New Jersey Drivers Cautioned About Active Mating Season for Deer

WHO:

NY Post - New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

WHAT:

NY Post - Motorists should expect an increase in white-tailed deer activity as bucks attempt to court does.

Gothamist - Mid-October through mid-December is identified as deer mating season, posing a danger to drivers.

WHERE:

Gothamist - The Garden State, New Jersey

WHEN:

Gothamist - Deer mating season occurs from mid-October through mid-December.

WHY:

NY Post - The increase in deer activity is due to bucks courting does during mating season.

HOW:

NY Post - Deer are expected to cross roadways more frequently during the morning and evening hours.

(UPDATED October 17, 2026 07:05 UTC)

Motorists in New Jersey should be on alert as the state enters deer mating season, which runs from mid-October through mid-December. During this time, an increase in white-tailed deer activity is expected, particularly as bucks court does, leading to more deer crossing roadways, especially in the morning and evening hours. This heightened deer movement poses a potential danger for drivers, so caution is advised.