TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - New Jersey’s expanded black bear hunt is under way.
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.
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