Posted on 12/09/2003 7:53:42 AM PST by Sub-Driver
Judge Turns Down Environmentalists, Allows N.J. Bear Hunt Expanded to Federal Recreation Area By Krista Larson Associated Press Writer
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - A judge on Tuesday lifted an order that had closed a sprawling national recreation area to bear hunters, as the state's first open season on the animals in more than three decades went into its second day. On Monday, the first day of the new bear season, hunters bagged 61 bears, the largest weighing 498 pounds, the state Department of Environmental Protection said.
Officials hope the hunt will reduce the state's population of an estimated 3,200 bears by about 500 to stem the rising tide of complaints about the animals breaking into suburban homes, raiding trash cans, killing livestock and wandering into traffic.
U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton lifted a temporary restraining order that had kept hunters out of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Walton, in Washington, had issued the order Friday in response to a complaint filed by environmentalists opposed to the hunt in the preserve, which covers nearly 70,000 acres along the Delaware River.
"We think this is a horrible decision, and the very small population of bears in the Delaware Water Gap park are going to be placed in jeopardy this week," said Michael Markarian, president of the Fund for Animals, one of the groups that had sought the restraining order. They had argued the National Park Service should have conducted an environmental assessment before allowing bear hunting there.
Opponents of the hunt elsewhere in New Jersey chanted "Stop the slaughter, save the bears" Monday as they held a rally near a weigh station at Wawayanda State Park. They also took to the woods with video cameras to monitor the hunt.
The state opened up 1 million acres for the hunt and issued some 5,200 permits.
Bears were hunted annually in New Jersey from 1958 to 1970, when hunting was suspended because their numbers dwindled to about 100.
Black bears have killed eight people over the past three years in North America. No one has been killed in New Jersey, but a homeowner was mauled by a bear in May when he went to the aid of his dog.
Lynda Smith, director of the Bear Education and Resource Group, said her group has tried to teach northwestern New Jersey residents how to avoid close encounters with bears by keeping garbage can lids on tight and not leaving pet food outside.
"One week of bear hunting, nothing's going to be solved," Smith said. "Come spring, the bears will still be eating our garbage and still be walking through our back yards."
Harry McDole bagged what conservation officers said was the first bear of the season just before 8 a.m. Monday, a 160-pound female. McDole, 63, of Sussex Borough, said he had killed three bears in Canada on previous hunting trips.
"I've waited 33 years to shoot one in New Jersey," Dole said. He said he planned to have "a rug or something" made from the pelt and eat the meat.
I'd advise thorough cooking (bears carry trichinosis) and lots of tenderizer.
Let me know if you wish to be added or removed from this list.
I don't get offended if you want to be removed.
Perhaps this guy should be tied to a tree with a ham sandwich in his pocket. [bear baiting?]
"One week of bear hunting, nothing's going to be solved," Smith said. "Come spring, the bears will still be eating our garbage and still be walking through our back yards."
Maybe so. However, the ones that escape with just the sound of a high velocity chunk of lead whistling past their ear may also just be more timid around people - and that's part of the objective, no?
I guess the game wardens must have a low opinion of the local hunters' abilities. They seem to be assuming that less than one in ten hunters will succeed.
Is it too much to wish for that the bears might perform some edumacation on those animal rights wackos while they are out in the woods?
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