Hunters in New Jersey are preparing for what could be their final bear season at the close of the 2020 season. In yet another blow to hunting and conservation, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced that on Monday, Oct 6, 2020. The Fish and Game Council would suspend state land black bear hunting in 2021. Admittedly, this decision comes on the back of a campaign promise when the public elected him. Moreover, the state would end its current five-year management plan while focusing on a comprehensive multi-department non-lethal management plan.
“This Means, Drum Roll, that 2020 bear hunt already limited to a few days in October and December and pursuant to my 2018 executive order, not permitted on state lands will be the last bear hunt under my administration” – Gov. of New Jersey Phil Murphy.
Adding to an already limited hunting season. Fish and Game Council members have proposed the following amendment to the game code. The amendment will suspend all black bear hunts at the firearms season’s conclusion in December.
Chart a Better Way Foward
New Jersey’s management plan will take part in a “non-lethal” strategy that will replace an annual harvest. It will also incorporate the Department of Enviermential Protection (DEP) to engage with Fish and Game. The purpose would be to create a complete review of scientific data. This will help them understand a better black bear policy. Making sure that it ensures public safety while protecting wildlife.
As a result, however, the New Jersey Register reports the order came a little late to stop both the archery and rifle hunts that start December 7th. By extension, the order also includes a 60 day comment period; however, once the comment period is over, the game code is removed until a new policy is adopted. The DEP is claiming that its goal is to rely on the best available science while promoting a community-focused program in densely bear populated areas.
The DEP’s Division of Fish & Wildlife (DFW), in coordination with the independent Fish and Game Council, is committed to protecting public safety and wildlife. As DFW and the council embark upon the data and policy analysis necessary to develop a new Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy. We will rely on the best available science, engage often with the public, and work to achieve the best balance.” – DEP Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe
Nevertheless, outrage is present amongst anti-hunting groups. Going as far as saying the governor should have shut down the hunt due to Covid. Stating that “it takes more than one person to drag out a bear.”
The Outcome
Meanwhile, three pro-hunting groups, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance, Safari Club International, and Sportsman Alliance Foundation, challenge the state land ban. Their argument concludes that the state can’t maintain a reliable estimate of the bear population without including state land in the hunt. In Fact, we should hold the Murphy administration responsible for all the harmful contact between humans and bears because of this decision.
“I’m all for working on non-lethal methods of bear management. But there’s absolutely no substitute for reducing the population.” Brodhecker said in support of the hunt.
No matter how the Fish and Game concluded discussions over Governer’s proposed amendment. Hunting advocates agree while bear hunting in New Jersey has been a long-time controversial topic. They also state that there is no effective way to reduce population other than hunting. Consequently, even with supported non-lethal methods, the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance believes there will be an increase in human-bear interaction, which over the last year has seen an increase of 67% overall compared to the previous years.
Update 11/2/2020
Administrative Law Judge Susan M. Scarola upholds Governor Murphy’s decision to end black bear hunting in New Jersey.
“The closure of state land to black bear hunting was not the sole cause for the harvest fall-off,” Scarola wrote.
This is disappointing news to many hunters across the state. Non-residents have also spoken out about this, expressing their disappointment.
“We are incredibly disappointed in this decision, but even the judge acknowledged that the facts have not changed,” said Cody McLaughlin, a spokesman for the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance, one of three hunting groups that sued to reopen state lands. “We have an exploding bear population that can only properly be managed by hunting, and that is now a matter of court record.”
