New Jersey’s expanded black bear hunt underway

New Jersey officials say at least five bears had been culled as of late Monday morning. They were taken to a check-in station, where state biologists recorded data while roughly 50 protesters stood across the street shouting their disapproval.

The new six-day hunting season was approved last year. The first three days are reserved for bow hunting, while hunting with bows and muzzle-loading guns will be allowed during the last three days.

New Jersey resumed state-regulated bear hunting in 2003 after a ban that lasted more than 30 years. Another hunt was held in 2005, and in 2010 the state instituted an annual hunt.

The firearm-only season for bear hunting this year will take place from Dec. 5-10. Officials have the option to extend the bear hunt if the harvest objectives are not met.