Squirrelhunter91 Posted December 16, 2005 Report Share Posted December 16, 2005 New Jersey Black Bear Season Comes To Successful End VERNON, NJ - Approximately 280 black bears were killed by hunters during New Jersey's controversial 6-day hunting season, which ended last Saturday despite more than 100 protesters who sat waiting for hunters to emerge from the woods. The hunt ended shortly after dusk Saturday with fewer bears killed than the 328 that were taken by hunters during New Jersey's 2003 bear season, according to preliminary figures. Martin McHugh, director of the state's Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW), says with more bears out of the woods, the DFW believes it will now see a reduction in nuisance bear complaints. While McHugh refused to say whether he expected New Jersey to hold a black bear season next year, he noted the state's black bear management plan recommends hunting seasons in 2006 or 2007 and says there's no better alternative to managing the state's black bear population than a hunting season. More than 100 protesters, chanting and waving signs that read "I'd take a bullet for a bear," gathered throughout the season at Wawayanda State Park in Vernon, New Jersey, where hunters brought their bears to be weighed and inspected by DFW officials. Ten people were arrested for moving outside the permitted protest area. In what could be the largest black bear ever harvested in New Jersey, 54-year-old hunter Mark Utter shot a male bear estimated to weigh 740 pounds during the season's final day while hunting on his property near High Point Country Club. Utter says he shot the bear through both lungs after it gave him a broadside shot. The bear was 65 pounds heavier than the state's previous largest black bear, a 675-pound male that was shot during the state's 2003 hunting season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rut-Nut Posted December 16, 2005 Report Share Posted December 16, 2005 Re: New Jersey Black Bear Season Ends -- Totals Thanks for that article Squirrelhunter! I know Mark- he goes to our church. I live right accross the Delaware R. in Pa. I hadn;t heard about him and his bear until I saw your post. I called my buddy who is friends with him and he said yeah, I forgot to tell you! Couldn't imagine shooting a 700 lber! But we have some monsters in our area. 3 years ago they shot 3 over 800lb in our area including the state record of 864 right outside of Milford,Pa. I bet Marks bear was eating a lot of garbage from the country club- and or handouts from the people who like to feed them! Hope he gets it mounted- that would really make a great display for our Sportsmen's banquet at our church! Thanks again Squirrelhunter! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VtBowhunter Posted December 17, 2005 Report Share Posted December 17, 2005 Re: New Jersey Black Bear Season Ends -- Totals Imagine having to drag that beast!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rut-Nut Posted December 19, 2005 Report Share Posted December 19, 2005 Re: New Jersey Black Bear Season Ends -- Totals [ QUOTE ] Imagine having to drag that beast!!! [/ QUOTE ] You ain't kidding! My buddy said they had to roll it into a big flatbottom boat and then winched it out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkrie1357 Posted December 19, 2005 Report Share Posted December 19, 2005 Re: New Jersey Black Bear Season Ends -- Totals & I thought 475 I shot in June was Big! Keep us informed on the Green Score Skull Measurement. Tell him congrats from Iowa. Valkrie1357 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rut-Nut Posted December 19, 2005 Report Share Posted December 19, 2005 Re: New Jersey Black Bear Season Ends -- Totals [ QUOTE ] & I thought 475 I shot in June was Big! Keep us informed on the Green Score Skull Measurement. Tell him congrats from Iowa. Valkrie1357 [/ QUOTE ] Will do! I don;t know what it scores, but from the picture, it is BIG!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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