Every October and December, hundreds of New Jersey bears are killed as a result of annual bear hunts. 1,433 bears have been killed in the past 3 years, with 467 of those kills occurring just last year. This devastating death toll will continue to rise as long as the NJ Fish and Game Council remains as it is: imbalanced.

6 of the 11 members of the Fish and Game Council are recommended by the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs (NJSFSC), a private organization that is in favor of sport hunting. This disparity leaves the decisions of the council to a majority group that supports hunting wild animals. This is why some NJ lawmakers are sponsoring a bill that would amend this, and here’s why you should support it too!

Background

Understanding the stakes of this bill first requires a brief history of Black Bear hunts in New Jersey. Regulated New Jersey bear hunts have occurred since 1958, with a ban occurring in 1971 due to dangerously low population (less than 25 bears). More modern hunts have occurred since 2003 when black bears were added to the game code, opening the door for these sprees to continue regularly. It was banned and reinstated once more in the coming years, but former Governor Phil Murphy vowed to end the hunt when he took office in 2018. He received pushback on this promise because he signed an executive order ending bear hunts on state property, leaving them only partially banned. Then, it was prohibited entirely in 2021 before being reinstated the following year. The hunts are now under a regulated plan to continue until 2028. Endless setbacks such as these are the cause of frustration for many groups involved in the matter, regardless of stance.

A common argument in favor of bear hunts is that it promotes population management; however, this timeline proves that the practice of bear hunting is outdated and unnecessarily cruel. The primary role of the Fish and Game Council is to protect and develop an adequate supply of fish and game for recreational and commercial purposes, implemented through the adoption of the Fish and Game Code. Their duty does not solely campaign for the rights of hunting and lawful trapping, it also consists of conservation and development of wild animals. If this group’s responsibility is to facilitate both of these goals, having the majority of the members recommended by the NJSFSC impedes that duty.

Balance the Fish and Game Council

The current structure of the NJ Fish and Game Council is the following:

Frank Virgilio, Chair (Sportsman)

Jeff Bowlby (Farmer)

Jim DeStephano (Sportsman)

Russell Furnari (ENSAC Chair) 

Mitchell Jones (Farmer)

Ed Kertz (Farmer)

Robert Pollock (Public)

Loren Robinson (Sportsman)

Ken Whildin (Sportsman)

Vacant (Sportsman)

Vacant (Sportsman)

As stated previously, 6 of the 11 possible members are reserved for members of NJSFSC. To remedy this disproportionate representation within the council, NJ legislators have introduced a bill that would amend the number of sportsmen’s seats available. S471 (Sponsored by Senator Brian P. Stack) and A2005 (Sponsored by Assemblywoman Annette Quijano) would replace 3 of the 6 sportsmen representative seats with individuals recommended by animal welfare organizations in the state. 

This change will balance the council by granting equal representation to hunters and animal welfare advocates alike. Similar to other organizations that make impactful decisions, a “checks and balances” system would ensue. The current state of the council leaves decisions about animal lives in the hands of a leading majority who support hunting for sport. It is imperative to recognize that a bill such as this is not “anti-hunter” but rather, pro-equality.

Minimize the Animal Cruelty in Local Areas

Supporting this bill would make communities around the state a better environment by minimizing the violence against the bear population. The bill would not end all bear hunts due to the amended council functioning out of negotiation, but it would stop the unnecessary hunts. Out of the counties that permit bear hunting, Sussex and Warren recorded the highest season totals last year, equaling 356 between the two of them. These are not just statistics on a spreadsheet; they are animal lives that were ended for sport. 

Another justification for bear hunting is that there is a need for fewer bear/human interactions. However, other, more humane methods can be implemented that promote the non-lethal conservation of the bear population. For example, keeping trash secure, locking fences and gates, and using bear repellents are simple methods that make a huge difference. Staying informed on what to do in a bear encounter is integral for human and bear safety. Minimizing killing and promoting alternate methods to population control can be arranged through a balanced decision by the bill’s amended Fish and Game Council. The members recommended by the Sportsmen’s Clubs can work with the animal welfare advocates to find common ground and come to the best solution. For now, however, this is only a proposition.

Call to Action

Through S471/A2005, a balanced NJ Fish and Game Council will lead to the decline of bears killed for sport, but this bill needs your support! In order for this bill to move along in the legislative process, it needs to be scheduled for a hearing by the committee chairs. You can directly help this process by contacting the Senate Economic Growth Committee and the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. Once a hearing is scheduled, you can ask your Assembly members and your Senator to support this bill.

Do not allow a biased majority to make decisions regarding these lives. Stand for fairness and equality within our animal organizations. Amending 3 spots in the Fish and Game Council will not only spare numerous bears from mindless killing, but it will also be a precedent of equality for other wildlife organizations. Support this bill today so that New Jersey’s Bears will see tomorrow!

 

Spread The Word

Share this blog to increase awareness and advocate for ending NJ bear hunts!

Contact Committee Chairs

Find Your Legislator

Not sure what to say? Use our Call & Email scripts as guidance!

About the Author: Jeffrey Salone is a Public Relations Specialist Intern at the Lesniak Institute for American Leadership. Jeffrey is a student at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, majoring in Journalism & Media Studies.