It’s game on for bear hunters in New Jersey, where a bear hunt has started to lower the black bear population in the state. Disagreement is starting over whether or not the hunt should be allowed between animal rights groups and hunters. People that agree with the hunt say that hunting has to occur to keep the population low so that the bears don’t have to fight for resources, while opponents say that hunting the bears is not necessary.  

 This is not the first time the controlled hunt has occurred in the state. There have been hunts for black bears in New Jersey in 2003, 2005, and 2010, which were also done to reduce the population.

 Many residents who live near hunting areas are very concerned about the situation. “Behind my house, I can see the gun shots. I can hear them when they fire the shots. It’s very disturbing” said Angie Metler, who is the executive director of the Animal Protection League of New Jersey. Metler also feels that the hunt is nothing but “A trophy hunt for hunters to bring home rugs, mounts, and wall trophies.”

 While there are many who disagree with the hunt, many feel like it is one of the few ways to manage the bear population from growing too large. Kenneth Mowery is one of those people.

 Mowery’s belief, like many others, is that if the bear population grows too large, many will probably not have enough food and resources to live. “If I had a choice, I’d rather be shot to death than freeze over several months,” said Mowery. “It’s really the only way to reduce the population,” he said.

 While the debate continues on, so will the hunt. The department of environment for the state of New Jersey  estimates that there are about 3,400 black bears in the state. About 600 were killed in last year’s hunt, and about the same amount are expected to be killed this year as well.