Photo:Pixabay
This is more sad TRAGIC for NJ's Black bears. Good news for hunters and the state to generate more $$$ on permit sales ! ( Isn't that " FUNDING" what the hunt is all about anyway ?)
If you do some research and look back at exactly how the state calculates their " HARVEST GOAL" its frightening. The total harvest rates from the past 4 years have steadily declined, dramatically. This is even before Governor Murphy closed state managed lands to Black bear hunting. ( Not his full campaign promise to end the hunt completely , but a step in the right direction)
Full lists and harvest totals ( so far) are available on the NJ Fish And Wildlife Website HERE
Photo: Pixabay
One brave hunter checked in a huge trophy bear that weighing in at a whopping 69 lbs.. ( For reference, thats about 12 lbs bigger than my DOG )
The most common bear problem New Jersey's residents experience is black bears getting into their PERSONAL HOUSEHOLD TRASH. Bears are attracted to neighborhoods by garbage kept odors, so properly securing your garbage is one of the best ways to prevent bears from becoming a " problem" for you.
Keep in mind THIS IS YOUR FAULT...
Its A "PROBLEM" YOU ( or your neighbors) ARE CREATING for yourself!
Residents are encouraged to work within their community to make sure all garbage is secured and kept away from bears. For tips on proper garbage management and coexisting with bears , see the tips at the NJ Fish and Wildlife website!
There is a significant difference between a POPULATION of creatures within a designated area, and a CONCENTRATION of creatures in that same area ! IN MY Semi Educated opinion, contrary to their current theories and beliefs, the "tagging" system currently employed by the NJDF&G to identify Black Bears does not come close to accurately accounting for the POPULATION of Bears in the Tri-State area. They call it an accurate estimate which, in my opinion, is a very arguable oxymoron ! You can have and accurate number, or an estimate... not both.
Especially when you're dealing with the lives of a potentially vulnerable species.
If youre a hunter, please use some discretion before killing the first thing that crosses your path. A young bear needs to stay with its mother for 2-3 years before its self sufficient. If you shoot and kill mama bear, you're essentially killing all the cubs at the same time. Except their death will be much slower and painful. Most likely from starvation and/or dehydration.
Sadly , I of know some people who will do this intentionally because they believe they are doing thier part in "conserving wildlife". To those i say , you are truly disconnected. Your bloodlust has you blinded to FACTS. PLEASE do some homework before you take to the woods to get your "thrill kills" disguised in the name of "preservation and conservation". Until the state can provide accurate answers to the question of population , The only things you're preserving and conserving , is your ego!
Lets not forget about the immoral and highly COUNTER productive issue of baiting and luring bears. Its literally does nothing but train bears to seek human food which is what they claim they want to avoid.
HELLO ?????
Oh , and can anyone explain why baiting bears is legal, but leaving bird feeders or garbage out gives you a hefty fine ???
Thats some backwards (double standard) thinking if you ask me !
Let the hate mail begin ~