The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife permit lotteries for black bear, beaver and otter opened for qualified hunters on October 1. The application periods and award pickup dates vary for the different permits, and applicants are responsible for knowing this information.

The application period for black bear closes on October 30, 2010. Applicants must have a current, valid firearm hunting license to apply. There are four black bear hunting zones.

The award notification and permit pickup period for black bear permits begins the week of November 15, 2010. Black bear permits awarded in the lottery will be held in reserve until the end of the season, December 11, 2010. Over-the-counter sale of leftover permits begins on Monday, November 22 at 10:00 a.m. and sales will continue until the season ends or the permit quota is reached.

Hunters are reminded that in order to claim a black bear permit they must have attended a Black Bear Education Seminar. Information on the black bear hunting season is available on the division's website at www.njfishandwildlife.com/bearseas10_data.htm.

The application period for beaver and otter permits closes on October 31, 2010. The award notification and permit pickup period period for beaver and otter permits begins the week of November 15, 2010. Awarded permits must be claimed by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 12. Information on the beaver/otter trapping season is available on the division's website at www.njfishandwildlife.com/beavott10-11.htm.

All unclaimed beaver and otter permits will be returned to the quota and become available on a first come first serve basis for over the counter sales. There are no exceptions. Over-the-counter sale of leftover and unclaimed permits begins on Tuesday, December 14 at 10:00 a.m. Sales continue until the season ends or the permit quota is reached.