Laptop Battery The state Fish and Game Council proposed a new bear hunt yesterday, defying DEP chief Bradley Campbell's plea to hold off this year. The move, while igniting a battle over bears, could lead to a fight for control of New Jersey's wildlife.
Thinkpad In December, amid widespread protest, New Jersey held its first bear hunt in more than 30 years, and hunters killed 328 bears. Department of Environmental Commissioner Campbell supported that hunt.
Microsoft "The bear hunt is the most viable and economic method available to control our growing bear population," said Councilwoman Jeannette Vreeland, citing a recent bear attack in Oak Ridge that killed a family dog.
Laptop Computers A five-month public review is required before the council can complete the hunt plan. But yesterday's introduction widened a growing rift between Campbell and the council, which has legislative authority to control hunting.
Laptop Computer Campbell made a personal pitch against the hunt before the 8-3 vote at the council's Robbinsville headquarters. Campbell vowed not to back down.
Desktop Computer "I will ensure the policies I set are implemented. There are a number of approaches we can look at," said Campbell. "In my view, I have the discretion not to issue (bear hunting) permits."
Notebooks The DEP chief contends last year's hunt drained resources from other bear-management programs, such as teaching people to secure trash that attracts bears and conditioning bears to avoid human habitats. But people on both sides of the hunt accused Campbell of trying to prevent a controversial hunt when Gov. James E McGreevey is launching a re-election bid.
Lenovo "They don't want photographs of dead bear cubs on car hoods when McGreevey is running for re-election," said Jeff Tittel of the Sierra Club, who opposes the hunt.
Hard Drive "If they genuinely wanted to ... do more about educating the public how to live with bears, take care of garbage that attracts bears and use other alternatives, they would dedicate some resources to it. There is nothing in McGreevey's new budget to address bears," he added.
Travelstar Animal rights organizations, however, applauded the growing rift, calling it a unique opportunity to push legislation to ban bear hunting and reshape the Fish and Game Council.
Gateway "This is a momentous occasion for anti-hunting. We will immediately go to the Legislature now and push the bear hunting ban and, with another bill, move to change this council," said Stu Chaifetz of Honor and Non-Violence For Animals.
Laptop Parts A proposed, five-year ban on bear hunting is pending in the Assembly and Senate. A bill to replace the Fish and Game Council with animal welfare advocates was withdrawn last year, but it is slated for re-introduction, said Chaifetz.
Software "We're going to be facing these legislative bills regardless of whether we have a bear hunt or not," said Councilman George Howard.
Hard Drives "The scientific data says that we have at least two bears living per-square-mile in northwest New Jersey. The scientific data says the bear population is growing. We have to decide whether we must go with the science or politics," he added.
Electronics Campbell took no position on legislation to change the council, which is dominated by farmers and hunters who set hunting seasons based on recommendations by DEP biologists.
Canon "There are no certainties in science," said Campbell. "What you have here is you have very close public skepticism and scrutiny of the uncertainties."
Desktop Pc Council members who voted against a new hunt fear the rift could lead to their ouster and put control of the state's wildlife in the hands of animal rights activists.
Desktop Computers "I too feel that another hunting season is the most effective way to control a bear population," said Councilman Woody Knight. "But I would ask the council what do we have to gain and what will we lose by forging ahead with this bear hunt."
Think Pad The power struggle over bears began in early 2003.
Repair In once instance, Campbell demanded the council give him the sole right to cancel the hunt, and the council reluctantly gave in. The council has again given Campbell that authority.
Data Recovery By Brian T. Murray
Star-Ledger - 3/10/2004
Topic: Black Bear
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