Posted on 12/05/2005 4:27:11 PM PST by Sub-Driver
Bear hunt begins with at least 54 kills, tempers high
By JOHN CURRAN The Associated Press
VERNON, N.J. - Braving freezing cold and irate animal rights activists, camouflage-clad bear hunters hit the fields and forests here Monday, taking aim at a species whose recovery in New Jersey has gone from conservation success to emerging public safety threat.
Black bears have rebounded from near-extinction to become familiar sights across the nation's most densely populated state - rummaging through trash, menacing people and scampering through yards. With residents' complaints mounting, New Jersey's second bear hunt in 35 years was approved as a way to thin their ranks.
"Bears are beautiful animals, but they've got to be controlled," said Joe Giunta, 59, of Frankford Township, who bagged one Monday morning.
State officials said 54 bears were reported killed as of 2:30 p.m. The total number of bears killed during each day of the six-day hunt will not be available until the following day.
The hunt, restricted to a vast swath of northwestern New Jersey and open to 4,434 hunters with permits, went off as scheduled after surviving a late court challenge Friday.
"It's an emotional issue," said Martin McHugh, director of the state Division of Fish and Wildlife, which estimates the bear population at between 1,600 and 3,200. Bears have been spotted in each of New Jersey's 21 counties, but are concentrated in the area of the state where the hunt was taking place.
About a dozen hunt opponents gathered at a weigh station at Wawayanda State Park on Monday, confronting hunters and forming "bear rescue teams" with plans to tend to wounded bears and follow hunters in what they said was a mission of mercy.
(Excerpt) Read more at phillyburbs.com ...
Over here! Your post was a hoot - great to see that old clip again! Those were the days...
a reason to put the fear of God into the wild animals that we share the planet with. (animal who are hunted regularly have a healthy fear of man)
http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2002/08/20/ny_bear020820
Ladysmith....sorry. My RSS feeder is faster!
Including Hudson County? Can't imagine Ursus Americanus rummaging through trash in Jersey City or Hoboken.
A bear hunting safety seminar in order to get an NJ Bear Tag you must have a bear hunting safety seminar. Which while I am disappointed that I could not get the tag it is probably a good idea. All you need is for one idiot to get hurt and get the season closed. With Corzine coming into office he will be looking for an excuse to close the season. While having a seminar is not fool proof many people lack common sense and it could prevent some accidents
Most mammals are colorblind. The blaze orange is used to identify and protect the hunters from the other hunters. In some seasons blaze orange may not be required and then camo gives an advantage such as bow season for deer in some areas. That said, the camo does break up the pattern of your body and helps disguise the hunter even if you are wearing blaze orange on your chest, back and head.
hit by traffic?
BWAAAHAAAAAHAAAAAA.
Oh please, that's just TOO GOOD. Your killing me.
THESE Bears have come out of hibernation this fall. Be vary afraid.
During hunting season I wear a fluorescent yellow jacket in the woods whenever hiking or mountainbiking to prevent accidents. I also avoid wearing white socks while riding as the "flash" could be confused with a running deer.
~ Blue Jays ~
FOX showed a clip earlier of a supposed hunter behind a tree with rifle on his shoulder. The talking voioce was waxing on about these hunters.
I swear, it looked like the guy was taking a leak behind the tree and somewhat POed about the camera.
If I'm ever harassed by the animal rights wackos, I'll make them pay in spades....
Since I'm going to call the DNR and sheriff who will go medeival on their asses. $500+ for violating the hunter harassment law.
I wonder how many "bear medics" will earn a Darwin nomination.
Go home, boy.
Depends on state law and the season.
In Michigan, I have to wear some orange (usually it's my hat) when deer hunting. When turkey hunting, I Don't need to wear orange.
Yes, these nature lovers might just find out what survival of the fittest really means.
oh my God...no....the horror...Smokey!
;-)
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