New Jersey’s annual bear hunt is now underway, and early figures from the first phase of the 2025 season indicate that 249 bears have been harvested across the state’s designated hunting zones. The figures, released following the completion of the initial segment, highlight regional variations in bear activity and hunting success, reflecting ongoing efforts to manage the state’s growing black bear population.
The fall hunting season is divided into two separate segments. The first phase, which ran from October 13 through October 18, was open exclusively to archery hunters for the initial days, with muzzleloader firearms permitted from October 16 to October 18. This structure is designed to balance hunter participation with wildlife conservation goals while providing data on population trends and harvest efficiency.
According to the official tally, Zone 3 recorded the highest harvest with 75 bears taken. Zone 2 followed with 72, and Zone 1 saw 63 bears. Zone 4 yielded 39, while Zone 5 reported no harvests during this phase. These numbers combine to a total of 249 bears statewide. The results also show that harvest rates vary considerably by location, depending on factors such as terrain, bear density, and hunting pressure.
When analyzed by county, Sussex County led the state with 127 bears harvested, accounting for roughly half of the total. Warren County followed with 53, while Morris County recorded 42. Passaic County contributed 20, and Bergen County had one bear recorded. Smaller harvests were noted in Hunterdon and Somerset Counties, with five and one, respectively, while Mercer County reported no bears taken.
Wildlife officials have long maintained that the state’s bear management program is essential for maintaining ecological balance and minimizing human-wildlife conflicts, especially in northern New Jersey where encounters between residents and bears are most frequent. The current framework aims to keep populations at sustainable levels, reduce nuisance reports, and protect public safety while ensuring fair-chase hunting opportunities for licensed participants.
The second phase of the 2025 bear hunting season is scheduled for December 8 through December 13. As with previous years, the duration of the season is not fixed and may be adjusted depending on harvest totals and population assessments. If the established management goals are met early, the season could close ahead of schedule. Conversely, if quotas are not reached, state wildlife authorities may consider extending the season to achieve their objectives.
New Jersey’s bear management strategy remains a point of continued discussion among conservationists, hunters, and policymakers. Supporters argue that regulated hunting is a necessary wildlife management tool that helps control population growth and prevent overhabitation in suburban regions. Critics, however, continue to advocate for non-lethal management strategies, calling for greater investment in education, waste management, and relocation programs.
The 2025 season marks another chapter in New Jersey’s decades-long effort to balance ecological health with public safety. The state’s black bear population, once nearly eliminated by the mid-20th century, has rebounded significantly over recent decades, particularly in the northwestern counties. Officials say the bear hunt remains one of the most effective ways to collect data on population size, health, and distribution.
As the second phase approaches in December, wildlife experts will continue to monitor harvest trends and environmental conditions to determine whether management goals are on track. For now, the initial results of 249 bears taken statewide suggest that New Jersey’s complex balance between conservation, recreation, and community safety continues to evolve with each hunting season.
