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STATE OF NEW JERSEY

Department of Environmental Protection

Division of Fish and Wildlife

CAPTIVE GAME INFORMATION SHEET

The following is a synopsis of wildlife captivity laws relating to game species. Please refer to

N.J.A.C. 7:25-10 for specific information. Additional information on the laws authorizing the

regulations concerning the possession of game animals, as well as semi-wild and commercial

shooting preserves, may be found in N.J.S.A. Title 23:3-28 to 39.

PERMIT CATEGORIES

Categories of permits include animal exhibitor, animal theatrical, cooperator, fur farming,

individual hobby, propagation and sales, and zoological. Indicate the most appropriate permit

category on your application based upon the primary purpose for possessing the game species. If

you have different species for different purposes, you may require more than one permit. For

example, if you wish to rehabilitate wildlife (cooperator/rehabilitation category) and maintain

other individual wildlife education purposes, more than one permit is necessary. Applicants must

be able to meet the necessary criteria for each category in which they apply for. If you have

questions, please call the Captive Game Permit section at 908-735-7040.

LEGALLY ACQUIRED GAME BIRDS OR ANIMALS

Legally acquired wild animals are for the most part, wild animals which are not from wild origin.

These animals are the offspring of animals that were legally held in captivity.

It is important to remember the intent of regulations dealing with wildlife captivity are:

• To protect wildlife from exploitation. For example, taking animals from the wild for pets,

or to sell.

• To protect native wildlife populations from disease or competition. For example to

prevent diseased captive animals from escaping and introducing diseases to wild

populations; or to prevent exotic captive wildlife from escaping, introducing diseases into

the wild populations and/or preying upon or out competing native wildlife.

• To protect people from being injured by captive wildlife. For example, preventing wolves

and other carnivores from mauling children.

• To protect agricultural crops from damage from escaped exotic wildlife. For example,

escaped wild boars destroy agricultural crops and also prey on ground nesting bird eggs.

Therefore, animals of wild origin are considered to be "legally acquired" only within strictly

controlled guidelines. States generally restrict the possession of animals that originated in the

wild, to the zoological and scientific holding categories. The educational and scientific

knowledge gained justifies allowing an occasional taking of an animal of wild origin. Wildlife

rehabilitators (cooperators) may temporarily possess native animals of wild origin, with the

intention of returning that animal to the wild.

MAMMALS

Captive game mammals obtained for the purpose of wholesale, transport, research and exhibition

require a NJ captive game permit and a permit from USDA-APHIS-Animal Care. The only

exceptions are those animals held for the purpose of food and/or fiber. All NJ permit applicants

are required to contact the USDA office and review their file with USDA-APHIS Animal Care.

Applications and information can be obtained by contacting the USDA-APHIS, Animal Care

office in Raleigh, North Carolina at (919) 855-7100. A copy of your USDA-APHIS permit must

be submitted with your NJ Captive Game annual report and renewal form.

POTENTIALY DANGEROUS SPECIES

The Division does not currently issue new permits for the possession of potentially dangerous

species within the hobby permit category. Authority for this decision is found in N.J.A.C. 7:25-

10.10(b) & 7:25-10.11. Potentially dangerous wildlife are unsuitable and inappropriate species

for hobbyists.

Persons in the hobby category, who were issued permits several years ago and still currently hold

potentially dangerous game animals, will be allowed to keep these animals. However, no

additional acquisitions will be allowed.

The possession of potentially dangerous species (non-domestic dogs, bears, non-domestic cats

and deer) will be allowed only within the scientific holding, propagation and sales, zoological,

animal exhibitor, animal theatrical and fur farming categories. Wildlife rehabilitators must have

special permission from the Division to rehabilitate potentially dangerous species.

The applicant must demonstrate knowledge and expertise in handling and caring for the

potentially dangerous species; be able to provide adequate caging for the species which will also

protect the public; and must clearly state in writing the purpose and intent for possessing the

species. Based upon the above criteria, the Division may approve the applicant's request.

TRANSFERS, ACQUISITIONS AND SALES (also see import/export)

No sales (or permanent transfers of ownership) of potentially dangerous species are allowed

within this state unless the buyer presents written approval from this Division to the seller.

Division approval will be granted only after successful review of the potential buyer's application

and successful inspection of facilities.

Holders of all categories of permits are reminded that they must notify the Division within 48

hours when the temporary transfer (e.g., temporary placement in another location NJAC 7:25-

10.13) of any game bird or animal takes place. For example, if someone will be caring for your

pet skunk in their home while you are on vacation, you must notify the Division of this

temporary transfer. In the case of potentially dangerous species, prior written approval from the

Division for the transfer is required.

All permit categories, except hobby, may acquire additional quantities of the potentially

dangerous species listed on their permit provided expansion of facilities is not required. Prior

approval for additional acquisitions is necessary if your facilities must be expanded or upgraded

(see also section on importation). For example, if you have a propagation and sales permit for

deer and wish to acquire more deer, you do not need Division permission unless you need to

increase your pen size. However, if you intend to buy wildlife from other states, you must have a

DFW importation permit and corresponding health documents for this purchase.

All permit holders acquiring species not classified as potentially dangerous, but are not listed on

their current permit, must report the acquisition within twenty days. For example, if you have a

permit for a skunk and then purchase a squirrel during the year, you must report the purchase of

the squirrel to the Division within twenty days.

