New Jersey’s 2025 black bear hunting season will be split into two segments — an archery season in October and a firearm season in December — with state wildlife officials retaining the authority to close or extend the season depending on the harvest rate, the Department of Environmental Protection announced .

NJ bear hunt season details

Segment A will run Oct. 13–18 for archery-only hunters, while muzzleloader rifles will be permitted Oct. 16–18. Segment B will take place Dec. 8–13 and will be limited to shotgun and muzzleloader use.

Legal hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Hunters may harvest one bear per segment, weighing at least 75 pounds live or 50 pounds dressed, regardless of how many permits they hold.

The DEP’s Fish and Wildli

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