxes have separate seasons
during small game. You can also harvest them
12
during many of our deer seasons. A nighttime this is thought to be a change in farming
permit season is also gaining popularity. The practices.
nighttime season allows the use of electronic • A pheasant stamp is required to hunt on
calls and external light sources. A new modern stocked Wildlife Management Areas.
rifle season has been added to the winter • Can hunt Sundays on commercial and semi-
season. Any coyote shot must be reported to the wild preserves.
NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife within 24
hours. See the Fish and Wildlife Digest for the Bob-white Quail
most current regulations, as they may change • Wild populations
from year to year. Remember it is illegal and found in the southern
unethical to shoot any wild or stray dogs. half of the state.
• Stocked on two WMA’s
Upland Game and numerous semi-wild
and commercial preserves.
Ruffed Grouse • Often times flies low. Be sure the bird gets
• Requires early high enough off the ground to provide a safe
succession habitat. shot.
• Populations are down
because most of their Turkey
former habitat has • Hunters brought this
matured and suitable habitat is fragmented. native bird back into
• In spring, males can be heard drumming (beat- New Jersey in 1977. The
ing their wings) to attract a mate. population is now over
20,000 birds.
Woodcock • Turkeys can fly 55 miles per hour and roost in
• Uses long bill to probe in trees.
mud for worms. • It is illegal to stalk turkeys. You must be set up
• Relies on early and calling.
successional habitat and • You should not wear a red, white or blue tee
wetlands. shirt underneath your camouflage because you
• Need a HIP (Harvest Information Program) can be mistaken for a male turkey’s head.
certification to hunt this migratory species.
Waterfowl
Pheasant
• Not native to North Migratory waterfowl season dates and bag
America. limits are set according to federal guidelines.
• Wild populations Waterfowl hunters are required to purchase
occur across the US. federal and state waterfowl stamps. The moneys
• Most of New Jersey’s raised are used to protect wetlands and help
wild populations are gone. The major cause of manage waterfowl. Remember that while

13
hunting waterfowl, you must use non-toxic shot. bodies, and simpler color patterns.
Not all species of ducks have open
seasons or are huntable at the same time. It is Sea Ducks
crucial that you can identify ducks, not just in • Includes scoters, eiders, longtails bufflehead,
your hand, but at a distance using different field goldeneye, and mergansers.
characteristics. Certain species have distinct • Mostly associated with coastal waters.
flight patterns or calls. A complete list of • Excellent diving skills.
waterfowl and their identifying characteristics • Preference for animal foods.
can be found at Ducks Unlimited web site - • Food quality not as high as puddle ducks.
www.ducks.org Practice year round to learn
these field marks.

Ducks are broken into several groups.

Dabbling Ducks
• Also known as puddle ducks. Includes
mallards, wood ducks, black ducks, widgeon, Geese
pintail, gadwall, shoveler, and teal. Snow Geese
• Prefers shallow water. • Breeds on the arctic
• It feeds only as deep as it can reach from the tundra..
surface. • Population at an all
• High food quality. time high causing
significant damage to
the breeding grounds.
• Extremely liberal sea-
sons are designed to help reduce populations.

Brant
• Our smallest goose in
Diving Ducks New Jersey.
• Also called pochards or bay ducks • Winters in shallow
• Diving ducks include ring-necked, scaup, can- saltwater bays and
vasback, and redhead. marshes.
• Prefers deeper water. • Breeds in the arctic tun-
• Dives completely underwater to feed. dra.
• Have shorter bills, rounder heads, plumper
Canada Geese
• Largest goose in NJ.
• Non-migratory or
resident populations are
at high levels. Extremely
liberal seasons and bag limits are designed to re-
14
duce populations. Threatened species are those who may
• Migratory geese seasons are much more become endangered if conditions surrounding
restrictive then the resident goose season. them begin or continue to deteriorate. The wood
turtle and the red headed woodpeckers are both
Non-game New Jersey state threatened species.
New Jersey is home to more then 500
species of vertebrates. Many of these species
Endangered species are those whose
benefit from the work hunters do. Numerous
prospects for survival in New Jersey are in
woodland songbird populations suffer when deer
immediate danger because of a loss or change in
populations grow too high. Only after the deer
habitat, over-exploitation, predation, disease,
herd is reduced do these song bird populations
competition, disturbance or contamination.
come back. Several species of endangered and
Assistance is needed to prevent future
threatened salamanders use the same seasonal
extinction in New Jersey. Regulated sport
wetlands that woodcock hunters work to protect.
hunting has never caused any animal to
Certain species of ground nesting birds are
become endangered or extinct. Some species are
impacted when predator populations grow too
on the state endangered species, meaning they
high. Hunters and trappers are used to help keep
are rare in New Jersey, while others are on the
these predator populations in check. All species,
federal endangered species list. Federally
including the citizens of New Jersey, benefit
endangered species are rare across the country.
from ethical hunting.
Both the bobcat and the timber rattler are state
endangered species in New Jersey. They are rare
because of their specific habitat
requirements. Other states that have large
quantities of their key habitats may have
seasons on these species.

15
 Chapter 4
Game Care
Before and After the Shot

Introduction

Game care starts long before you

squeeze the trigger or release the arrow. You
must be responsible to take care of your game in
order to assure that the food you are taking is
going to be of highest quality. Do not risk the
quality of your meat by hunting on an 85 degree
day in September if you have no way to keep
game cool.
Objectives
When to Shoot, Where to Aim?
• Know the vital areas of various game
species. The goal of every responsible hunter is
to make the quickest and cleanest kill possible.
• Know best shot placements for firearm and In order to do this you must first know where the
bow. vital area on your game is located.

• Know how to approach downed game. Small Game

• Know how to take care of game in the For small game and bird hunting you
field. will want to aim for the head. Although body
shots are many times effective, much meat may
• Know how to transport game out of field. get destroyed. Take extra care to lead out in front
to ensure a good head shot. Be aware of your ef-
fective range. Most shotguns are not effective
past 40 yards. Do not skyblast (shoot at birds on
. the edge of your effective range) in the hopes of
getting a lucky pellet to bring down a bird. Be
aware while hunting waterfowl that non-toxic
shot must be used. Remember, since steel is
lighter then lead you may have to use a larger
size shot. Not all old guns can use steel shot.

16
Turkey lungs or liver with the best shot being a double
When turkey hunting with the gun the lung. Although, the head is a vital area on big
only acceptable shot is the head and neck. A game it is a low percentage shot and should
body shot with the shotgun, even at close range never be attempted. The shot selected should be
will NOT kill the bird. You need at least 13 an animal within your personal effective range
pellets in the head and neck region to ensure a that is standing still in the clear unaware of your
clean kill. presence. Even a small branch will deflect your
arrow or bullet.

An alert deer at close range will have

time to react to your shot effecting where you
Practice at the range long before the hit. Difficult shots should not be taken.
season to know the limitations of you and your The two best shots with the bow or the
gun. A 20 gauge with a modified choke may only gun are broadside and quartering away.
be effective at 20 yards while a 12 gauge with an Remember to pick a spot on the deer. You are not
extra full turkey choke may effective at 40 yards. aiming at the whole deer but at a spot smaller
Never shoot at a bird in full strut. Wait for him then the size of pie plate. On a broadside shot
to get out of display with his head and neck fully you will want to aim several inches behind the
extended. Make sure the shot is clear and there shoulder on the lower half of the body. When
are no other birds behind your intended target. aiming at the same deer quartering away you
There are many new types of turkey loads on the need to aim at the opposite front shoulder in
market which are heavier then lead and prove order to hit both lungs. Not all mechanical
very effective. However, do not depend on these broadheads nor lower poundage bows are
to make irresponsible far or difficult shots. capable of making quartering away shots. Know
the limitations of your equipment. Remember to
Big Game pick a specific spot and not aim at the whole
body.
For big game the When hunting out of a tree stand the
vital organs are the heart, deer can also be too close. You NEVER want to
shoot at a deer straight down. The back bone
17
covers much of the vital An animal shot in the
area and it is near liver may live longer.
impossible to hit both Wait an hour before
lungs from this angle. A trailing. Slimy brown
deer can live with one and green digested plant
lung. If the deer is matter is a gut shot. A gut
directly beneath you, wait until he gets out at shot deer shouldn’t be trailed for at least six to
least 10 yards and presents a broadside or eight hours. When hunting with the gun you kill
quartering away shot. the animal through shock power. With archery,
Most poor shots that lead to missed or you kill the animal through loss of blood. A gut
wounded game are not because the hunter is a shot deer dies from a fever. This means that the
bad shot but because the hunter has made a bad deer may go into water to try to cool down. Look
choice. Bad judgement may lead to a hunter to in swamps, creeks and ponds.
shoot too far or at an animal at a bad angle. The When tracking a deer, stay on the side
hunter may feel he has to rush the shot or shoot of the trail. Don’t disturb the blood, you may
at an animal moving too fast. Don’t be tempted need to come back. Look for blood on the
to make a bad decision because the trophy is vegetation off the ground as well. Flag the trail
unusually large or the season is almost over. You as you go along. If you lose the blood, go back
must not let the excitement of the hunt cloud to the last flag and search in ever increasing
your mind into making one of these bad choices circles until you pick the blood up again. An
that may lead to missed or wounded game. extra set of eyes can help in tracking, however
keep group size to a maximum of three so the
After the Shot blood trail doesn’t get too disturbed.
Approach a downed deer with caution.
After the shot, watch where the deer The antlers and hooves can be extremely
runs. Listen carefully, did you here the deer dangerous. Watch from a distance to see if the
collapse? Mentally mark the spot where the deer animal is breathing. If the animal doesn’t appear
was standing when you shot and the last place to be breathing, approach from behind the head.
you saw the deer. Look at your watch. Note what Are the eyes open? Use a long stick to touch the
time you shot and wait at least 20 minutes before eye. If the eye closes the animal is still alive. A
you get out of the stand. Even though a well dispatch shot should be used. Aim back into the
placed shot will kill the animal within five to ten vitals.
seconds you will still want to wait just in case Now after determining that the deer has
the animal hasn’t expired yet. expired, the first thing you must do is fill out
Look at where the animal was standing your harvest report card. If you are an adult, this
when you shot. Are there scuff marks, broken is found on your license
vegetation, blood or hair. Is my arrow on the or permit. Farmers and
ground? What does the blood look like? Pink youth can make their
frothy blood indicates a lung hit. Bright red a own or are encouraged to
heart hit. Dark slimy blood indicates a liver hit. use the Deer Harvest
Report Card in the back
18
of this workbook. Try to avoid dragging your game through water
or dirt.
Field Dressing the Game Deer, black bear and turkey have
mandatory check in or reporting requirements.
Once you have successfully tagged the Consult the NJ Fish and Wildlife Hunting
deer you may field dress the deer. Make sure you Digest for current regulations governing how to
have latex gloves on before you start. You do not properly check in these game animals.
need a large knife to do the job. A sharp knife Currently, deer are reported online at
with a three inch blade is plenty big enough. www.NJFishandWildlife.com/ahrs.htm or by
Watch chapter nine in the Hunter Education calling (855)448-6865. Upon completing this
Video for step by step instructions. Remember process, you will be assigned a confirmation
the three basic rules for keeping your game the number as a permanent record of reporting for
highest quality. each deer.
Black bears must be taken to a check
1. Keep the animal clean. Do not allow hair, station by 7:00 PM on the day they are
dirt, flies, leaves or other debris to get into the harvested. If the bear is acquired too late to make
animal’s carcass. it to a check station, the hunter must call the
Northern Region Law Enforcement office at
2. Keep the animal cool. Remove the animal’s 908-735-8340 and leave a message with their
organs as quick as possible after tagging the name, license number and phone number. The
animal. To maximize the quality of the meat, bear must be taken to a check station the
allow the animal to hang for at least 7-10 days following day to receive a legal possession seal.
or until rigamortous is gone if conditions allow. The spring turkey season requires that
The best temperatures to hang your meat at are the bird is taken to a check station by 3:00 PM
32-40 degrees. If these conditions do not exist, on the day of the harvest. The fall turkey season
you will need to butcher the deer sooner. mandates that the bird must be taken to a check
station by 7:00 PM on the day of the harvest.
3. Keep the animal dry. Do not allow the
carcass to become or remain wet. This creates a Preparing Game
bed for bacteria to grow on. Wipe off blood with
a dry cloth or paper towel. Place the carcass in a Wild game is healthier and many
dry area. people agree tastier then domestic raised meat.
It is extremely low in fat and cholesterol. As a
Transporting Game result it has a lower moisture content and can be
dried out when it is not cooked properly. Cook
at high temperatures for short periods of time or
Don’t be confused for game. Flag the
low temperatures for long periods of time. Meat
game with hunter orange (big game) or conceal
that has been properly taken care of should not
it (small game) while transporting it out of the
be gamey or tough but a fine delicacy.
field. Don’t injure yourself by trying to drag
something that is too heavy for you. Go get help.
19
 Chapter 5
Survival and First Aid

