New Jersey’s controversial bear hunting season has begun. The first phase of the season, which is aimed at curbing the growing population of black bears, began Monday when nearly 100 black bears were killed by bowhunters.
Starting Thursday, the season will be expanded to muzzleloader rifles through the end of the week.
Bear sightings have been reported in all 21 counties, but most have been in Sussex County, where the population is largest.
In 2018, Gov. Phil Murphy enforced a statewide ban on bear hunting following a campaign promise. But, in 2022, New Jersey Fish and Wildlife’s Fish and Game Council reinstated the state’s annual bear hunt following a four-year ban, noting a significant increase in bear sightings around the state.
It is estimated the black bear population will reach 4,000 by 2027, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The Fish and Game Council expects 500 bears to be harvested in this year’s hunt.
The Animal Protection League of New Jersey has continuously called on the Murphy administration to permanently ban bear hunting.
The second phase of the hunt will run Dec. 9 – 14, with permits for shotgun and muzzleloader rifles.