The buyer must provide a receipt or letter of transfer and provide documentation to demonstrate

that he/she meets the requirements to adequately care for the species in question before a

permanent permit will be granted. Details such as species specific diet and photographs and

diagrams of the caging must also be included.

The receipts provided by holders of propagation and sales permits act as a temporary permit for

game species not listed in the potentially dangerous category. Captive Game receipt books are

available for $3.50 per book (25 receipts per book). Homemade receipts (or letters of transfers)

can be used by other permit category holders. This documentation must indicate: the name,

address, telephone number and permit number of the seller; the quantity and species of animals

involved; the name, address, telephone number of the purchaser; and date of sale or transfer. This

includes any change in ownership that does not involve a monetary transaction. These transfers

of ownership must be reported on the annual report. The bottom line is that the seller should not

sell animals to persons who are not likely to meet the criteria necessary to obtain a permit -

unless they have a return policy.

The sale of meat, hide, feathers and/or body parts of game animals raised under the propagation

and sales permit category is allowed provided that the meat and/or part is tagged and copies of a

receipt or record of transfer is possessed by both the buyer and seller. Tags are available from the

Division at a cost of $0.15 per tag.

IMPORTATION OF WILDLIFE

Anyone seeking to import wildlife into New Jersey must first obtain an importation permit,

which is available from the Division at no cost. Applicants must be able to prove that the

animal(s) do not originate from the wild (by providing valid receipt with supplier information);

the animal(s) are in good health (by providing a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection not more

than 30 days old) and have not been exposed to any infectious diseases which may affect

wildlife, domestic animals or people (include a copy of all required animal health test results).

Importation of wildlife without this permit and supporting documents is a violation of state, and

in some cases, federal law.

CURRENT IMPORTATION RESTRICTIONS

Attempts to address concerns regarding public health, wildlife disease outbreaks and disease

transmittal often require intrastate or interstate transportation restrictions. Depending on the

concern, these restrictions may last for just a few months as the concern subsides or the

restriction may last indefinitely. Always contact the Division for up to date information and

restrictions.

Persons violating the importation laws are subject to stiff fines, suspension or loss of the

captivity permit and may also incur costs associated with any necessary quarantine, civil liability

for damage to others, and loss of the animal(s) imported illegally.

Rabies Vector Species (RVS) include raccoons, skunks, woodchucks, fox and bats. The 2010

CDC surveillance report identifies 5 variants of the rabies virus including raccoon, skunk, fox,

bat, and mongoose. All the eastern coastal states as well as several neighboring states are

endemic to the raccoon variant. NJ has placed a ban on the importation of any RVS from any

state reported as having a variant of rabies other than the raccoon variant. For example, the skunk

variant is found in Texas. Therefore, no one can import a RVS from Texas, even if the RVS

originates from a captive breeder. The only exception will be for those animals held under the

supervision of a licensed veterinarian for zoological purposes.

Deer/Elk and other members of the Cervidae family: A ban on importing deer has been put

into effect due to the growing concern over the spread of chronic wasting disease in wild and

farmed herds of animals in the deer family throughout the United States. This ban will reduce the

risk of chronic wasting disease entering our State and help to prevent our wild deer from being

exposed to this deadly disease. The ban will remain in effect until further notice.

EXPORTATION

Anyone exporting wildlife to another state or country is advised to check with the wildlife

agency in the receiving state or country. Generally, the laws are similar to NJ in that the spread

of disease and the transfer of dangerous wildlife are of concern. Specific information regarding

what species and diseases are of concern may vary between states and/or countries and each

state/country may require different documentation reflecting animal health and/or test results

prior to transport.

Each year the DFW receives calls from other states seeking to verify transfers of wildlife alleged

to be from New Jersey. When you export wildlife, make sure your receipt and/or bills of landing

contain your contact information, New Jersey permit number, the species and the number of

individuals being transported. All in-state and all out-of-state sales or transfers must be reported

on your annual report forms.

WILDLIFE REHABILITATION

In general, legally acquired wildlife is not of wild origin. The exception that allows for the

holding of wild origin wildlife involves wildlife rehabilitation. States recognize that their citizens

wish to help sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife. In order to safeguard people and the

animals, only persons who can demonstrate their ability to care for these animals to a point

where they can be re-released back into the "wild" are given rehabilitator permits. In New Jersey,

a one (1) year apprenticeship under a licensed rehabilitator and a facility inspection are just two

of the prerequisites for obtaining a license to rehabilitate wildlife.

Animals not able to be released back into the wild must be euthanized. Occasionally, animals

that cannot be returned to the wild because of physical or behavioral problems are placed in the

permanent care of a permit holder in the scientific or zoological category, if there is an

educational need for such animals. Confiscated animals are likewise placed in scientific or

educational facilities when possible.

EMERGENCY POSSESSION OF WILDLIFE

Because your neighbors may know you have a permit for wildlife, you may be contacted when

an injured or orphaned wild animal is found. We understand that you may opt to take this animal

from the person and offer it emergency care. Captive Game permit holders, except wildlife

rehabilitators, must notify the Division within 12 hours (N.J.A.C. 7:25-10.9) when they are

offered or receive an animal from wild origin under emergency circumstances. Note that the

DFW must approve the transition prior to accepting a potentially dangerous species. Species of

wild origin will be directed to licensed rehabilitators. An attempt will be made to place non-

releasable wildlife in scientific or educational facilities. The Division is the final arbiter in

deciding the placement of wildlife that cannot be returned to the wild.