NEW JERSEY — New Jersey’s 2026 black bear hunting season begins Monday, Oct. 12, with the first segment running through Saturday, Oct. 17, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Fish and Wildlife division.
The first segment allows archery hunting from Oct. 12-17, with muzzleloader rifles also permitted during the final three days, Oct. 15-17.
The second segment is scheduled for Dec. 7-12 and will allow hunting with shotguns and muzzleloader rifles only.
Legal hunting hours are from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
According to NJDEP Fish and Wildlife, hunters are limited to one bear per segment, regardless of the number of permits they hold. Bears must weigh at least 75 pounds live weight or 50 pounds dressed to be legally harvested.
Hunters are prohibited from taking adult bears accompanied by cubs, hunting within 300 feet of a baited area or using dogs to pursue bears.
The state has made 11,000 black bear hunting permits available for the 2026 season, allocated by bear management zone. Only zones 1 through 5 are open for hunting.
Hunters must possess a valid New Jersey archery, firearm or all-around sportsman hunting license, along with a special black bear hunting permit for the designated zone.
Hunters may hold up to two permits for different zones but may harvest only one bear per segment.
The state may close the season early if the cumulative harvest reaches 30% of bears tagged in 2026. Any closure would take effect 24 hours after the legal closing time on the day the decision is announced.
If the harvest rate does not reach 20%, the December hunting season will be extended from Dec. 16-19. Only eligible hunters holding valid Segment B permits who did not harvest a bear during the regular December segment may participate in the extension.
All harvested bears must be brought to a mandatory bear check station.
Check stations are located at the Pequest Trout Hatchery in Warren County, Whittingham Wildlife Management Area and Flatbrook Roy Wildlife Management Area in Sussex County, and Black River Wildlife Management Area in Morris County.
During the October segment, check stations will operate from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. However, the Black River check station will only operate on the opening and final days of the segment.
During the December segment, check stations will operate from noon to 7 p.m.
Hunters who harvest a bear must immediately attach a transportation tag and bring the animal to an authorized check station to receive a legal possession seal.
Additional information about hunting regulations, permits and bear management zones is available through the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.
