West Orange hunter sets New Jersey state record with 770-pound bear
Brian Melvin, of West Orange, spent three seasons tracking a 770-pound bear.
More Stories
A West Orange hunter has set a new record in the New Jersey black bear hunt.
Brian Melvin hunted a 770-pound bear in Kinnelon on Tuesday with his bow and arrow, the culmination of a three-year journey. State officials said his harvest is the largest of any archer in state bear hunt history.
“It’s 100% respect,” Melvin said. “I learned a ton from him, I’m completely humbled by an animal like that. I’ve hunted a lot of animals, and they are by far - the big bears - are super smart.”
His record-setting harvest has earned him some extra attention.
“I like to stay in the woods by myself a lot. So, the limelight is not something I was chasing,” Melvin said. “It was a challenge just to chase an animal like that. The journey was everything for me. But it's been interesting. It's been fun. I enjoy bringing a positive light to this hunt.”
The Department of Environmental Protection is reporting nearly 300 bears harvested this week, so far.
RELATED: 20 bears killed on the first day of the New Jersey black bear hunt, DEP says
New Jersey’s bear hunt was canceled at one time under the Murphy administration. But the governor brought it back due to an increase in bear-human encounters.
Melvin says that included this bear.
“People were telling me about all the destruction he was causing,” Melvin said. “People's backyards, he was bluffing them back into their houses. And it was just one of those things where I was like, ‘Wow, this is a pretty unique bear.’ A lot of bears run away from people. A bear that size and that age, he just knew better. He knew he was the big boss.”
Melvin dressed the bear to preserve its meat. He plans to have it mounted, hoping that his young son will appreciate the craft.
“It’s about keeping a balance with nature and going after the oldest to make room for the rest of them,” Melvin said. “And I think he’ll understand the amount of time and energy that went into it. It wasn't just going and sitting out there and getting lucky. It was a dedication.”
Archers get one week to hunt bears in New Jersey. You can see the full bear hunt rules and regulations on the DEP’s website.
