New Jersey’s Division of Fish & Wildlife say hunters killed 62 bears on the first day of the state’s annual bear hunt.

The six-day hunt, which started early Monday, is restricted to Sussex, Warren, Passaic, Morris, Bergen, Hunterdon, Somerset and Mercer counties.

The first three days are restricted to hunters using archery, but starting Thursday, they also will be allowed to use muzzle loading rifles.

Officials report 29 bears were culled Monday in Sussex County, while 17 bruins were killed in Morris County and 11 in Warren County.

The second segment of the hunt, for firearms only, is scheduled to begin on Dec. 7. AP wire services helped contribute to this report.