New Jersey Will Begin Black Bear Hunt October 12
The state's 2026 black bear hunting season opens with a six-day segment in five management zones.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Hunting
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New Jersey will launch its 2026 black bear hunting season on October 12, 2026, across five designated bear management zones. The initial six-day segment will remain open through October 17, 2026.
Why it matters
The hunting season is regulated to manage bear populations within the state while ensuring specific safety and ethical guidelines are maintained during the activity.
Regulations mandate a minimum live weight of 75 pounds or 50 pounds dressed for harvested bears, and hunters must maintain a 300-foot distance from baited areas. The season segment lasts for six days total.
The players
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
The state agency responsible for overseeing wildlife management, environmental regulation, and the enforcement of hunting statutes within New Jersey.
The details
Hunters may utilize archery equipment for the duration of the six-day period, while muzzleloader rifles are authorized beginning October 15. Participants are restricted to one bear per segment, and all harvests must be brought to an official check station for registration.
Timeline
October 12, 2026: Black bear hunting season begins.
October 15, 2026: Muzzleloader use begins.
October 17, 2026: First segment of hunt ends.
Roadmap
This season follows the established regulatory framework set by the state's long-term management policy for black bears. It represents a recurring seasonal wildlife management effort aimed at balancing population levels within authorized zones.
Residents and visitors in the five management zones should be aware of increased activity and strictly adhere to all safety guidelines and hunting prohibitions. Hunters must ensure they meet age and supervision requirements and plan for mandatory station visits to process harvested animals.
The takeaway
Participants must strictly adhere to weight minimums and distance regulations to maintain compliance during the open season. Ensuring all harvested bears are brought to mandatory check stations is essential for accurate state data collection.
Further reading
Find more details on state regulations and safety protocols in our Hunting section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News 12 - New Jersey.
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