Introduction

All hunters should know the basic rules

of survival. If you do, you can handle any
situation that you are faced with. The two most
important things to remember are be prepared
and don’t panic. You need to be ready for
survival situations the minute you leave home,
your camp or vehicle. If you wait until you are
wet, alone or in thick fog before you think about
Objectives survival, it may already be too late. Think ahead.

• Identify the basic requirements for survival Basic Survival Rules

• Explain basic rules to observe in the event You will be able to deal with most any
a hunter becomes lost situation if you remember these simple rules.
1. Remain calm in an emergency.
• Explain the cause of hypothermia Avoid panic. Stay put.
2. Never travel or hunt alone.
• Explain the basic rules for treating 3. Tell someone where you will be
bleeding. hunting and when you plan on
returning.
4. Know the weather conditions where
you will be hunting.
. 5. Dress for the weather and be
prepared for worse.
6. Avoid hypothermia. Know how to
treat it if it strikes.
7. Carry a survival kit with you at all
times.
8. Know how to build a fire even
when everything is wet. Carry the
materials you will need.
20
 9. Carry a map and compass or GPS S…….. Stop, when you realize you have a
and know how to use them. problem. The first thing you need to do is to
10. Carry a cell phone when possible. admit that you are it trouble.

Remaining Calm in Survival T…….. Think, about what you need to do to

Situations survive.

O…….. Observe, the area and look for shelter,

To survive you need only four things: A
fuel and other objects that may help you
calm head, food, water and shelter. Do not panic.
survive.
All of the food, water and shelter in the world
cannot help you if you panic in a survival
P……… Plan, how you are going to use your
situation. Keep calm and use your head. Your
survival kit and other resources available to you.
brain is your best survival tool.
Do not wait until dark to plan.

Remain calm. Think clearly. Use the tools you

have available to you.

Stay in one place if you are lost. Do not

wander around and get yourself into deeper
trouble. If you let somebody know where you
are going to hunt, they will be looking for you
in that area. Aimless wandering will only
In a survival situation, remember a “stop” sign
make the search more difficult. Rescue teams
for these important steps:
are trained to find you, so stay put.

Plan ways to signal for help. A signal

mirror or smoke from a fire can be used. The
universal signal for help is three shots evenly
spaced. Remember that shots are common
during daylight hours in the hunting season.
Wait until nightfall to shoot. Three of anything
such as toots on a whistle or car horn may also
be used to signal a need for help.

Water Safety

Since all animals need water for

survival it is no surprise that you will sometime
hunt around water. Be sure to know how to be

21
safe around water so you can prepare against go out if weather is questionable.
some of these common accidents. Here are some
helpful tips to keep you safe. Hypothermia
Wading Did you know?
• Be sure that you wear a belt with Most hunting is done in the fall and
your waders so if you slip they winter when the water is cold. The two main
don’t fill up with water. dangers around water are drowning and
• Check the depth of the water hypothermia. Even if you can swim, your
with stick or wading staff before muscles may seize up in cold water allowing
going. you to drown.
• Don’t wade to the top edge of Hypothermia is the loss of body heat.
your waders. This happens when the body loses more heat
• Have appropriate soles on your then it can produce. Hypothermia is always
boots to match the bottom you are dangerous and sometimes fatal.
walking on.
• In cold water boot foot waders are warmer then Hypothermia is usually caused by one
stocking foot. of two conditions:
• Exposure to body sweat, cold, wet and wind
Walking on Ice • Falling into water.
• Check the thickness
of the ice before Be aware of the effects that wind can
walking on. have in cold weather, especially if you are wet.
• 4 inches of clear black Layer your clothes. Control your body
ice can safely hold you temperature with easy on, easy off clothes.
and your gear. Overheating causes perspiration and wet
• White ice is not as strong as black ice. clothing creates a cold feeling. Dry wool or one
• Moving water doesn’t freeze as quickly as still of the many advanced synthetic types of
water. Take this into consideration when crossing clothing is your best insulation.
streams or rivers.
To help prevent hypothermia:
Boating 1. Keep warm
• Do not overload the boat. Make sure the 2. Keep hydrated (drink liquids)
weight is evenly distributed. 3. Keep eating (to maintain body
• Do not stand in the boat. warmth)
• Make sure your equipment is in good
condition and you know how to use it. Most people suffer from hypothermia on
• Make sure there are PFD’s (Personal days when the outside air temperature range
Flotation Devices) for everyone on board. between 30 and 50 degrees. It is important that
Children under 12 must always wear theirs. you recognize the symptoms of hypothermia and
• Check weather forecasts frequently. Do not
21
treat them as soon as possible. Symptoms can be very dangerous when temperatures start
include: dropping into the single digits causing frostbite
• Violent shivering in fifteen minutes or less. The best preventive
• Difficulty in speaking measure you can take is to avoid severe weather.
• Stiff muscles
• Unconsciousness / fatigue Symptoms may include:
• Discoloration of skin to an off white
Shivering is the first sign. After violent • A prickly or tingly feeling
shivering the victim will not realize they are • Or loss of feeling
suffering from hypothermia. In the final stages
the victim may appear drunk. Treatments are:
Treatment is necessary when people • Move to a warm shelter
suffer from hypothermia. Treatments will help • Drink warm liquids
raise the body’s core temperature slowly and • Warm affected area with body heat
evenly. Never give alcohol to a person • Do not use an external heat source
suffering from hypothermia. • Do not rub area – This can cause
more damage
Mild Hypothermia • Seek medical attention
• Cover the victim’s head
• Provide dry clothes, remove the wet clothes Survival Kit
• Provide warm liquids (if victim is conscious)
• Provide rest in a shelter near a heat source You can buy a survival kit or make your
own. It doesn’t matter how much money you
Severe Hypothermia spend or how many items you include. The two
• Send for qualified medical aid most important things are that you must carry it
• Provide warm liquids (if victim is conscious) and you must know how to use it. A survival kit
• Handle gently. The victim is very sensitive will not help if it is left back at camp. Even the
during this stage. most expensive survival kit will not help if you
• Cover the victim’s head do not know how to use the items.
• Place warm objects near the victim’s chest, Depending upon where and when you
neck and head. Use your own body to help are hunting will determine if you need to add
warm the victim. anything extra to your survival kit. Make sure
• Continue to provide warmth until medical you check the equipment in your survival kit be-
attention arrives. Do not give up even if the fore each hunt to make sure everything is in
victim appears dead. working order before you must rely upon it in an
emergency.
Frostbite
Frostbite is the freezing of body tissue.
Frostbite isn’t something that is found only in the First Aid
arctic north. It can happen right here in New
Jersey if you are not careful. Wind and wet skin Every hunter must know some basic
22
first aid. In all first aid situations the rule of
thumb is do no further harm to the victim. Do
what you can do, but do only what you know
how to do. This course is not a course in first aid.
All hunters should attend a first aid course.
Contact your local Red Cross chapter to learn
where and when the next first aid class is
available in your area.

Victim Bleeding
If a person is bleeding, you must stop
the bleeding as quickly as possible.You may also
need to protect the wound from infection and
treat the victim for shock. Direct pressure is the
key. Use direct pressure on all wounds. This is
the first choice to stop bleeding. Press directly
over the wound. Use any available material to
press over the wound. A shirt or sock for
example can work. Use only your hands if no
cloth is available. If possible, elevate the wound
above the heart.
A tourniquet is not recommended to stop
bleeding. The only time a tourniquet should be
used is when a limb must be sacrificed in order
to save a person’s life.
Clean small wounds with hand soap and
water. Do not clean a serious wound after
bleeding has stopped. Leave the bandage in
place and allow trained medical professionals to
clean the wound. If you try to clean a serious
wound, you may cause it to start bleeding again.

First Aid Kit

You should have a basic first aid kit in

your survival pack. Make sure that you know
what is in your first aid kit and how to use it. Do
not assume that because your friends have a first
aid kit that you do not need to carry one.

23
 Chapter 6
Rules and Regulations

Introduction

It is your responsibility to know and

obey all rules and regulations. Ignorance is no
excuse for breaking the law. A general listing of
the current rules and regulations is found in the
New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife’s
Hunting Digest. These rules may change from
year to year. Check the current digest before you
Objectives go hunting to make sure that you know the cur-
rent regulations.
• Explain three types of wildlife
management laws. What Do I Need to Hunt in New
• Define the role of a conservation officer.
Jersey?

