The state’s annual black bear hunting season will begin just prior to sunrise on Monday morning, December 7, in all or portions of eight northern New Jersey counties. The season is scheduled to end 30 minutes prior to sunset on Saturday, December 12. It may be extended by up to four days if poor weather or other conditions result in a reduced harvest, a new condition added to the statewide Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy adopted this year. The season runs concurrently with the six-day firearm deer hunting season.