Black Bear Management Policy Status Report (1/4/18)

On August 11, 2015, the New Jersey Fish and Game Council voted 9-0 to accept the Proposed Amendments to the Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy and changes to bear hunting regulations. The vote came during the Council's regular meeting and followed a public comment period and formal public hearing in early June. Commissioner Bob Martin approved the policy, and it was published in the New Jersey Register on November 16, 2015 and become law. (See the DEP Rules and Regulations site for the Notice of Rule Proposal and copy of the proposal).

New Jersey Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy, 2015 (pdf, 2.2mb)

Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy Adopted - DEP News Release, 11/16/15
Adoption Document: Game Code NJAC 7:25-5.6 and 5.24 Black Bear (pdf, DEP Rules Site)

The Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy (Policy) defines the New Jersey Fish and Game Council’s policy and recommendations regarding the management of resident black bears. The original Policy was developed in 2010 by the Council’s Game Committee with the assistance of Division of Fish and Wildlife staff.

New Jersey Black Bear Aversive Conditioning Report (pdf, 7.6mb)
   Report Abstract (pdf, 10kb)

Evaluation of Genetic Structure and Population Estimate in New Jersey Black Bears (pdf, 415kb)
   Evaluation Abstract (pdf, 26kb)

Bear Complaints Summary 2006-2010 (pdf, 10kb)

Bear Education Materials and Public Programs Summary, 2007-2018 (pdf, 35kb)

Black Bear Management and Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy FAQs

Bear Facts - Black Bears in New Jersey

Notice of NJ Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy Rule Adoption - DEP Rules Adoption Site, 11/15/10
Letter of Appeal of Bear Policy/Stay of Bear Season Request - 11/17/10 (pdf, 107kb)
   Commissioner Martin Response to Request for Stay of Bear Season - 11/22/10 (pdf, 215kb)