• Explain three ways in which a hunter can Anyone can hunt in New Jersey if they
have his license privileges taken away. have a valid hunting license. Special permits or
stamps may be required to hunt certain species
• Explain the proper procedures for reporting or seasons. Permits are needed to hunt turkey,
a game violation. deer bear and coyotes during various seasons.
State and federal duck stamps are required to
• Explain two types of public safety laws. hunt migratory waterfowl. Remember when
hunting waterfowl and woodcock you must also
• Explain the meaning of poaching. have to have a valid HIP (Harvest
Information Program) number.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the law
pertaining to carrying and transporting of
firearms in motor vehicles.

24
Juvenile Hunters current summary of wildlife laws as well as
telephone numbers and addresses of Division of
Fish and Wildlife offices. You can find the
Digest online, at Division Field Offices or any
place you can buy your license at.
There are three basic types of wildlife
laws:
1. Wildlife conservation laws
2. Public safety laws
3. Equal opportunity laws

Wildlife conservation laws are

Regardless of age, everyone must have designed to protect and manage the resource.
a valid license. Those who pass their Hunter Season dates are set to protect the game species
Education course before their sixteenth birthday during vulnerable times of year. Non-toxic shot
will receive a free juvenile license. This license regulations are in affect for waterfowl hunters to
is valid until December 31 of the year they turn ensure a healthier environment for both the
16. Both the archery and the shotgun licenses waterfowl and us. Bag limits are designed to
come with a pheasant stamp printed on them. meet various management objectives.
Juveniles under 16 do not need state or federal Public safety laws are designed to
migratory waterfowl stamps. All other permits protect people and property. Our number of
must be obtained, but at a reduced price. hunting incidents dramatically decreased when
Juveniles under 14 can not hunt unless they have it became mandatory to wear hunter orange.
adult supervision from someone at least 21 years Safety zones have been enacted to help prevent
of age who is willing to take responsibility for houses from being shot by irresponsible hunters.
them.

Wildlife Laws in New Jersey

Wildlife laws are designed to protect

wildlife, promote firearms safety and provide
equal hunting opportunity for all interested
individuals. The state legislature has given
authority to the New Jersey
Fish and Game Council to set
the seasons and bag limits.
The annual New
To ensure that both you and your hunting
Jersey Fish and Wildlife Di-
companions are safe it is illegal to have a loaded
gest is an excellent source of
firearm in a vehicle or shoot from or across a
information. It contains a
road.
25
 Equal opportunity laws were enacted to changed today because the conservation officer
ensure that everyone has an equal chance at does much more then just protect game.
harvesting game. This is why you can’t start Although enforcing wildlife laws is their
small game hunting until sunrise and why there primary job, they also have the authority to
is a lottery for turkey permits. enforce all other state laws. But more
importantly the conservation officer acts as a
Hunting Violations spokesperson for the Division of Fish and
Wildlife. You may see your local Conservation
Here is a basic list of hunting violations. officer at sport club meetings, fishing derbies
It is against the law to: and other community activities. Look upon them
• Hunt game with a shotgun that can hold more as your friend, ask them questions. They are
then three shells. protecting the wildlife that we all enjoy.
• Hunt game birds or game animals using
anything other than a firearm, a bow and arrow
or by falconry.
• Hunt game animals or game birds with a shot-
gun larger than 10 gauge.
• Hunt wildlife with a fully automatic firearm.
• Hunt big game with a spotlight or other
artificial light.
• Hunt, possess or control protected wildlife or
endangered species.
• Hunt wildlife from a vehicle or from a boat
under motor power.
• Waste game animals or game birds. To contact the conservation officer in
• Destroy or possess the nests or eggs of game your area, you can call your regional law
birds or protected wildlife. enforcement office. Leave your name, phone
• Allow somebody else to tag a big game number and the reason why you called.
animal you have killed.
• Carry, transport, or possess a loaded firearm Northern Region - 908-735-8240
in any motor vehicle. Covers Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon,
• Shoot a firearm from or across a road. Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and
• Firearm hunt on Sundays unless for stocked Warren counties
game on semi-wild land or commercial
preserves. Central Region - 609-259-2120
Covers Burlington, Mercer, Middlesex,
Role of the Conservation Officer Monmouth and Ocean counties

Southern Region - 856-629-0555

Years ago, people called the
Covers Atlantic, Camden, Cape May,
conservation officer a game warden. This has
Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem Counties
26
Reporting Wildlife Violations

Poaching is the illegal harvest of any

wildlife. Each year conservation officers find
illegal people shooting animals out of season or
in excess of the legal bag limit. A poacher is a
wildlife thief and gives honest sportsmen like
you a bad name.
If you see a
poaching violation,
please take time to
report it to the
Division of Fish and
Wildlife’s Operation
Game Thief Program
at 1-855-OGT-TIPS.
Do not confront a
poacher. Helpful
information to provide
includes: date, time,
location, description
of suspect and vehicle,
plate number and type
of violation. Reports
can be kept confidential and rewards are paid on
some types of violations.
Poachers will be fined and sometimes
sent to jail. They may also have their firearm and
vehicle seized and forfeited to the state,
depending upon their violation. Certain types of
violations may also result in the loss of your
hunting and fishing privileges for two to five
years. Repeat offenders can lose their privileges
for life.

Did you know?

By following rules and regulations you are
helping to preserve the future of our sport in
the garden state. Always take the time to
report fish and wildlife violations.

27
 Chapter 7
Shotguns & Shotgun Shooting

Parts of a Shotgun

There are three major parts that make up

any shotgun you pick up. These are the action
Objectives (lock), stock and barrel.
- The action is the part of the shotgun that loads,
• Identify the three major parts of a shotgun fires and ejects the shells
- The stock is the part of the shotgun you hold.
• Identify the four types of actions found on It helps you to hold, point and fire the gun.
shotguns - The barrel is the part of the gun that sends the
shot pellets towards the target.
• Explain gauge and choke
Why are Shotguns Called
• Explain the functions and limitations of
safeties
Smoothbores?

• Identify the components of a shotshell Shotguns generally have barrels that are smooth
on the inside, much like a stove pipe. This is why
• Know how a shell fires they are called smoothbores. This style barrel is
designed to shoot loose pellets called shot.

Some shotguns have barrels that rifled. This

means there are grooves that form a twist in the
28
barrel which add a spin to the projectile. This firearms are illegal to possess in New Jersey.
style barrel is used for slugs or sabots only. The semi-automatic shotgun fires and
loads fresh shells into the magazine each time
Shotgun Action Types the trigger is pulled. The trigger must be pulled
for every shot. Each time the trigger is pulled the
There are four common types of gun will fire, eject the empty and load a fresh
actions. They are pump-action, semi-automatic, shell. The action usually remains open after the
bolt action, hinge/ break action. The types of last round of ammunition is fired and there is no
action you use will be dictated by your personal more ammunition in the magazine.
preference. To open the semi-automatic shotgun,
you pull back on the operating handle on the
Pump-action bolt. Usually the action will remain open if the
operating handle is pulled all the way back. To
close the action all you have to do is press the
release button. Semi-automatics require some
skill and strength to work the action. Make sure
These shotguns are sometimes called you can safely work the action before
slide actions. You must pump, or slide, the attempting to load the firearm.
forend back and forth to work this type of
action. A pump action shotgun usually has a Bolt action
tubular magazine.
To open the action, pull the forend back
toward the trigger guard. To close the action,
push the forend away from the trigger guard. If
the gun is cocked (ready to fire) you must press These shotguns are simple to use. Lift
the action lock button or lever before the action the bolt handle up and pull it back to open the
will open. Usually the action lock button is action. To close the action, push the bolt
located just in front of or just behind the trigger forward and down. When the bolt is open, the
guard. shotgun cannot fire.
After the shotgun is fired, manually
Semi-automatic working the bolt ejects the empty and loads a
fresh shell from the magazine.

Hinge-action or break action

These are sometimes called self-

loading or autoloading. Many people often
mistakenly call these shotguns “automatic
shotguns”. Automatic firearms continue to fire These shotguns are easy to open, close
as long as the trigger is depressed. Automatic and inspect. Push the release lever and the
action will open. It is easy to tell if a break
29
action shotgun is loaded or if there are any 10 gauge. It takes more balls of a smaller size to
obstructions by looking down the barrel through equal a pound. Twelve and 20 gauge shotguns
the chamber. To close the action, simply lift the are the most popular gauges you will see in the
stock upward to lock the barrel. field.
Hinge-action shotguns can have more
then one barrel. Double-barrel shotguns can be
over-and-under or side by side. Hinge-action
firearms have no magazines.
Some hinge-actions shotguns are
hammer guns.

Hammer guns have an external hammer

to cock the firing pin. This external hammer is
generally the only safety on the gun. Hammer
guns require some extra skill and strength. One
must learn to cock the hammer only when the The .410 is the only shotgun that is not
target is acquired. Once the hammer is cocked, measured this way. Notice how the size is
the only way to release the hammer is to pull the written. It is actually a caliber because it has a
trigger. To prevent the gun from firing, you must (.) in front of the number. This is the same way
have enough strength in your thumb to control a rifle’s bore would be measured. If the .410 was
the hammer while squeezing the trigger without to measured by gauge it would be equal to about
letting it slip from your thumb. If the hammer a 67 gauge.
slips from your thumb the gun will fire. This is
not the best choice of guns for the beginner How Do I Know What Gauge My
shooter. Shotgun Is?
Gauge Look on the side of the barrel.

The term gauge refers to the size of the

shotgun. The gauge of the shotguns originally
were determined by the number of lead balls the
diameter of the gun’s bore that it took to weigh
a pound. Therefore, if you had lead balls the
same diameter as a 12-gauge shotgun bore, it
would take 12 of those balls to equal a pound. Generally, you will find the gauge and
Smaller bores would take more balls to equal a chamber length stamped on the barrel. This is
pound. This is why a 28 gauge is smaller then a called the barrel stamp. Some older or custom
30
firearms may not have this stamp. Make sure you shot from being deformed while
know what the gauge of your firearm is before traveling out of the barrel.
you attempt to shoot the gun. If you are unsure
of the gauge or chamber length, take it to a
reputable gun smith to check.

Shotgun Shells

Shotguns are the most versatile,

hunting firearm because of the shells they fire.
A shell consists of a case, primer, powder, wad, Shotgun shells come in various colors.
and shot. Never assume the gauge of the gun a shell can
be fired in based upon color. The only way to be
sure of the size of a shotgun shell is to look at
the head stamp. The head stamp is on the metal
end of the shell and the stamp is found on the top
of it.

Shotgun shells come in different lengths

The case is the container for all the also. Shotguns can only safely fire specific
shell’s components. There are four steps to how length shells, depending upon the guns chamber
a firearm shoots. The four steps are: length (chamber length can be found on the
1. The primer creates a spark when barrel stamp). If a gun has a 3-inch chamber, it
struck by the firing pin. can fire 3-inch or smaller shells. A 3 ½-inch shell
2. This ignites the powder. could be placed into the action and fired but it
3. The gas pressure created by the may cause the barrel to explode.
ignited powder forces the wad and Take care to remove all shells from your
shot out of the barrel. pockets when you are done hunting or shooting
4. The wad separates the shot from the and put them back into their proper box. By
powder and keeps a tight seal on the taking this precaution, mistakenly loading the
barrel so the pressure created by the wrong ammunition
burning powder does not escape past into the gun will be
the shot. The wad also protects the avoided.

