members’ den
Upcoming Meetings:
Bridgewater Chapter:
Wed., May 6th, 7-9 pm
Somerset County Public Library Room A
1 Vogt Drive, Bridgewater
Blairstown Chapter:
Wed., May 20, 7-9 pm
Blairstown Public Library
4 Lambert Rd., Blairstown
HIGHEST PRIORITY:
Written comments needed
in opposition to sale of
additional bear hunt permits
Even though the bear season is currently closed, the Fish & Game Council has proposed the sale of additional bear hunt permits. We need you to write a letter in opposition to this amendment.
Click here to download a sample letter.
The Division’s proposed game code amendment would mean that additional bear hunt permits may be purchased should a hunter is unsuccessful in killing a bear with their original permit. To review the Division’s proposed game code in whole, visit:
www.nj.gov/dep/rules/notices/040609b.html
The Game Code Legal Public Comment period runs to June 5th. Comments received after that day will not be included with the final report of testimonies that records public opinion.
Hunting clubs are organizing to facilitate letters from their hunter members. Therefore, we need a letter from everyone to ensure we have an equal voice for bear protection and opposition to the Game Code.
Please write and ask your family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers to also support this timely issue.
Send Game Code comments to:
Mr. David Chanda
Director Div. Fish & Wildlife
Dept. of Environmental Protection
Doc. # 05-09-03/718
P.O. Box 400 • Trenton, NJ 08625-0400
Please copy DEP Commissioner Mark Mauriello and
Governor Jon Corzine on your letters:
Governor Jon Corzine
Office of the Governor
P.O. Box 001 • Trenton, NJ 08625
Commissioner Mark Mauriello
Dept. of Environmental Protection
C-401 E. State Street
P.O. Box 402 • Trenton, NJ 08625
Please send the BEAR Group a copy of your letter for our files.
BEAR Group, P.O. Box 918, Hewitt, NJ 07421.
Black Bear from Drowning:
It’s the difference between our guys and their guys... When Adam Warwick of Florida Fish & Wildlife saw the recently tranquilized bear bolt into the Gulf of Mexico, he did the unimaginable: He swam 25 yards into the harbor and single-handedly dragged the 375-pound, 6.5’ tall bear to safety! Adam, if you’re ever in New Jersey, can we buy you dinner?
Non lethal bear management backed by science
Dr. Edward Tavss, PhD, of Rutgers University researched the effectiveness of hunting vs. a non-violent approach (public education and bearproof containers) to managing bears. His findings show that hunting shows ZERO effect in reducing bear complaints. In fact, EVERY site he evaluated where hunting was used, complaints about bears increased. However, at EVERY site where a non-lethal approach was used, complaints dropped significantly.
For a synopsis of Dr. Tavss’ study in his own words, click here. For his complete study, click here.
Thank you Governor Corzine!
Please call and/or write Governor Corzine and thank him profusely for his firm stance on nonlethal black bear management.
Governor Jon Corzine
P.O. Box 001, Trenton, NJ 08625
609-292-6000
