NEW JERSEY – The New Jersey Black Bear Hunt is open effective immediately Tuesday, December 6, according to the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife.
The New Jersey Appellate Court has found the Emergency Rule valid, officials said.
Hunters must check all bears harvested at a mandatory bear check station and the check stations will be open Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and will be open noon – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 7 through Saturday, December 10.
Hunters shall surrender the black bear transportation tag and will be issued a legal possession seal. Bear check is not available through the automated system.
When field dressing a black bear, leave the sex organs intact, attached to the body. A harvested black bear may be quartered and brought out of the field in sections.
Regulation Changes:
- Hunters may not attempt to take or kill a black bear weighing less than 75 pounds (live weight), or less than 50 pounds dressed.
- Hunters may not attempt to take or kill an adult black bear that is in the presence of cub(s) (bears weighing less than 75 pounds).
- Hunters may not attempt to take or kill a black bear or have a loaded weapon within 300 ft. of a baited area when hunting bears.