31
Shot may accidentally ingest spent shot. Birds do so
naturally, as they store small pebbles in their
Shot comes in many different sizes. The gizzards to help them digest their food. If they
hunting or shooting activity will determine the ingested spent lead pellets, they can
type and size of shot being used. potentially die of lead poisoning.
The only type of nontoxic shot that used
to be available to waterfowlers was steel shot.
Steel shot is lighter than lead and therefore loses
its downrange energy more quickly. This, cuts
down on waterfowlers’ effective ranges.
However, with today’s technologies
alternatives to steel have been found. They are
bismuth, hevi-shot, and tungsten.

Chokes

A deer hunter may use buck shot or a

single projectile (when shooting a single
projectile, the gun must have front and rear or
telescopic sights).

The muzzle end of a shotgun barrel has

a choke, which is used to control the spread of
shot downrange. The choke is much like the
nozzle on a garden hose. A full choke constricts
the water into a tight stream. A cylinder choke
The small game hunter may use fine opens the spray up to shoot a wider cone.
shot in size #4 or smaller and will determine the Newer shotguns will generally have
size with the game being sought. Turkey hunters screw-in choke tubes, giving hunters the ability
may use shot ranging from #4 to #7 1/2 fine shot. to change the choke size. A grouse hunter will
Waterfowlers must use nontoxic shot most likely use an improved cylinder choke,
and it cannot be larger than size T fine shot. The whereas a turkey hunter will use a full or extra-
reason that you must use non-toxic loads when full choke.
hunting ducks, rails, or geese is that the birds

32
Safeties push the bolt from one
side toward the other. A
Safeties are placed on guns to protect right-handed gun’s
against an accidental discharge. However, crossbolt safety will be
safeties are a mechanical device and can fail. pushed from the right
The only true safety on any gun is the person to the left. For a left-
holding the firearm. Become familiar with the handed gun it would be
gun by reading the manufacturers instructions. pushed to the right to
Any time you pick up a firearm, the first thing the left. When the safety is off, there should be a
you should do is check to see if it is loaded. band of red around the bolt - signifying that the
When handling a firearm, the three gun is ready to fire.
primary safety rules should be obeyed.
1. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
2. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe **Remember that safeties are mechanical
direction. devices and can fail. Never trust a safety, the
3. Be sure of your target and beyond. only true safety on a firearm is you.**
If these safety rules are followed each and every
time you use your firearm, you will never have Loading A Shotgun
an accident.
Depending on the make and model of Now that you are familiar with the parts
your shotgun, the safety may be located in of a shotgun and the required ammunition you
different areas. Take note of where the safety is will need to know how to safely load and unload
when reading the manufacturer’s instructions. the firearm. The following steps are a basic guide
Two very common safeties are the tang and for you to follow. Always check the
crossbolt. manufactures directions for a guide on loading
Tang safeties and unloading each firearm.
are located on the top of
the gun just to the rear Loading
of the receiver. To use • Check to be sure that the firearm is unloaded.
this safety, simply push • Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe
it forward with your direction.
thumb. To put the • Open the action.
safety back on, push it • Choose the proper shotgun shell for the
in the opposite direction. Usually, there will be firearm.
a red dot indicating the safety is off RED = • Place the shotgun shell into the action.
READY. Only take the safety off when you • Load the magazine with the proper size
have identified your target and know it is safe ammunition if applicable.
beyond it. • Close the action.
Crossbolt safeties are found on the front • The firearm is now loaded and ready to fire.
or backside of the trigger guard. To operate them,

33
Unloading Now that you have determined your
• Be sure the safety is on. dominant eye, you need to learn your proper
• Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. stance.
• Open the action. Stand with
• Remove the shotgun shell. your feet shoulder
• Empty the magazine if loaded. width apart. For a
• Check the firearm again to be sure it is right eye dominant
completely unloaded. shooter, you will
have your left foot
Shotgun Shooting slightly in front of
your right, with the
Before handling firearms, always be toes of your left foot
sure to check that they are unloaded. Never pointing in the direction of your target.
accept a firearm from anyone if the action is Bend your left knee slightly, this will
closed or you do not know how to operate it cause you to lean forward a bit - helping to
safely. Be sure to always check that no shotgun absorb the recoil from the shot (left-eye
shells are in the action or magazine. dominant shooters will use the opposite leg in
previous instructions). Now raise the gun to your
cheek under your dominant eye. Be sure to place
the butt of the gun firmly in the crook of your
shoulder. When looking down the barrel, all you
should see is the front bead. If you see any part
of the gun barrel, you will be shooting high or
low.
The first step in becoming a good
shotgun shooter is determining your dominant
eye. Just because you are right handed does not
mean you are right eye dominant. To determine
your dominant eye, you will need a partner.
Have someone stand about 10 feet away from
you. Put your hand together forming a small
triangle with thumbs and index fingers.
Holding your arms straight out in front of you, Transporting and Storing Firearms
look through the
hole you formed at By law in NJ, when transporting a
your partners nose. firearm in a vehicle, it must be unloaded and
They can tell you cased. The case can either be hard or soft. Hard
which eye (of yours) cases offer more protection to the gun from
they see - this is your being dented or having the sights being jostled.
dominant eye. Make sure that the case is in proper working

34
order (i.e. the latches all work, the drawstring is
intact, or the zipper still closes the case
completely).
Firearms should always be stored under
lock and key. Ammunition should also be stored
under lock and key and in a separate area from
firearms.

Another consideration is to make sure that the

area where the firearms are stored stays dry. If
any moisture is present, the guns will rust.
Another safety precaution is to put a
trigger lock on each gun. They are simple to use
and can quickly be taken on and off of a gun.

35
 Chapter 8
Modern Rifles &
Shooting techniques
The use of rifles when hunting in New
Jersey, is very limited. Trappers may use .22’s
when working their lines to dispatch animals
they have caught. Woodchuck hunters are
allowed to use rifles, but only on private
property. There is now a winter rifle season for
coyote. Consult the current Fish and Wildlife
Digest for current rules and regulations on
hunting with rifles.
Objectives Why then is it important to learn about
rifles? There are many reasons, most
importantly you will become familiar with all
types of firearms and how to use them. Some
• Identify the major parts of a rifle
students, completing their Hunter Education in
New Jersey, will go on to hunt out of state or out
• Identify the five different rifle action types
of the country, where the use of a rifle is
commonplace.
• Learn the difference between center and
The rifle’s excellent accuracy makes it
rimfire cartridges
an extremely effective hunting tool. However,
with the ability for bullets to carry over a mile,
• Learn the make up of a cartridge
it is important that you use great caution when
firing a rifle. Always be sure of your target and
• Learn different shooting positions
beyond. When hunting with a rifle in NJ, you
must possess a firearm license and a rifle
permit. The gun can only hold three rounds (1 in
.
the chamber and 2 in the magazine)
regardless of the magazine’s capacity.

Major Parts and Action Types

36
 Pictured above is a bolt-action rifle. squeezed.
The action is worked manually, by lifting up on
the bolt handle and pulling it back. This will Center and Rimfire Cartridges
open the action or eject a round. To close the
action, it is pushed forward then down. A rifle cartridge
can be broken into four
parts. They are the bullet,
case, powder, and primer.
There are two
Break-action rifles can either be different types of
single or double barrels. Typically, double cartridges, they are
barrel rifles are used for hunting dangerous game centerfire and rimfire. Center and rimfire
(lion, bear, water buffalo etc.) and come in large cartridges look similar. The big difference
calibers. Dangerous game hunters choose double between the two is the location of the primer.
guns because they want a quick follow up shot,
with no chances of the action jamming while
loading another round.

Lever-actions are commonly seen in

western movies, being used by cowboys. The A centerfire cartridge primer is located in the
lever is worked by moving it down and center. A rimfire cartridge primer is located along
forward, then back to its original position. the entire rim of the cartridge.

Accuracy

Rifles are extremely accurate. There are

Pump-action rifles work by sliding the
many factors that come into play when
forearm forward to close the action and back to
accuracy is concerned. The speed of the bullet,
open it.
bullet weight, rifle’s caliber, but the most
important thing is hidden inside the rifle’s
barrel. The barrel is rifled. A rifled barrel has

Semi-automatic rifles will reload a

round each time it is fired. The trigger must be
pulled each time, to fire the gun. Automatic
firearms, which are not legal to use for hunting
in NJ, fire multiple shots while the trigger is
37
lands and grooves that corkscrew when moving consistent and solid rest (shooting vises work
up the barrel. great when sighting
Rifling causes the bullet to spin, just like in). Just because a rifle
the spiral put on a football when it is thrown. was bore sighted does
Without this spin the bullet would tumble end not mean it is on target.
over end through the air. Shoot several shots at
the same distance and
Sighting in and Shooting Positions spot on the target. If
the shots are in a
No matter what little gadgets and group, you can adjust the sights. Adjust the rear
gizmos a rifle has, the gun is only as accurate as sight in the direction you want the shot or group
the person shooting it. To become proficient at to move. This means that if the shots are off to
shooting a rifle, it takes practice and learning the the left of the target, you must move the rear
limits of you and your rifle. A shot should only sight to the right.
be taken if you are 100% certain you can make
it. Peep or Aperture Sights
Depending on the game being hunted,
the hunter will have to determine what caliber To use these
rifle and grain bullet fits the overall, shooting sights, the shooter
situation. A deer hunter in Maine may prefer a looks through the small
heavy grained bullet in .30-.30, while this would hole in the rear sight.
not suit the midwest varmint hunter. Then line up the front
Whether shooting iron sights, a peep post, so it is centered in
sight, or using a scope, the rifle must be sighted the peep. Follow the same rules as when sighting
in at a certain distance. The range that you in iron sights.
choose to sight the rifle in is dependent upon the
distance you plan to shoot. If a rifle is zeroed at Scopes
100 yards, that means it will hit the center of the
target at that distance. What will it do at 50 yards Scopes have
or 125 yards? This can only be determined by dials for alignment of
shooting at different ranges. A bullet may still be the shot. One controls
rising at 100 yards, therefore, at 125 it is high horizontal movement
and at 50 it is low. Game will not always present and the other vertical.
itself at a rifles zeroed distance. Practice will Read the manufacturer’s
ensure that the proper aim is taken at varying instructions on the
ranges. distance each click will move your shot at 100
yards. If it is 1/4” at 100 yards, this means it will
Iron Sights be 1/8” at 50 yards and 1/2” at 200 yards. This
can be confusing, but practice will make perfect.
When sighting in, make sure of a
38
Shooting Positions hold for the shot. While focussing on the front
sight squeeze the trigger slow and steady, it
Once the rifle has been sighted in, you should almost be a surprise when the rifle fires
will want to practice shooting from different (slapping the trigger like a shotgun will throw
positions. There are four basic stances: standing, the shot off). After the shot is fired continue to
kneeling, sitting, and prone. Standing is least squeeze the trigger and keep your eyes on the
steady and prone the most steady. However, target you intend to hit. This is known as follow
when hunting you can take advantage of your through. These techniques can also be used when
surroundings or use shooting sticks to help shooting a slug gun or muzzleloader.
steady for a shot. Trees, mounds of dirt, and
stumps are all excellent for steadying a shot, as
are backpacks.

