Hunters have killed 123 bears so far during New Jersey's latest black bear hunt.

The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife says that 41 bears were killed Wednesday. There were 56 killed on Tuesday and 26 killed on Monday, when the six-day hunt started in eight counties. Most of the kills have occurred in Sussex County.

The hunt's first three days are reserved for bow hunting, while both hunting with bows and muzzle-loading guns will be allowed during the last three days.

State parks and wildlife management areas are open to hunting in Hunterdon, Morris, Sussex and Warren counties, and in areas of Bergen, Mercer, Passaic and Somerset counties.

State wildlife officials say that the hunts help control the black bear population and minimize run-ins with humans.

Opponents say the hunts are inhumane and unnecessary.

Groups of protesters gathered at the weigh-in station to express their disapproval of the hunt. At least two demonstrators were arrested Monday.