M & M Hunting Preserve & Sporting Clays

M&M Hunting and Sporting Clays is owned and operated by three generations of the Matarese family. In more than 65 years in the hunting and shooting business, they've built one of the only full-service clay shooting and hunting operations in the United States. The operation spans 1,400 lush acres in rural southern New Jersey, complete with an on-site hunting lodge dating to the 1600s.

Most hunting preserves follow the same model: you book a date, they release birds the morning of your hunt. M&M does it differently.

• •Upland Bird Hunts - They release thousands of young pheasants and partridge early in the season, allowing them to adapt to the fields and woodlands naturally. This creates birds as wily and wary as wild birds. Additional birds are released periodically through the season. Half-day guided hunts start at 8:30 a.m. or 1 p.m., with bag limits of four pheasants, six partridge, or five mixed birds per hunter. Guides are available for $150 a half-day, or hunt unguided with your own dogs. Extra birds above bag limit cost $35 (pheasant) or $27 (partridge).

• •Decoying Mallard Hunts - These simulate actual wild duck hunting with no guaranteed bag. Birds are not released for this hunt—success depends on weather, environmental conditions, and natural trading patterns. An expert guide and dog accompany each group. Four-mallard limit, strictly enforced. Hunts last 2½ hours unless you reach your limit sooner. Offered October through December.

• •Mallard Duck Shoots - For hunters wanting guaranteed action, these conducted over two large impoundments on the edge of a natural marsh. Fast and furious pass shooting and decoying. Blinds hold up to three hunters with guide and dog included. Guaranteed bag of 10 ducks per person or 20 ducks per blind.

• •European-Style Driven Bird Shoots - High-flying pheasants and partridge, simulating driven shooting. Distance and speed challenge even experienced shooters. Available with 250, 500, or 1,000 birds. All shoots include formal sit-down lunch at the lodge. Public shoots on select dates or private groups any date.

Private Group Shoots - 250-bird driven shoot with lunch for 28 guns: $6,495. 500-bird: $11,995. 1,000-bird: $21,995. Private 1,000-bird duck shoot for up to 18 guns: $9,750.

Kids under 18 hunt free under the bag limit if two or more paying adults are present. They're charged only for lodging and meals. Or choose a normal rate for their own bag limit.

M&M is a major breeder of mallard ducks for hunting. Ducks are bred strictly for hunting—strong, fast flyers, true to size and color. M&M supplies ducks to the nation's most prestigious hunting clubs and has a well-earned reputation for the best flying ducks in the country. Proud to supply ducks to your mallard release program. Call (856) 935-1230 for info and pricing.

Upland hunts: Orange hat and/or orange vest required. Work or hiking boots adequate unless heavy rain—then short rubber boots. Duck hunts: Camouflage or dull colors. Knee-high rubber boots suggested for decoying hunts.

Ammo available on-site. For upland: high-brass 7.5s or 6 shot. For ducks: steel or non-toxic shot, #2s or #4s. 10-gauge shotguns and 3.5-inch shells not permitted.

Approximate season: October 15 through late March (varies by bird population). Specific dates posted on hunting calendar. Recent events include 500 & 750-bird driven shoots (November, December, March), 1,000-bird combo shoots (December, January, February), 1,000+ mallard shoots (October through February), and Wingshooters Hunts (February).

New Jersey hunting license required, or one-day preserve license (bring old license or hunter safety card). New Jersey apprentice licenses available for new hunters. Call (856) 935-1230 to book. Deposit required to confirm.

Staff can clean and process birds for $5 per bird. Typical guide gratuity is 15-20% of package fees. An 18% gratuity is added to most special shoots and packages.