Hunters killed 368 black bears in New Jersey’s first segment of its hunting season this past October, a decline of about 30 from the previous year. The six-day hunt, from October 13 to 19, was the first of two scheduled in 2025; the second typically is the second week of December. A third segment is allowed if less than 20 percent of the state’s estimated bear population is removed. If 30 percent has been taken, based on required reporting, the hunt will end early.
Hunters killed 397 bears during the October 2024 hunt, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. During the 2025 hunt, Sussex County led the way with about half of the total. Bowhunting is allowed during the first three days in October, with archery and firearms allowed the final three days. The December hunt is for firearms.
Some DEP estimates put the state population at about 3,000 bears, although the number is unknown. State officials count tagged bears during the hunts for its quota purposes. Bear hunting has been allowed since 2022, after a federal judge approved it. New Jersey officials will have to reauthorize its current emergency rules, or establish new ones, prior to the 2028 season for the hunts to continue.