When using a scope, many shooters will

tend to just get the target in the scope picture and
not concentrate on the exact spot they want to
hit. Put the crosshairs on an exact spot, pick out
a hair, muscle feature, or dot on the target and
keep your eyes on that spot even after the shot.
A great saying is, “aim small, miss small.” This
means if you miss the spot you were aiming at,
it misses by a fraction of an inch.
If nothing is available to get a quick Remember, when in the field or at the
rest, the sling on the gun can be used to help range always wear eye and ear protection.
steady a shot. This is done, by taking your non- Hearing protection can be purchased that allows
shooting arm and putting it through the sling, so you to hear soft noises, but will block loud ones
that it rests just behind the elbow. Now, wrap the (like a gun being fired). Remember, hearing and
sling around your forearm, only having your vision loss is usually permanent, never use your
hand pass through a second time. Rest the firearm without eye and ear protection.
forearm on your hand, flex your bicep to tighten
up the sling, making a tight and stable shooting
position.
When preparing to take a shot, control
your breathing (if you have been hiking take a
couple seconds to catch your breathe and relax).
It is necessary to hold your breathe on the shot.
Take a deep breathe and exhale a bit of air then

39
 Chapter 9
Air Gun Training

Since fall 2013, small game hunting

with air guns has been allowed for rabbit and
squirrels during the regular small game seasons.
NJ firearm laws consider air guns as firearms.
A firearm purchasers ID card is required to buy
one within the state. Remember, all of NJ’s state
firearm laws pertain to air guns too. As with any
firearm, air guns need to be handled with great
care and respect. One needs to remember and
Objectives obey the three primary safety rules.

1. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.

2. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe
• Identify legal air guns for hunting in NJ
direction.
3. Know your target and behind.
• List four types of air guns

• Identify where to aim for a vital shot on What Do I Need to Go Hunting with
small game an Air Gun in New Jersey?
• Learn how to unload an air gun Air guns of .177 caliber through .22
caliber (including .20 cal/ 5mm) will be allowed
as long as the minimum muzzle velocity is at
. least 600 feet per second. NoBB’s will be
allowed. The air gun needs to be loaded with
pellets. Wadcutter, domed/pointed and hollow
point designed conical style pellets are all
permitted. To hunt in NJ, one will need a basic
firearm hunting license. NJ Hunter Education
requirements for the basic firearms have not
changed. Students will still be required to safely
handle and shoot a shotgun in the field portion
of the class. When hunting with the air gun, the
standard firearm safety zone of 450 feet and
40
wearing a minimum 200 square inches of hunter - Slower than other types of air guns
orange will also apply. Like all firearms, air guns
while in transport need to be unloaded and in a Spring Operated
secured case.

How Does an Air Gun Work?

Unlike most modern firearms that

ignite gun powder to create a rapid expansion of One pump, by breaking the barrel of the
gas, an air gun uses stored compressed air (or firearm, compresses a spring. While shooting,
CO2) to propel the bullet down the barrel. Air the spring pushes a cylinder of air down the
guns have come a long way in recent years. barrel. The spring needs to be re-cocked in
Some of the modern air guns are now between each shot.
performing with muzzle velocities greater then Positives - Only one pump to reload.
the speed of sound at speeds of 1400 feet per - Consistent pressure with every shot
second and faster. Air guns that are allowed for Negatives - Firearm is usually heavy
hunting in NJ are broken down into four - Spring will get damaged if dry
general categories: fired.

1. Pneumatic CO2 Powered

2. Spring Operated
3. CO2
4. Pre Charged Pneumatic

Pneumatic
Compressed CO2 is stored inside a
cartridge. Every time you squeeze the trigger, a
small amount of CO2 is released propelling
pellet down the barrel.
Positives - Quick to reload
Gun is pumped by hand (generally 10 Negatives - CO2 is affected greatly by
pumps) to compress air stored in a cylinder. temperature 1000 psi @ 85
When gun is fired, all the compressed air is degrees F 500 psi @ 32 degrees F
released propelling pellet down the barrel. This
firearm needs to be pumped by hand between Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP)
each shot.
Positives - Inexpensive
Negatives - Pressure fluctuates depending upon
how many pumps you do.
- Takes time to reload

41
 Uses extremely high pressured air (up to Unloading an Air Gun
3000 psi) stored in a tank loaded off a scuba tank
or specialized hand pump. Every time you The air gun is unlike most other modern
squeeze the trigger, a small amount of firearms where you simply open the action to
compressed air is released propelling pellet unload the gun. Most air gun manufactures
down barrel. recommend the gun be shot to unload it. This can
Positives - Quick to reload simply be done by shooting into a safe backstop
- Compressed air acts the same at any while still in the woods. Remember, it is illegal
temperature to carry a loaded firearm into the 450 foot safety
- Generally the fastest air gun zone of a dwelling or school playground.
available Whether you are a first time hunter or
Negatives - Expensive seasoned vet, the air gun has many possibilities
in NJ’s fields and woods. Many experts compare
Where to Aim the air gunner in the firearm world to the
traditional archer in the bow world. To be
Since air guns don’t have nearly the successful, both require self-imposed limits to
amount of shock power that a shotgun has, shot make accuracy count on close range game.
placement becomes extremely important. To
successfully harvest a squirrel or rabbit with the
air gun, a precise head shot is recommended.
This means excellent marksmanship and keeping
the shots close. Thirty yards and closer are the
shots you are looking for. Before considering
hunting, you should be able to consistently group
your shots within the size of a quarter for the .22
caliber and groups the size of a nickel for the
.177 caliber air gun. While pointed pellets are
more aerodynamic and might group better, flat
or hollow point pellets offer greater knock down
power. You will need to experiment with your
firearm at the range to find out what pellet works
best.

42
 Chapter 10
Muzzleloaders

Muzzleloaders are defined as firearms

that are loaded through the muzzle. There are
three basic components used when loading a
muzzleloading rifle. In loading order they are
powder, patch, and ball. If you are shooting a
muzzleloading shotgun the components are
powder, cardboard over powder patch, lubed
fiber compression wad, shot, and cardboard wad
to retain shot.
Objectives Muzzleloader hunting has been gaining
popularity over the past few years for many
reasons. For the traditionalist, it offers the
opportunity to go a field with a primitive firearm.
• Identify the major parts of a muzzleloader
Others like the challenge of only having a single
shot. The old adage, one shot one kill, comes into
• Learn the different powder granulations
play here. Most importantly it gives the hunter
and their specific uses
more time to hone their skills and extend their
season allowing more time in the field. Many
• Learn the steps of loading a muzzleloader
hunters like using in-lines, as they have excellent
downrange accuracy, even better than most slug-
• Learn the difference between a hangfire
guns. The excellent accuracy is due to the rifling
and misfire
in the barrel. Rifling causes the bullet to spin
increasing accuracy.
• Learn how to remove a stuck projectile

Major Parts and Accessories

.

43
 Fg - used in cannons
FFg - used in .45 caliber or larger
FFFg - used in .45 caliber or smaller
FFFFg - only used to prime flintlocks
and type of gun it can be safely fired from. The
different sizes are Fg, FFg, FFFg, and FFFFg.
The more F’s the smaller the grains.
Pyrodex® is a propellant designed for
use in muzzleloading and black powder firearms
and is sized differently than black powder.

