Hunters killed 368 bears during the first part of New Jersey’s annual bear hunt , a decrease compared to the same time last year, data from the state Department of Environmental Protection shows.

The bears were killed during six days of hunting between Oct. 13 and Oct. 18. Half of the bears were killed in Sussex County.

Last year, 397 bears were killed during the first segment of the hunt in October.

The hunt is limited to archery during the first three days in October, while both guns and archery are permitted during the final three days.

A second segment of the annual hunt will be held Dec. 8 to Dec. 13. Hunters will be limited to guns during that week.

Under a provision in the law, the hunt can be extended into a third December segment if less than 20% of the estimated bear pop

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