Belleplain SF comprises some 21,320 acres and could conceivably be one of the state’s most underrated deer hunting regions. If not underrated, then it’s probably at least one of New Jersey’s best-kept secrets, for within its acreage lies a healthy and prospering herd of whitetails. Some of these deer are worthy of being called trophy-class.

Harvest data for Belleplain is much the same as in any other state forest or specific WMA. Harvest tallies are not site-specific to Belleplain only, but take into consideration the entire DMZ -- in this case, DMZ 34.

Again, using only the data from the late-winter seasons last year, permit muzzleloader hunters downed 236 whitetail while permit shotgunners accounted for 122, and winter bow hunters felled 32 deer.

The total deer harvest for all seasons last year was 896.So if you’ve never hunted this far south -- and it is south; point the old deer-hunting jalopy generally south for a few miles, and you’ll be fishing saltwater rather than hunting.

Belleplain consists primarily of old-growth hardwoods like oak, among a lot of young stands of pine, white cedar and other conifers.

There are no entrance fees after Labor Day. But there are numerous camping facilities, should you be making the drive for any considerable distance. In fact, if you’re going with a bunch of buddies, you might want to divvy the cost of the so-called “group cabin” that will host most any hunting party with two bunkrooms with double bunks, a shower and a bathroom.

The cost is a bit on the prohibitive side, at $155 per night. But divvied up among friends, it’s not bad, really.

Despite the cost of the group cabin, Belleplain also has available several yurts, round tents built on a wood frame with wooden floors. The cost is only $30 per night. If that’s still too steep for your hunting budget, there are group campsites with fire rings, picnic tables and chemical toilets.

But keep in mind, this is late-winter deer season, and such sites are for only the hardiest of souls. Despite some rather expensive facilities for those who wish to convert their hunt to an overnighter, the whitetail harvest at Belleplain is not exactly chopped liver.

Belleplain is easily accessed by taking the Garden State Parkway to exit 17, which leads to state routes 9 and 550. Highway signs are provided to guide motorists to the SF.

For additional information, call the SF at (609) 861-2404.

WINSLOW WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
Winslow WMA comprises 7,615 acres of prime deer habitat that are located in DMZ 65 in South Jersey’s Gloucester and Camden counties. This area is certainly worth a look. In fact, the boundary between Gloucester and Camden nearly splits the Winslow WMA in half.

Winslow WMA is one of South Jersey’s most popular deer-hunting WMAs, but that doesn’t necessarily translate into a lot of hunting pressure. Keep in mind, we’re focusing on the late-winter season, and given that, Winslow offers just about everything a whitetail hunter could want concerning habitat and a healthy and growing deer herd.

Some of these deer, by the way, are large-racked bucks.Like other areas in southern sections of New Jersey, winslow’s terrain offers a bit of everything, from hardwoods to pines and pin oaks, and the deer thrive here.

Last year, hunters in DMZ 65 bagged over 100 deer during the winter season. Yet the winter season’s take made this a choice among traditional state forests. During the permit muzzleloader season, front-end loader fans took 31 whitetails, while permit shotgunners downed seven and winter bow aficionados harvested two deer.

The season’s total tally was 115. That may not sound like a lot. But remember, this is the late season, and hunting pressure has decreased substantially.

Winslow WMA is easily accessed by taking the Atlantic City Expressway to exit 33 on Winslow Road.

Once you’re on the Expressway, signs will take you into the WMA. For additional information, go to the DFW’s Web site and click on the link for WMAs.