NJ bear hunt permits now available online or through license agents

Bruce A. Scruton, Newton New Jersey Herald
·2 min read
7

Permits for this year's bear seasons went on sale Friday for the October archery hunt and the early December firearm hunt.

The $2 permits require the buyer to have a valid hunting license, and are available online or at licensing agents: usually sporting goods stores or the sporting goods department at large department stores such as Walmart.

As with past bear hunts, an individual permit is only good for one of five bear-hunting zones and a different permit is needed for the October archery season - known as Segment One - and the firearm season - Segment Two.

During the two seasons, the state will operate check stations in Sussex, Warren and Morris counties and it is mandatory to bring the bear to a station as soon as possible after harvesting.

The archery season will be from Oct. 9 to 14, with muzzleloaders allowed the last three days of the season. Firearm season, which allows shotguns and muzzleloaders, will be Dec. 4 to 9.

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And, similar to past years, a hunter successful in the archery season may take a second bear during the firearm season, but may not take more than one bear in either segment. A hunter may purchase a permit for multiple zones but may not possess permits for more than two zones at any time.

A successful hunter in Segment A may buy a second permit for that zone for Segment B. There is a maximum number of permits to be sold for each zone.

The Division of Fish and Wildlife may extend the firearm season should harvest goals not be met during the regular hunt. Should harvest goals be met, the division can also stop the hunt during the December season. The extension of the season only applies to the December firearm segment.

This year's hunt also includes the special restrictions placed on the 2022 hunt: No killing of a black bear weighing less than 75 pounds, live weight; no killing of a black bear accompanying a bear of less than 75 pounds; and no hunting or possessing a weapon within 300 feet of a bait pile.

This article originally appeared on New Jersey Herald: Bear hunt licenses in NJ now available online for season