Lottery Permit Application Process

A lottery is conducted to allocate turkey, bear, beaver, and otter permits. (The was no lottery for Special Area Deer Permits in 2010-2011. See details) To receive these permits an application must be submitted at a license agent or via the Internet (application periods are listed in the Hunting Digest). Applicants need to have their Conservation ID Number (CID#) on hand. A non-refundable $2.00 application fee is charged for each lottery application.

Hunters and trappers have three choices in each lottery. If a permit is only acceptable for one particular zone (and/or period), only a first choice selection should be made. There is no requirement to select a second or third choice; these are optional. If an applicant's first choice cannot be filled, the computer will check for the second choice (if listed). If this selection is also sold out, the computer will check for a third choice.

Each lottery is completely random and awards only ONE permit - not three. The chance of being awarded a permit in the lottery depends on the number of applicants and the number of permits allocated (permit quota).

Application via the Internet - Before You Start:

• Know your Conservation ID Number (CID#) or Social Security Number and date of birth (DOB).

• Know your desired permit zone/area (if applicable) and time period or season. IMPORTANT: After a period of inactivity, the Internet transaction will time out, requiring you to start over from the beginning.

• Have your payment method information ready. Internet transactions may be paid either by electronic check (e-check) or major credit card. For e-check transactions, have your bank routing number and check book ready before you begin.

• During every transaction there are several opportunities to review information for accuracy. A complete review at each step will allow for corrections to be made, if necessary. Once a transaction is complete there will be NO refunds or exchanges. Applicants will have the opportunity to edit their application at any time before the lottery takes place; see Changing Your Application, below. Applicants are responsible to submit their application carefully. When the process is complete, print the confirmation page or note the transaction number for your records.

Applying at License Agents - Know Before You Go

• Know your Conservation ID Number (CID#) or Social Security Number and date of birth (DOB). Know your desired permit zone/area (if applicable) and time period or season. The store personnel are not responsible to know the zone/area of your hunting/trapping location. Be sure to review the map and zone descriptions at home before you arrive at the license agent. Not sure of your area? Study a county map, then, using a pen or highlighter, follow the zone or area description found either on this website, in the Hunting Digest or in the Wild Turkey Hunting Season Information booklet.

• To speed your transaction, write down your information (CID#, DOB, lottery type, first, second and third choices) and hand it to the license agent.

• NOTE for applying at license agents: Agents using a VeriFone® machine (a special keypad) can print a transaction receipt, but might do so only at your request. Therefore, ask for a receipt of the transaction if desired. This receipt will list your choices and the transaction number. Agents using Web-based (computer) systems may or may not be able to print a receipt. ASK FIRST! When an agent cannot print a receipt, it's important to have the clerk orally verify your application choices and provide your Transaction Number. Keep this Transaction Number; it can be helpful should a problem occur with your application.

• Each agent decides what type(s) of payment to accept. Learn this in advance, then have the correct payment ready when you arrive.

Changing Your Lottery Application

Regardless of where or how you applied for a lottery, applicants may review their application at any time from any computer with Internet access. Check your application status or edit your application if you discover a correction is necessary. Log in using your CID# (or SSN) and DOB at https://nj.aspirafocus.com/internetsales/ to access your profile and select "Check on the status of any Lottery Application or Edit your Lottery Application Choices."

Applications may be edited only during the actual application period. Once the application period is closed it is impossible to change your application. License agents and Fish and Wildlife offices DO NOT have the ability to change your application once submitted. Only you can make changes. Take care during the application process.

Application Status Check

Hunters and trappers may check their application status at any time. Log in at (https://nj.aspirafocus.com/internetsales/)using your CID# (or SSN) and DOB and select "Check on the status of any Lottery Application or Edit your Lottery Application Choices". The system displays if the lottery has been run and if you were awarded a permit. When the system shows 'pending,' the lottery has not been completed. During the application period the system displays your application as 'pending'.

Notification of Lottery Results (Were you awarded a permit?)

Once the lottery is complete, applicants will be notified of their results. When hunters or trappers first apply, the system may have asked your choice for either e-mail or postcard lottery results notification. For those who choose e-mail, be sure to review any "junk" or spam e-mail settings on your system so the lottery results notification are not blocked. When applying at a license agent, applicants may or may not be asked to choose a notification method. Some license issuing machines must use the default method of mailing a postcard notification. Applicants who don't receive notification by the date posted in the Hunting Digest can check their application status online.

Claiming Your Permit

Successful lottery applicants may claim their permit(s) at any license agent or via the license website (mailing/handling fees apply). See the corresponding lottery permit "pick up" dates listed in the Hunting Digest for beaver/otter and fall turkey permits.

IMPORTANT TURKEY PERMIT INFORMATION: Awarded spring turkey permits must be claimed by a specific date. Any unclaimed permits will be made available for "over-the-counter" purchase.

Recall that at the time of application, applicants paid only the non-refundable $2 application fee; the actual permit fee must still be paid. At license agents, be sure to bring your CID#; tell the agent you're there to pick up your Fish and Wildlife awarded lottery permit. Permits claimed via the Internet are subject to an additional convenience fee and will take 7-10 business days for your permit to arrive.

Purchasing Non-lottery and Unclaimed Lottery Permits