Limited Black Bear Hunting Season
For the 2010–2011 hunting seasons, New Jersey has taken steps to reinstate a limited black bear hunting season by permit only. In July, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin approved the New Jersey Fish and Game Council’s 2010 Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy which includes a bear hunt. The hunt can take place following publication of the final adoption notice in the New Jersey Register this fall. The black bear hunt will run concurrently with the Six-day Firearm Season for deer. See regulation and hunting details.
No Lottery for Deer Permits
There will be no lottery for deer permits this year. Those hunting Special Areas where hunter access is controlled should refer to the Special Areas section.
Bowhunting Safety Zone Reduced
The bowhunter perimeter bill was passed by the Legislature but awaits action by the governor. If signed into law, this bill will reduce the safety zone for bowhunting. The minimum distance from an occupied building where a bowhunter may have a nocked arrow would be reduced from 450 feet to 150 feet. If this bill becomes law it will not alter the firearm hunting 450-foot safety zone requirements. For more details on safety zones, see Safety Zone Awareness.