Powder Types and Granulations Pyrodex P - Pistol Powder - used in all pistols
and in smaller bore rifles, 45 caliber and down
There are many different types of Pyrodex RS - Rifle/Shotgun Powder - used in
powder available to the hunter these days, the all calibers of percussion muzzleloading rifles
most popular being black powder. Alternatives and shotguns
to black powder are Pyrodex® and triple-7. Pyrodex Select - Select Rifle/Shotgun
Powder - select is an enhancement of RS grade
of Pyrodex
Both black powder and Pyrodex® come
in pellet form. These pellets come in pre-
measured in 30 or 50 grain increments. They
make loading much easier for the shooter but
limits the shooter who would like to fine tune
their powder charge.
Smokeless powder used in shotgun
These two alternatives burn cleaner and make shells and rifle cartridges should never be used
cleaning the gun easier. Black powder is made in a muzzleloader not made to shoot such
up of a combination of sulfur, saltpeter, and powders. Using smokeless powders, in firearms
charcoal. Powder of any kind should be stored not designed for them, can cause the barrel to
in a cool dry area in a safe or lock box. explode.
Black powder can be found in granular
form or in pellets. Granular black powder must Loading
be measured, using a powder measurer prior to
pouring it into the muzzleloader. Never load For a complete video display of how to
directly from a can or powder horn into the load a muzzleloader please view chapter 13 of
firearm! A powder measurer insures that the the DVD.
load will be consistent each and every time. The first thing that should be determined
Black powder comes in different grain before handling any firearm is whether or not it
sizes. The size of the grains dictates the caliber
44
is loaded and that the safety is on. Unlike a also used to determine if there are any
shotgun or rifle you can’t just open an action on obstructions in the barrel or nipple. This is
a muzzleloader. To see if your muzzleloader is important because if the powder gets wet or the
loaded, you must spring-a-rod or check the nipple is obstructed the primer can not ignite the
unloaded mark on your ramrod. powder.
To spring-a-rod, simply drop the Always snap the first cap down-range.
ramrod down the barrel, watch and listen. If the This is a safety precaution just in case the
ramrod bounces and makes a metal on metal firearm is loaded. The second cap should be
pinging noise the firearm is unloaded. However, snapped while holding the barrel a few inches
if the ramrod doesn’t bounce and makes a dull (4-6) away from a blade of grass. Watch for the
thud there is a projectile or obstruction in the grass to move. If it moves you know the nipple
firearm. is clear.
To check
the loaded mark
on your ramrod,
you must first
place one on the
ramrod. The first
time you check to It is important to have both hands free
see if your muzzleloader is loaded is the best when loading a muzzleloader. An easy way to do
time to make this mark. Once the ramrod is in this is by placing the butt of the gun between
the barrel, using a piece of tape or file, put your your heels, with the trigger guard pointing in the
mark on the ramrod right where the ramrod direction you are facing. Now, move your heels
sticks out of the top of the barrel. together until they lock onto either side of the
Most ramrods, that come with the gun, butt of the gun. By slightly bending at the knees
do not stick out of the barrel when the firearm is and placing the forearm between them, you now
unloaded. There are a few solutions to this prob- have both hands free for loading your firearm.
lem. You can either use a range rod or put an ex- The next step is to
tended jag at the end of your ramrod. measure powder. It is best
Realize that in hunting situations, range rods and to read your owners
jags can not be used. They will get in the way of manual to determine the
the muzzle when the ramrod is put back into the size of the charge you can
thimbles. use in your firearm. The
The next step, is snapping caps. The general rule of thumb is one grain of powder per
reason for caliber. Meaning, if you have a 50 caliber gun it
snapping caps is is safe to shoot 50 grains
to dry out any of powder. Never load
residual moisture directly from a powder
or oil left over flask or can. Only load
from previous your muzzleloader from a
cleanings. It is powder measurer or from
45
a pre-measured speed loader. By using your projectile further down the barrel.
hand, as an improvised funnel, you can avoid Next, you will use a range or ram rod to
spilling powder when loading. Always finish seating the projectile on the charge. This
replace the lid on a powder flask or can after the is done by using short
desired amount is measured out. This will keep strokes, one hand over
any sparks given off by the primer from falling the other until the round
into an open container. Another way to protect is seated firmly. It is im-
against this is to load the muzzleloader away portant to make sure
from the firing line. Pyrodex pellets can be used that the round is seated
in place of loose powder. Pellets come pre- properly or it will act
measured, typically in loads of 30 and 50 grains. like an obstruction in
To load pellets, drop them down the muzzle with the barrel causing
the dark black side down. damage to it and maybe harming you. At this
Now that the charge is in place, the next point you can put a loaded mark (where the rod
step is to load a projectile. If you will be using a leaves the end of the muzzle) on your ram rod or
round ball you must first center a lubed shooting range rod, keep in mind that this mark will
patch over the muzzle. Make sure that it is a sin- change with the type of projectile and amount of
gle patch. They are powder you use.
very thin and if Finally, you are ready to fire. Walk up to
more than one is the firing line (always keeping the firearm
used the ball will pointed in a safe direction), place a primer on the
get stuck halfway nipple, cock the hammer, take aim, and squeeze
down the barrel. the trigger. Be aware that a hang-fire or misfire
Place a round ball on top of this patch. may occur. A hang-fire is when the primer fires,
If you are but there is a short delay before the main charge
shooting a conical ignites.
bullet with a plastic A misfire on the other hand is when the
jacket (sabot) there primer fires, but the main charge does not. For
is no need to use a this reason, when a muzzleloader charge does
patch as the sabot not ignite keep the muzzle pointed downrange
around the projectile is used in place of the lubed for two minutes. After the two minutes, reseat
patch. the projectile as the misfire may have caused it
Next you to move up the barrel (creating an obstruction),
will need to start the re-prime and fire again (repeat this process 3-4
projectile down the times).
barrel. To do this If the charge
you must use a ball will not go off you
starter. First, you must now remove
must use the short the projectile. This is
end of the ball starter to start either projectile into a potentially
the barrel. Next use the longer end to push the dangerous situation,
46
but there are several methods that will keep choose not to use muzzleloaders because they do
everyone safe. not want to take the time to clean the gun. It is
• A CO2 or silent ball discharger actually quite easy to do and only takes about ½
• Using a nipple wrench, remove the an hour.
nipple and work a few grains of Depending on the make and model of
powder in behind the main charge. the muzzleloader, there will be different ways to
Clear the threads of any powder and clean the gun. Always refer to the manufacturer’s
replace the nipple. Reseat projectile, instructions on how to properly care for your
prime firearm, and fire. muzzleloader. Make sure the gun is well lubed
• Remove the nipple with a nipple when storing for long periods of time, this will
wrench. Remove the barrel from the prolong the life of the muzzleloader. Store the
stock and submerge the breech end muzzleloader in a cool dry place that is under
of the barrel in water to saturate the lock and key. Check your muzzleloader
charge. While submerged, pour water periodically for rust that may be developing and
down the barrel. Once the charge is thoroughly clean it before this rust has the
saturated a ball puller can be used to opportunity to ruin your muzzleloader.
remove the projectile and the powder
can be washed out.
• On some inline muzzleloaders the
breach plug can easily been removed
and the projectile can be pushed out.
These steps can be confusing for a first
time shooter. Become familiar with your firearm
by reading the manufacturers’ instructions. Go
to the range with someone who is responsible
and experienced with muzzleloaders. Use the
knowledge of your hunter education instructor,
ask them any questions you may have.

Cleaning

Always be sure that your muzzleloader

is unloaded before attempting to clean it. For a
complete video demonstration on muzzleloader
cleaning please watch chapter thirteen of the
DVD.
Gun manufacturers come up with new
innovations each year, to make their guns more
user friendly. However, they have yet to produce
a muzzleloader that cleans itself. Many hunters

47
 Chapter 11
Bow and Arrow Training

Introduction:

Bow hunting is a sport that has been

around for thousands of years. Much has
changed since those original bows, which were
crafted out of bone or wood with strings made
of animal sinew. Modern bow technology has
grown tremendously in the last several decades.
However, technology has not replaced the need
Objectives for practice and proper technique. New Jersey
has some of the longest and most productive
• List the four types of bows archery seasons in the nation; about 1/3 of the
Garden State’s annual deer harvest is shot with
• List the parts of a bow the bow.

• List the parts of an arrow Types of Bows:

• List the 11 steps to shooting success Bows are broken down into four main
types:
• Know the proper shooting form when
shooting from a tree stand Long bow or stick bow - A long straight one-
piece bow with a single bowstring. When you
• Know what the limitations of your bow is draw the bow energy is stored in upper and lower
in the field limbs. This bow is shot instinctively with no
sights. At full draw you are holding the full draw
weight. This is the oldest style of bow, usually
. made of wood.

Recurve bow - A bow made with curving limbs

and a single bowstring. Because of the curve in
48
the limbs, more energy is stored when drawn Parts of a Bow
making it more efficient than the long bow. This
bow could be one piece or the limbs can be Here is a full list of parts you may find
detachable from the riser in a take down style. on your bow. Don’t be alarmed if you don’t have
Most of the time this bow is shot instinctively, all of them on your bow. Not all the parts on the
but sights can be attached. Like the long bow, list are required for your bow to shoot properly.
while at full draw you are holding the full draw
weight. Arrow Rest - Where the arrow is placed while
shooting. Styles included are flipper, launcher,
biscuit, and drop away.
Cable - Connects the two eccentrics together
Compound bow - The most common bow in use turning them over simultaneously when drawing
today uses a system of cables and eccentrics to Cable guard and slide - Keeps the cables from
store energy while shooting. Depending upon the wearing against each other and away from the
style of the eccentrics there is a 40 - 80 percent flight of the arrow.
let off from the peak draw weight. This allows Eccentric wheels - Found on the end of each
the archer to be steadier at half the poundage limb. Stores most of the energy in a compound
while holding the bow at full draw without bow. Styles of eccentrics include wheel, cam,
tiring. This style bow is designed to be shot with single cam, and cam and a half.
sights. Most modern compounds are also Grip - The portion of the bow that you hold with
designed to be shot with a release aid. your bow hand.
Kisser button - Located on the string to be lined
up with the corner of your mouth while at full
draw. Helps to give you a consistent anchor
point.
Riser - The center part of the bow which the
limbs and all the accessories are attached.
Crossbow - The crossbow has its limbs mounted Nock locator - Used to position the arrow on the
horizontally on a stock. The string is cocked and serving square to the arrow rest.
mechanically held in place while at full draw. A Lower limb - The limb on the bottom half of the
squeeze of the trigger shoots the arrow. Because bow.
of how short the limbs are, they shoot extremely Limb bolts - Holds the limbs in place on the
high draw weights, usually 100 - 200 pounds. riser. Used to adjust the draw weight of the bow.
They are often equipped with scopes. The Peep sight - Located on the string to be lined up
ballistics of the arrow is about equal to that of a with your dominant eye when bow is at full
modern compound. draw. Acts as a rear sight.
Quiver - Holds the extra arrows. Should
completely cover your broadheads.
Sight - Used for aiming the bow. Attached to the
riser.

49
Stabilizer - Acts as a counter balance. Arrows
String - The string you pull back while
drawing. Arrows can be made out of wood,
String Silencers - Located on the string to quiet fiberglass, aluminum or carbon. The vast
the bow by dampening the vibration. majority of arrows used for hunting are made out
Serving - The portion of the string in which the of either aluminum or carbon. Carbon arrows,
arrow in nocked. which are lighter, may fly flatter and quicker,
Upper limb - The limb on the top half of the will have less kinetic energy or penetration then
bow. a heavier aluminum arrow. Personal preference,
Window - The portion of the riser that you look budget and type of bow will dictate what type of
through while shooting. arrow you will buy. Regardless of what type of
arrow you choose, you need to make sure it
matches your bow. To determine what size of
arrow will work best, one should go to your local
archery pro shop to have your draw length and
draw weight measured. With this information the
pro-staff can look at an arrow sizing chart to
determine what spine, or stiffness, your arrow
should have. Aluminum arrows are measured
with a four digit numbering system. The first two
numbers give you the arrow’s diameter
measured in 64ths of an inch. The second two
numbers give you the arrow’s wall thickness
measured in 1000ths of an inch. Carbon arrows
have a numbering system unique to each
individual manufacturer. It’s important that your
arrow matches your bow. An under-spined arrow
could be dangerous to shoot, while an over-
spined arrow may not shoot precisely.

Parts of an arrow

Shaft - The long slender part of the arrow

usually made out of aluminum, carbon or
carbon composite for compound shooters.
Traditional archers usually shoot wooden shafts
while those bowfishing may use fiberglass
shafts.
Crest - The portion of the shaft where the
arrow’s information is written
50
Nock - The notch into which the bow string is Fixed broadhead - Uses razor sharp blades that
placed. Usually made out of plastic. are permanently fixed in place to dispatch an
Veins / fletching - Used to stabilize the arrow in animal by causing massive hemorrhage. Has
flight. Usually made out of feathers or plastic. greater penetration then most mechanical
Can be oriented straight or with a twist (also broadheads.
called helical).
Index vein - Vein of a different color that is used
to help determine the proper orientation of the
arrow while nocking. Mechanical broadhead - Shoots with blades
Point - The end of the arrow that has an arrow closed and opens on impact. Most styles have
head that matches the type of shooting you will less penetration then fixed blades. There is no
be doing. guarantee that they will shoot the same as a field
point. You still need to practice with them before
the season.

Types of points

Field - Used mostly for target practice and some

small game.

