New Jersey · Whitetail rut
Whitetail rut dates in New Jersey.
New Jersey's rut peaks early — November 5–15 — with surprisingly little zone variation across the state.
Nov 4 – Nov 13 → Nov 8 – Nov 17 · New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife
New Jersey's whitetail rut peaks slightly earlier than most surrounding northeastern states, clustering in the first half of November. The Pine Barrens and southern zones peak first, with the more forested northern zones running a few days later. NJ Fish & Wildlife publishes rut data through its annual deer harvest analysis.
Zone
Southern (Pine Barrens / Coastal)
- Pre-rut
- Oct 22 – Nov 3
- Peak breeding
- Nov 4 – Nov 13
- Post-rut
- Nov 14 – Nov 27
- Late rut
- Dec 2 – Dec 15
Zone
Central New Jersey
- Pre-rut
- Oct 24 – Nov 5
- Peak breeding
- Nov 6 – Nov 15
- Post-rut
- Nov 16 – Nov 29
- Late rut
- Dec 4 – Dec 17
Zone
Northern New Jersey
- Pre-rut
- Oct 26 – Nov 7
- Peak breeding
- Nov 8 – Nov 17
- Post-rut
- Nov 18 – Dec 1
- Late rut
- Dec 6 – Dec 19
Source
Data sourced from NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife Bureau of Wildlife Management deer-program reports.
New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife →Bield Hunt earns its predictions.
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