Woodbridge, NJ Animal Ordinances: Coyote Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- § 3-47.1 through § 3-47.3
- General rule
- Bow/crossbow discharge banned
- Exception
- Police Director-authorized deer program
- Maximum fine
- $2,000
- Possible jail time
- Up to 90 days
- Coyote-specific rule
- None exists in Township Code
Summary
Woodbridge bans discharging bows, crossbows and slingshots anywhere on Township-owned or leased property, but § 3-47.2 lets the Police Director authorize discharge to facilitate a deer management program. There is no coyote-specific ordinance in the Township Code; this deer exception is the only wildlife-population tool tied to projectile weapons.
No person shall, except as specifically permitted in Subsection 3-47.2, be permitted to discharge a long bow, recurve bow, compound bow, crossbow, slingshot or other device which impels a projectile through the use of force, on any property owned, or leased by the Township for any purpose including the hunting of any animal. ... The discharge of any long bow, recurve bow, compound bow, crossbow, slingshot or other device prohibited pursuant to Subsection 3-47.1, shall be permitted if prior Police authority is granted by the Township Police Director or his designee, and in accordance with such rules and regulations as the Police Director may promulgate from time to time; to facilitate a deer management program, and such sporting activities as may be deemed appropriate.
Full Breakdown
#14-35, prohibits discharging a long bow, recurve bow, compound bow, crossbow, slingshot or other force-propelled projectile device on any property owned or leased by the Township, including for hunting any animal. 2 creates the sole exception: discharge is permitted if the Township Police Director or a designee grants prior authority, under rules and regulations the Police Director may issue from time to time, specifically to facilitate a deer management program, or for approved sporting activities. The section gives the Police Director broad discretion to set the terms of any authorized deer-management archery activity, such as which properties, seasons or hunters qualify, rather than spelling out culling numbers or hazing protocols in the ordinance text itself.
No section of the Township Code separately addresses coyotes, hazing policy, or feeding bans aimed at deer or coyotes as distinct from the general wildlife-feeding rule in §§ 3-51 and 11-10. Any coyote sightings or conflicts in Woodbridge fall under state Fish and Wildlife authority and general nuisance-animal enforcement rather than a dedicated municipal coyote ordinance, so residents reporting a coyote issue should not expect a Township-specific cull or hazing protocol.
Violations & Fines
Discharging a bow, crossbow or slingshot on Township property without the Police Director's prior authorization is punishable by a fine of up to $2,000, up to 90 days of incarceration, and not less than 50 hours of community service, under § 3-47.3. The same penalty applies whether the unauthorized discharge targeted wildlife or was unrelated to hunting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Woodbridge have a coyote management ordinance?
Can hunters use bows for deer management in Woodbridge?
What's the penalty for shooting a bow on Woodbridge Township property without permission?
Who decides if a Woodbridge deer management archery program can happen?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Woodbridge
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