To hunt private land in NJ, you either must be family with the farmer, or have a long time lease in writing. About 8 years ago, we lost our lease due to the farmer selling to a builder typical for NJ. We found 300 acres to least, the farmer was looking for clubs to bid on the rights, so he can get the most money. This really turned me off, the deer are eating the crops which is money to the farmer his bread & butter, then he has the nerve to ask for bids!!!! I had the paper work, insurance, and the money right there and then to make the deal, he refused, he wanted a bid. They complaine to the state about losing there crops to deer, bear, and other animales, then they want the hunters to bid top dollar to hunt, then with my tax dollars I have to pay for fencing? What if I tell the state that a woodchuck is eating my eggplant, tomatos, peppers, etc. out of my garden would they give me or you money to erect a fence?

Also the farm I did lease years ago, we would find numerous dead deer both does & bucks, would ask the farmer in a nice way to at least let the bucks live, he always said "OK", but he wouldn't do it.