The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife will open the Spring Turkey Permit Application Period on Wednesday, January 25, 2012. Applications can be made either on-line using the online license and permit Web site or by going to any license agent. The application period remains open until 11:59 pm on February 22, 2012, and applicants can review and edit their applications online until the application period closes.

The 2012 NJ Wild Turkey Hunting Season Information booklet is available at license agents and online.

Award notification and the ability to claim awarded permits will begin on Monday, March 5. Successful lottery applicants will only have from March 5 until March 26 at 11:59 pm to claim their awarded permits. Any unclaimed permits WILL BE FORFEITED and become available for sale during the over-the-counter sales. Qualified farmers can claim their Spring Turkey farmer permit beginning March 5.

Leftover and unclaimed Spring Turkey Permits will go on sale Monday, April 2 at 10:00 a.m. These permits will be available on a first come, first served basis until either the season ends or the permit quota is met, whichever comes first. Permits will be available for sale at all license agents and on the internet sales website.

Hunters are also reminded that in 2011 the NJ Fish and Game Council has changed the boundaries for Turkey Hunting Areas 16 and 22. Turkey Hunting Area 22 is now larger and contains what had been some of the southern parts of Turkey Hunting Area 16. Please refer to the Turkey Hunting Area descriptions in the 2012 Wild Turkey Hunting Season Information Booklet for details.

For more information on turkeys and turkey hunting Wild Turkey in New Jersey page. For more information on the permit application process visit the Obtaining Hunting and Trapping Permits page.