New Jersey bear hunt, barred from state lands, starts Monday

The annual bear hunt in New Jersey started Monday morning, but this year, bears will be safe on state-owned land.

Earlier this year, Governor Murphy banned bear hunting on state land. About 40 percent of bears killed in hunts came from state-controlled properties since 2010.

Last month, the governor said the state would be using more non-lethal tactics to control the population.

The Department of Environmental Protection will work with local governments to make sure they have effective garbage policies since the animals are frequently attracted by trash.

The department will also assign more conservation officers to ensure public safety during this year's hunt, hold an information session as well as a large regional training session for law enforcement.

This year's season opens with a six-day hunt on Monday. A second hunt starts Dec. 3.