The black bear population in New Jersey is clealy way beyond the carrying capacity of the habitat and a six day season is a good start, but I think it'll take several years to get it under control. Hunting wildlife is a much better option to manage populations than relocating and birth control and hunters also spend money in communities that need their business. Win, win.

From what I have seen on television, this is WAY overdue. When a town begins having problems with groups of bears roaming the streets sort of like a street gang, someone has been either overly ignorant of the situation or overly scared for their political future. I wonder if out-of-state tags will be available.

Yes the bear hunt is long overdue in Jersey. They will take some very large bears in the Northwest part of the state. Unfortunately it's one of few positives from the new Gov. so far. As a sportsman i am thrilled about the bears hunt but it will not offset the fact that he wants to take pensions away from New Jersey's most dedicated professionals... Teachers, Police and Firefighters. Pensions he promised he would not touch. 'Twas his first order of business. Typical politician liar. Oh,... and the bear hunters can be assured they will be harassed by wacko leftwing anti-hunter hypocrites who smell like dirt. Should've never come this far...a suburban bear hunt.

Hey Del, Bella probably has them feeding out of her hand!

Shane,

I guarantee you it's there (the reaction from antis). Why do you think there hasn't been a bear hunt in years?

Ted

this is about the only decent thing the new governor has done. the tax screwing caused by this new administration will be epic. the state will save and the towns and counties will be hugely screwed.

on the upside there have been confirmed bear sightings in every county in NJ including the totally suburban/urban ones. won't be long before the season covers the entire state.

I dont have specific cases but it seems to me this is not the first time for this situation.The antis cry abot hunting i.e. deer in town bear in town etc.The politicians fold, waste money on non lethal methods and it doesnt work.Even paid snipers are very expensive. They can spout all they want but one word seems to fix the problem time after time. HUNTING!!! DUH! Responsible and safe hunting by sports men and women.

Hunting is the answer to the bear overpopulation. We as outdoors-men and outdoors-women all know that, simply good sense, which we all have.
It will not stop the antis, perhaps they will shut up until the problem goes away, but as soon as the problem is solved the crying and moaning will start up. And politician will listen to the idiots one more time.
Hunters, make your presence known, buy that gear that you've been putting off,wear your hunting clothes when you go out for that early morning before the hunt breakfast, mid day lunch , do the same.
If Hunter money is there, politicians will hear that loud and clear, the sound of money drowns out all else.

didn't they do this before only to be shut down by anti-hunting groups. hopefully this will stick.