Plenty Of Leftover Bear Tags

[BHC]

As of now, pre-leftover OTC sales there are a total of 7,244 bear tags

 

https://www.nj.wildlifelicense.com/ALS/unit_report.php

[Haskell_Hunter]

I see they left Passaic County conspicuously out of Zone 3....  I sense a conspiracy.

[Bucksnbows]

I see they left Passaic County conspicuously out of Zone 3....  I sense a conspiracy.

They didn't change anything although I see what you noticed and that is that Passaic should be listed in zone 3.  All of West Milford for example is huntable for bears and that is Passaic.  No conspiracy, lol.  The Division has made no changes to the 5 Year Comprehensive Bear Management Plan currently in effect.

 

But why the lack of interest in bear hunting?  Each of the past 2 or 3 seasons we are seeing more and more unsold permits.  For $2, why not buy one in case you see a bear during 6 Day?

[deerkiller18]

I just have no desire to shoot a bear or eat one. plenty of bears in my area too. also wouldn't want to drag it out

[MJK50]

I'd go IF I could use my bow or crossbow. 

[Haskell_Hunter]

But why the lack of interest in bear hunting? Each of the past 2 or 3 seasons we are seeing more and more unsold permits. For $2, why not buy one in case you see a bear during 6 Day?

You can't hunt deer and bear at the same time, unfortunately. I had to read the regulations closely this year because this is my first bear tag. If you have your bear permit on you and you take a deer, it's a violation. If you have your bear permit and buckshot on you, it's a violation. So it's either one or the other. I also think that since 6-day and bear season coincide, folks opt for the deer tag versus the bear tag. If the season were the week before, I have a feeling more tags would be sold and there would be a better bear harvest. Just my opinion.

 

I also agree that there should be a bear bow and crossbow season. Remove the restriction that you can't harvest bear while hunting deer and it will be better. I'm in NH right now about to head north to go deer hunting. They have a lot less regulations and just as much wildlife here as in NJ. If the state wants to manage the bruin population, let hunters harvest with bow or gun at the same time as they're hunting deer. IMHO.

Edited November 15, 2013 by Haskell_Hunter

[MJK50]

As long as you use slugs you can hunt for both. The restriction is on buckshot, it's legal for deer, but not for bear, not hunting both at the same time.

For some reason F&G thinks bears are superman and arrows and buckshot won't kill them.

 

 

From F&G web page

 

The following questions and answers pertain to New Jersey's black bear hunting season:

Q) Can I hunt both deer and black bear with a firearm at the same time provided I have the proper licenses and permits? 
A) Yes, provided you follow the legal requirements for the specific firearm and ammunition for black bear hunting found in the Hunting Digest.

Q) Can I use buckshot for black bear hunting? 
A) No. The only allowable shotgun ammunition is 20, 16, 12 and 10 gauge slugs.

Q) Can I use buckshot if I decide to only hunt deer on a given day or morning/afternoon? 
A) Yes, but do not have your black bear hunting permit in your possession. If you are in possession of a black bear hunting permit while in possession of buckshot you are in violation of the law.

Q) If I have a black bear hunting permit can I take the buckshot out of my gun while deer hunting and load my gun with ammunition legal to hunt black bear if provided with the opportunity to shoot a black bear? 
A) No, you can only carry ammunition that is legal to use for black bear hunting while in possession of a black bear permit.

Edited November 15, 2013 by MJK50

[Bucksnbows]

What MJK50 said.  Perfectly legal to hunt both during 6 Day if you use slugs or a muzzleloader and have your bear permit.  I have for the past several years.  As for the Division and bows, they would like to eventually open an archery season after the 5 Year Comprehensive Black Bear Management Plan is completed and they can move on with adding black bears as a regular game animal and set routine seasons (that don't necessarily coincide with 6 Day shotgun).  I can't remember if this is year 4 or 5 of the plan, but they cannot make changes during it.  Hunting is only one facet of the plan, FYI.  It includes public education and other elements beyond the current hunt during 6 Day.