Catskill, I've hunted all the public land in Monmouth county. Your choices are Assunpink WMA, Allaire S.P., Turkey Swamp WMA, and the Manasquan WMA. They are all good choices and I have take deer in all of them. Keep in mind that they all do get their share of hunting pressure on Saturdays. The rest of the week though is not too bad. Almost forgot to tell you that Allaire is bow only.
Good luck and happy hunting.
Thanks for the bit of info. When you say Turkey Swamp has less deer, are you saying not to waste time, or the Allaire has so many that its best to go at it there.
Also how does the terrain look? What can I expect as far as deer numbers hunting in both places? (number seen on a hunt)
Catskill Huntr I have been Hunting Allaire for about 25 years on and off now. I have taken numerous deer from the place but I have not hunted it much in the last 4 years. As far as hunting there in the rut that is the best hunting I have ever encountered on NJ public land. Most of the park is closed to hunting but during the rut the big boys make there way up to the hunting areas which is mostly hard woods and laurel (some thick laurel in places espessally behind the remote control plane field.) I have seen over 10 different 140/150 class bucks there during the rut. I have shot at 3 with my bow and missed them all (just seem to fall apart on the big bucks) If I were to trophy hunt NJ public land thats were I would be. Since it is now bow only I am looking forward to hunting there after gun season. I am just not a fan of earn a buck. So I hunt some special areas and Zone 18. Be careful around the river I have lost a couple deer there they head for it after being hit and the current takes them away. Later Chris
I should probably say also that I have seen several nice bucks taken from there that weigh over 175 pounds dressed. I once killed a 7 pointer that was 160 and a doe that was 130 so the potential for a 200 pounder is very good. There are plenty of paths and roads thru there and lots of joggers, horses and mountian bikers but the deer don't care the hard part is getting used to hunting around all the activity. If you see a new body style red GMC pick up thats me stop by and I'll be glad to show you around. Chris
Allaire State Park in NJ