Fish - Used for bowfishing usually with a

fiberglass arrow. A fishing license is required.
See the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife
Fishing Digest for more information on what Mechanical releases - Mechanical releases help
species can be shot. give you a more consistent release when used
properly. Most modern compound bows are
designed to be shot with a release. Be sure to
keep your finger behind the trigger while
Blunt - Used for small game. Dispatches the drawing the bow.
animal by impact.

Judo - Used for small game and target

practice.

51
Before you shoot 1. Stance
Feet should be shoulder
It’s important that before you start width apart with toes in
shooting that you check your equipment to make line at a right angle to the
sure it is safe to shoot. The bow should be target. This is considered
checked for cracks or splinters on the limbs, a neutral stance. To allow
worn strings and cables, c-clips on the axles for more string clearance
the eccentric wheels, and any other loose parts. from your chest and arm,
Listen for any rattle when tapping the bow with you can open your stance
your hand. Your release should be checked for by moving your lead foot back half a step.
any worn or loose parts with strap and
mechanical part of the release. Arrows should be 2. Nock Arrow
checked for straightness, cracks, splinters or The arrow should be
dents. The points should be screwed on tight. taken out of the quiver
Nocks should also be checked for hairline with the point aimed in
cracks. a safe direction down
range. The nock of the
NASP arrow should be placed
on the serving below
the nock locator. An audible click should be
New Jersey is part of the National
heard when the nock clicks in place.
Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) which
teaches International Style Archery skills to all
3. Drawing Hand Set
kids in physical education classes at the
Your release should be
participating schools. This style of teaching has
clipped in place on a
been proven to work across the country
string loop or on the
fostering an interest in the life long skills of
string directly. If
archery. Part of the curriculum teaches the proper
shooting fingers, your
way of shooting a bow with the “11 steps to
pointer, middle and ring
archery success”. To get more information on
fingers, should be
NASP visit www.NASPschools.org. To get your
hooked on the bow string along the first groove
school involved with NASP in New Jersey go to
of your fingers. This groove is called the archer’s
www.njfishandwildlife.com.
groove. To prevent pinching the arrow, keep all
three fingers below the arrow.

4. Bow Hand Set

Center the bow’s grip
under the lifeline of the
relaxed bow hand.

52
5. Pre-Draw sites), concentrate on the center of the target with
both eyes open while aligning the string, riser,
arrow rest, and arrow point with the target.

9. Shot Set-Up

Hinge the bow arm and drawing arm up to eye

level

6. Draw Begin a slight rearward movement of the

drawing shoulder, arm, and elbow. Initiate the
release anytime during this movement.

10. Release

Pull the string back to the side of your face.

Keep your elbow up to use your back muscles.

7. Anchor The release is initiated with the rearward

Draw the bow movement of your drawing arm. Paint the side
string back to same of your face with your drawing hand, while
reference point on releasing your fingers or squeezing the trigger.
your face every
time. This archer is 11. Follow Through
using four reference
points to guarantee a consistent anchor point.

8. Aim
While keeping the bow
level, align the sight
pin with the target.
Your eyes should be The drawing thumb should be near your
focusing on the sight shoulder while your elbow should hinge
pin. If you are shooting downward. The bow arm moves slightly
instinctually (without forward. Reflect on your shot.
53
Shooting From a Tree Stand the angle the more important it is to have proper
shooting form.
The majority of bow hunters in New
Jersey prefer to shoot from a tree stand. If you
plan on hunting from a tree stand, you need to
practice from an elevated stand. In order to
ensure that you are successful, you need to pay
attention to your form. When shooting at a level
target, your bow arm is at a right angle to your
upper body.

Proper

Proper
This form gives you your set draw
length. Now when you are shooting at a
downward angle from a tree stand, you need to
maintain this right angle. This is done by
bending at the waist after coming to full draw. If
you remain perfectly upright, and only move
your bow arm downward, you have changed the
angle between your arm and upper body, in turn
shortening your draw length. This will
definitely affect your shot. By bending at the
waist, you can use the same pin you would
normally use while on the ground. The steeper Improper

54
Crossbows crossbow with you as you climb the tree. Once
you and your crossbow are safely into the tree
As a new crossbow hunter your first job check your equipment for damage and be sure
will be to read and understand theinstructions that the safety is on before you nock an arrow.
supplied by the manufacturer with your To return safely to the ground unock the arrow
crossbow. These instructions are specific to the and again use a haul line to lower the cocked
type of crossbow you will be shooting. Failure crossbow to the ground.
to read and understand these instructions can While shooting your crossbow always
result in personal injury to yourself or others and remember to keep all of your fingers below the
also damage to your equipment. rail and the path of the string. Failing to do this
Before loading your crossbow always be will result in serious injury to your hand.
sure to check your equipment for damage to the
string, bow limbs and stock. Never attempt to
load your crossbow if any type of defect is found
before a certified service dealer corrects the
problem.
Crossbows can be cocked either
manually using your hands or with the aid of a
cocking device supplied by the manufacturer.
An arrow should not be nocked onto the string
until you are into your stand and ready to shoot. Before shooting always check your
surroundings for anything that may come in
contact with the limbs of your crossbow.
Anything coming in contact with the limbs while
shooting will cause an errant shot while also
possibly causing damage to the limbs of the
crossbow or yourself.
At the end of the day to safely unload
your crossbow it must be shot. In New Jersey
You should never attempt to still hunt you can carry one arrow with a point different
with a crossbow that has an arrow nocked. Doing than a broadhead used to unload your crossbow.
so could result in serious injury to yourself if you You should shoot this arrow into soft ground or
should happen to fall onto your equipment. carry a small target. Be sure that whenever you
While hunting from a treestand with a shoot your crossbow there is always an arrow
crossbow remember to always cock the nocked. Shooting a crossbow without an arrow
crossbow while on the ground. Once you are is called a dry fire and could cause damage to
safely into your treestand you must use a haul your equipment or yourself. Do not attempt to
line to bring your crossbow into the tree. Never use the manual cocking device or your hands to
attempt to cock your crossbow from your uncock the crossbow. Remember to always
treestand and never attempt to carry your transport your crossbow uncocked while in a
vehicle!
55
Archery Limitations will be required to shoot at least three out of five
arrows into the vital zone of a 3-D deer target at
Modern compound bows and crossbows a distance of between 15 and 20 yards.
casting arrows at over 315 feet per second are
tremendously more efficient then bows of the Personal Requirements to Hunt
past. However, don’t be fooled into thinking
technology has replaced the need to practice or Before you step foot into the woods,
the need to limit your shots. Modern archery is your personal shooting requirement should be
still a close range sport that requires plenty of five out of five arrows in the vital zone of a deer
practice. Regardless on how quick your bow is, at 20 yards. If you are hunting from a treestand,
your bow is still no where near quick enough to you need to able to complete this requirement by
be able to shoot quicker then a deer’s reaction practicing from an elevated stand. Be sure to
time. A deer’s reaction time is over 600 feet per practice while wearing your hunting clothes and
second. Therefore, the deer must be relaxed, safety harness. Before hunting, you also need to
feeding or looking the other way. If the deer is be sure that your broadheads shoot the same as
looking at you, even if you are at full draw, you your field points. If your bow is perfectly tuned,
will never be able to successfully make the shot. the broadheads should shoot the same. You don’t
Even a relaxed deer will want to react to the know this until you practice. You may need to
sound of your bow. In order for your arrow to hit try a few different broadheads before you find
the deer before the deer has time to move, the one that shoots properly with your equipment.
deer needs to be close. Anything past 16 to 18 Be sure that before you go in the field that you
yards, allows the relaxed deer will have time to have replaced or re-sharpened the blades on your
react. Knowing this, you must keep all your broadheads after practicing with them. Once you
shots within that range. It is much more can hit the vital area of the target 100 percent of
important to have a quiet bow then a quick bow. the time with your broadheads while wearing
Since most modern bows shoot on the top sight your hunting gear and from an elevated stand (if
pin out to 20 yards or more, this is the only pin you will be hunting from an elevated stand) you
you need while in the woods. are ready to start hunting. In many areas of New
Jersey, archery season lasts more then five
Field Requirements For the Test months.

On the day of your exam, you must It is just as important to practice during the
show up on time with your completed workbook season as it is to practice before the season.
and your own equipment (either a conventional
bow or crossbow). The equipment you take the
shooting test with must meet the minimum
hunting draw weight requirements in NJ. This
information can be found in your Fish and
Wildlife Digest. You must also bring 5 matched
arrows with field points (NO broadheads). You
56
 Chapter 12
Tree Stand Safety

Don’t Become a Statistic!

A 1993 survey conducted by Deer and

Deer Hunting magazine found that more than a
third [37%] of tree stand hunters have fallen
from a stand, and that about 3 % of these hunters
suffered crippling injuries.
Of all the tree stand accidents, 75-80%
occurs while climbing up or down.
Most hunters injured were not wearing
a safety harness/vest.

Hunting from Elevated Stands

Objectives Elevated stands are permanent or
temporary stands that place the hunter above
• List 4 advantages and disadvantages of ground level. They can be treestands placed in
treestands. or against trees, or free-standing structures. They
have become increasingly popular in
• List 4 types of treestands and how they recent years with both firearm and bow hunters.
work. While they offer certain advantages, they also
have some drawbacks, including safety issues.
• Understand the fall-arrest system and its
benefits. Advantages
• Wider field of vision—game is spotted
• Thoroughly understand and agree to use sooner than at ground level
the Treestand Manufacturers Association • Earlier detection of game allows time to plan
treestand guidelines. for best shot
• Elevation makes hunter's scent harder to
detect and movement less noticeable
. • Good backstop is available because usually
shooting at a downward angle

57
Disadvantages Ladder Stands
• Risk of injury from falling, particularly in Ladder stands usually
wet or icy weather provide a platform 10 to 15 feet
• Difficult to carry large, portable stands above ground. The stands are
• No protection from cold or wind leaned against a tree and chained
• Little room for movement or strapped into place. They can
be used with a wider range of
Portable Tree Stands trees than other portable
platforms and provide easier, safer access due to
Portable tree stands are safe and their built-in ladder. Three people are needed to
environmentally friendly. Commercially made erect a ladder stand safely.
stands certified by the Treestand Tower Stands
Manufacturer’s Association (TMA) are best. An alternative to a tree stand is a
Homemade stands should NEVER be used. You tower stand. These stands are
should practice installing an elevated similar to a ladder tree stand but
platform or tree stand while you are on the are free-standing and can be
ground.Portable tree stands come in several placed anywhere that has a firm
basic types. base.

