New Jersey Bear Season 2026
New Jersey bear season dates start with Oct 12-17, 2026. The table below keeps every listed bear row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
New Jersey's listed 2026 bear season runs Oct 12-17, 2026.
Muzzleloader Black Bear opens Oct 15, 2026 and closes Oct 17, 2026.
Shotgun/Muzzleloader Black Bear opens Dec 7, 2026 and closes Dec 12, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to New Jersey Fish & Wildlife.
Bear
Black Bear
Archery
Segment A - Archery only (Mon. Oct. 12 - Sat. Oct. 17). Requires valid archery or firearm or all-around sportsman hunting license plus Black Bear Hunting Permit. No dogs, no bait within 300 ft. Bears under 75 lbs or adults with cubs under 75 lbs may not be harvested. Harvest reporting by 9 p.m. on day of harvest. Bears must be brought to a mandatory check station on the day harvested.
Zone: All Bear Management Zones
Black Bear
Muzzleloader
Segment A - Archery/Muzzleloader last three days (Oct. 15-17). Muzzleloader must also have Rifle Permit. Single-barrel, single shot, not less than .44 caliber. Harvest reporting by 9 p.m. on day of harvest. Bears must be brought to mandatory check station on day harvested.
Zone: All Bear Management Zones
Black Bear
Shotgun/Muzzleloader
Segment B - Shotgun/Muzzleloader. Shotgun: smooth or rifled bore, 20-10 gauge, slugs only (no buckshot). Muzzleloader: not less than .44 caliber. Harvest reporting by 7 p.m. on day of harvest. Bears must be brought to mandatory check station on day harvested. Check station hours noon to 7 p.m.
Zone: All Bear Management Zones
Black Bear
Shotgun/Muzzleloader (Season Extension)
Segment B Extension - only if authorized; notification to be made on Monday, Dec. 14. Shotgun/Muzzleloader. Harvest reporting by 7 p.m. on day of harvest. Segment B bag limit (including extension) is one bear >75 lbs live weight.
Zone: All Bear Management Zones
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Nearby bear seasons
New Jersey Bear Season FAQ
When does bear season open in New Jersey?
October 12, 2026 is the earliest listed bear opener in New Jersey — archery black bear runs Oct 12-17, 2026. Confirm zone and permit details with New Jersey Fish & Wildlife.
What are the 2026 bear season dates in New Jersey?
New Jersey lists 4 bear season windows: Archery Black Bear (Oct 12-17, 2026); Muzzleloader Black Bear (Oct 15-17, 2026); Shotgun/Muzzleloader Black Bear (Dec 7-12, 2026); Shotgun/Muzzleloader (Season Extension) Black Bear (Dec 16-19, 2026). Always verify against New Jersey Fish & Wildlife before hunting.
Are there different bear seasons in New Jersey?
Yes — New Jersey lists separate bear seasons for Archery Black Bear, Muzzleloader Black Bear, Shotgun/Muzzleloader Black Bear, Shotgun/Muzzleloader (Season Extension) Black Bear. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and New Jersey Fish & Wildlife.
Do I need a license to hunt bear in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and bear hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with New Jersey Fish & Wildlife.