NEW JERSEY 101.5

New Jersey is gearing up for its fourth state-sanctioned bear hunt.

Black bear
Flickr User A. Poulos (Iya)
loading...

Those looking to participate in the hunt have until Monday to apply for bear season permits. Leftover permits will be put on sale November 14. This year's hunt is scheduled for Dec. 9 through Dec. 14.

State environmental officials say the annual hunt aims to control the state's black bear population, which was nearing 3,000 in the hunting area last year.

The hunt always draws protesters opposed to the practice.

State environmental officials say 285 bears were killed during the six-day hunt last year.

About 6,400 hunters participated in the 2012 hunt.

 

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

More From New Jersey 101.5 FM