Non-Climbing, Fall-ArrestSystems (FAS)

Fixed-Position Stands
These simple platforms You should use a fall-arrest system
provide about four square feet of (safety harness) that has been approved by the
space. They must be hauled into Treestand Manufacturer’s Association (TMA).
place and secured with belts or Carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions
chains. This type of stand for proper use of your fall-arrest system and
requires separate climbing aids follow all safety guidelines.
such as segmented ladders or screw-in steps Always use a
(where they can be used legally). properly fitting, lineman’s-
Climbing Stands style, full-body harness
Self-climbing platforms (FAS) while installing an
allow a hunter to “walk” a stand elevated platform or a tree
up a tree using climbing stand. Five-point or full-
devices for the hands and feet. body harnesses, which are
This type of stand is not suited commonly used in
for trees with shaggy bark, such construction, are recommended because they
as some pines or hickories, or provide security and comfort in a fall, and they
for trees with branches between the ground and distribute a hunter’s weight evenly. The vest
the desired elevation. Never use climbing stands harness is a very effective style of the full-body
on trees covered with ice or snow. harness.
58
Hauling Hunting Equipment into a The following treestand safety guidelines
Stand were developed by the Treestand
Manufacturers Association and reprinted
Before hauling a firearm into a stand, with their permission.
make sure it is unloaded. Also, you can avoid
getting debris in the barrel by placing a cover Post Office Box 15214
over the muzzle. Once you are securely in the Hattiesburg, MS 39404-5214
stand, check for obstructions and that your safety Phone: 601-584-7983
is on before you load. Fax: 601-584-9220
• Never carry your hunting equipment up or
down the tree with you as you climb. Always http://www.tmastands.com
use a haul line.
• Before attaching the haul line to your
ALWAYS wear a Fall-Arrest System (FAS)/Full
hunting equipment:
Body Harness meeting TMA Standards even
• If using a firearm, unload it and open
during ascent and descent. Be aware that single
the action.
strap belts and chest harnesses are no longer the
• If using a bow, put the arrows in a
preferred Fall-Arrest devices and should not be
covered quiver and secure the quiver
used. Failure to use a FAS could result in serious
to your bow.
injury or death.
• Use a haul line of heavy cord attached to your
stand to bring up your hunting equipment or to
ALWAYS read and understand the
lower it prior to climbing down from your stand.
manufacturer’s WARNINGS &
• If using a firearm, attach the haul
INSTRUCTIONS before using the treestand
line to the firearm's sling so that the
each season. Practice with the treestand at
firearm hangs with the muzzle
ground level prior to using at elevated positions.
pointed down.
Maintain the WARNINGS &
• If using a bow, attach the haul line
INSTRUCTIONS for later review as needed,
between the bow's limb and the
for instructions on usage to anyone borrowing
bowstring so that the arrows point
your stand, or to pass on when selling the
up.
treestand. Use all safety devices provided with
• Slip the end of the haul line through your belt
your treestand. Never exceed the weight limit
- leave it untied so that it can pull free if you fall.
specified by the manufacturer. If you have any
Put on your fall-arrest system, secure yourself to
questions after reviewing the WARNINGS &
the tree, and climb to your stand.
INSTRUCTIONS, please contact the
• After you are in the stand and secure, haul up
manufacturer.
your hunting equipment and untie the haul line.
ALWAYS inspect the treestand and the Fall-
Arrest System for signs of wear or damage
before each use. Contact the manufacturer for
replacement parts. Destroy all products that
59
cannot be repaired by the manufacturer and/or FAS. Watch for changing weather conditions. In
exceed recommended expiration date, or if the the event of an accident, remain calm and seek
manufacturer no longer exists. The FAS should help immediately.
be discarded and replaced after a fall has
occurred. ALWAYS select the proper tree for use with
your treestand. Select a live straight tree that fits
ALWAYS practice in your Full Body Harness in within the size limits recommended in your
the presence of a responsible adult, learning what treestand’s instructions. Do not climb or place a
it feels like to hang suspended in it at ground treestand against a leaning tree. Never leave a
level. treestand installed for more than two weeks since
damage could result from changing weather
ALWAYS attach your Full Body Harness in the conditions and/or from other factors not obvious
manner and method described by the manufac- with a visual inspection.
turer. Failure to do so may result in suspension
without the ability to recover into your treestand. ALWAYS use a haul line to pull up your gear
Be aware of the hazards associated with Full and unloaded firearm or bow to your treestand
Body Harnesses and the fact that prolonged once you have reached your desired hunting
suspension in a harness may be fatal. Have in height. Never climb with anything in your hands
place a plan for rescue, including the use of cell or on your back. Prior to descending, lower your
phones or signal devices that may be easily equipment on the opposite side of the tree.
reached and used while suspended. If rescue
personnel cannot be notified, you must have a ALWAYS know your physical limitations. Don’t
plan for recover/escape. If you have to hang take chances. If you start thinking about how
suspended for a period of time before help high you are, don’t go any higher.
arrives, exercise your legs by pushing against the
tree or doing any other form of continuous NEVER use homemade or permanently
motion. Failure to recover in a timely manner elevated stands or make modifications to a
could result in serious injury or death. If you do purchased treestand without the manufacturer’s
not have the ability to recover/escape, hunt from written permission. Only purchase and use
the ground. treestands and Fall-Arrest Systems meeting or
exceeding TMA standards. For a detailed list of
ALWAYS hunt with a plan and if possible a certified products, refer to the TMA web site at:
buddy. Before you leave home, let others know http://www.tmastands.com.
your exact hunting location, when you plan to
return and who is with you. NEVER hurry!! While climbing with a
treestand, make slow, even movements of no
ALWAYS carry emergency signal devices such more than ten to twelve inches at a time. Make
as a cell phone, walkie-talkie, whistle, signal sure you have proper contact with the tree and/or
flare, PLD (personal locator device) and treestand every time you move. On ladder-type
flashlight on your person at all times and within treestands, maintain three points of contact with
reach even while you are suspended in your each step.
60
 Chapter 13
Black Bear Hunting in NJ

The black bear (Ursus americana) is

NJ’s largest land mammal. A species that was
once on the brink due mostly to habitat
destruction is now thriving greater than ever in
the garden state. Regulated hunting was shut
down in 1970. In the several decades that
followed, the population rebounded. Now, NJ
has the highest black bear density in the world.
Just like any other species, black bears need to
Objectives be managed to keep them in balance with their
habitat and the residents that live in bear
country. NJ had its first bear season in recent
years in 2003. Another season was held in 2005
• Determine legal methods for bear hunting and then from 2010 through present.
Black bears have been reported in all 21
• Determine proper shot placement counties of NJ, however the highest density is
found in northwest NJ in the counties of
• Learn how to move bear from the field Sussex, Passaic, Morris and Warren. Due to
excellent genetics, mild winters and abundant
• Learn about special concerns when food sources, NJ has an extremely healthy
cooking bear population with some of the largest bears found
anywhere. Some of the largest bears have
tipped the scales in
. excess of 700 lbs.
However, the
averages are much
smaller with adult
males averaging
around 400 pounds
and adult females
averaging around
200 pounds.

61
How Can I Hunt Bear?

Before attempting to hunt for bear, one

needs to obtain a bear permit for the zone you
plan to hunt. Remember, bear zone boundaries
are different than deer zone and turkey area
boundaries. Current information can be found in
the NJ Fish and Wildlife Hunting Digest.
Bears can be legally harvested by stand
hunting, still hunting or drives. NJ State law
After the Shot
states that one cannot hunt within 100 yards of
bait while elevated in a tree or in a constructed Just like deer hunting, it is important to
ground blind. Bait can be used if one is on the mark the spot where the bear was standing when
ground not in a constructed blind or if one is you shot, the last place where you saw it and last
further then 100 yards from the bait. No bait is place where you heard it. Remember to wait at
allowed for any species on wildlife refuges and least 20 minutes before getting down to start
the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation tracking. Because the bear have such a heavy
Area. layer of fat, this can plug the entrance and exit
Shotguns, 20 – 10 gauge, loaded with holes. Therefore, even a mortally shot bear may
slugs and muzzleloaders .44 cal and larger are have very little if any blood on the ground. It is
permitted. Penetration is very important when extremely important to follow up on every shot
bear hunting. Their heavy coat and thick layer of and not give up.
fat acts as a ballistic gel, that can cause solid lead Most NJ hunters are accustomed to
projectiles to mushroom on impact giving little harvesting whitetails. Even the largest buck can
penetration. Whether hunting with the shotgun be moved by a single person without too much
or muzzleloader, it is recommended to use difficulty by grabbing the deer by its antlers.
copper plated sabots for better penetration. The Moving a black bear is a different story. Even a
closer the shot, the better the penetration. relatively small bear, becomes difficult to
maneuver with no easy way to grab hold of. The
easiest way to move a bear is to have team of
Shot Placement
reliable friends to help carry it. Commercially
made carts, can work, but be aware of their
Shot placement is extremely important.
weight limits. An ATV can make work much
Your goal is to take only high percentage shots.
\easier, but remember to secure permission from
The best shots are going to be with the bear
the land owner first. For extremely large bear, it
either broadside or slightly quartering away. The
may be easier to quarter the animal in the field
bone structure on a bear is much heavier then
and pack it out in pieces. Remember all the
that of a deer. A bear’s shoulder bone can easily
quarters along with the head and hide need to be
stop a shotgun slug. For this reason, it is very im-
taken to the check station. A list of check
portant to aim slightly behind the shoulder, even
stations can be found in the NJ Fish and Wildlife
on a broadside shot.
Hunting Digest.
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 The thick hide and heavy layer of fat on
a bear acts as an excellent insulator. The skin
needs to be removed for adequate cooling as
soon as possible. Even in sub-freezing
temperatures, the meat will not properly cool
with the skin on. If you wish to mount the bear
or have the skin tanned, talk to your taxidermist.
Many times the taxidermist will skin the bear for
you. If you don’t plan on butchering the bear
yourself, make sure you have a butcher lined up
ahead of time. Many butchers are too busy
butchering deer this time of year to deal with
bear.
Our fall harvested bear are at their prime
with the highest fat content of the year. This
makes for a very flavorful meat that will soon be
one of your favorites. Remember that since bear
can carry Trichinella, it is important to cook the
meat thoroughly, much as you would do with
pork. Bears can also carry Toxoplasmosis, a
parasitic disease that is often associated with
cats. Women who may be pregnant should not
handle raw bear meat. Cooking bear meat to an
internal temperature of 170 degree for 15
seconds should insure the meat is safe to eat for
both Trichinella and Toxoplasmosis.
Remember, as a bear hunter you are
helping manage one of our very important
native species of the Garden State. You have
legal rights as a hunter engaging in the legal
pursuit of a game animal. There is a hunter
harassment law that guarantees this. If
someone is harassing you, don’t confront them.
Call Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement to
handle the situation. As with any game species,
laws frequently change. For up to date season
information check out the current issue of the NJ
Fish and Wildlife Hunting Digest or go to
www.njfishandwildlife.com/dighnt.htm.

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