Public Hearing on Black Bear Situation in New Jersey

Please Attend This Important Meeting Wednesday, August 8

On Wednesday, August 8, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is hosting a public hearing at the State Museum at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the preservation and management goals for the black bear population in New Jersey.  This will be the only opportunity to make it known that New Jersey hunters want the bear hunting season restored.   The State Museum is located at located at 205 West State Street, Trenton, 08625.

Showing complete disregard for public safety and proven game management practices, Environmental Commissioner Lisa Jackson made the decision to block last year’s bear hunt, and she has already submitted her non-lethal management plan to the DEP to permanently end bear hunting in New Jersey.  Commissioner Jackson’s plan can be viewed by clicking here.    

The New Jersey Fish & Game Council, which Commissioner Jackson is supposed to be working with on this important issue, is in support of using black bear hunting to control the population.   The Council has been vocal in its stance that non-lethal methods of population control are not the answer to a growing population that is currently over 3,000 and continuing to multiply.  Bear-human confrontations remain at unacceptably high levels, and bear sightings have been recorded in each of New Jersey’s 21 counties.

Please make plans to attend this public comment meeting hosted by the DEP to make your voice heard on bringing back bear hunting to the Garden State.

Wednesday, August 8
6:30 p.m.
State Museum
205 West State Street
Trenton, NJ  08625

The DEP is also taking written comments that must be submitted by Friday, August 10.  Please email comments, by clicking here or in writing to: 

DEP Black Bear Management Comments
NJ Department of Environmental Protection
P. O. Box 400
Trenton, NJ  08625-0400

Please continue to check www.NRAILA.org for updates on black bear hunting in New Jersey and for other firearms issues around the nation.