NJ Forbids Young Sportsmen to Hunt !!

[Critr Gitr]

Your weekly dose of Political Correctness..... From the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance...

New Jersey Forbids Young Sportsmen to Participate in Bear Hunt,U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation Asks Judge to Overrule Decision


(Columbus) - Today, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) began informing the parents of 278 young hunters that their children will not be allowed to participate in the upcoming black bear hunt. All of the youth have bear hunting tags and have attended a half-day class to prepare for the hunt.

The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation's Sportsmen's Legal Defense Fund (SLDF) and a group of New Jersey parents and youth hunters will ask a New Jersey appellate court to stop the order.

The DEP told several parents that the prohibition was issued to prevent children from being confronted by animal rights protestors that have been threatening to disrupt the hunt.

"This action sends a terrible message to animal rights protestors," said Rob Sexton, vice president for government affairs for the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation. "It tells them that if they protest, the state will fold and cancel hunting opportunities. This will only encourage more law breaking by anti-hunters."

Sexton explained that New Jersey law prohibits the harassment of hunters.

Many parents of young sportsmen made expensive purchases for the hunt such as shotguns, two-man ladder stands and more. Such equipment costs hundreds of dollars.

The real issue, however, is the disappointment.

"My son has been looking forward to this hunt for weeks," said Gerald McCusker of Phillipsburg. "We are deeply upset with this decision."

The latest decision regarding the bear hunt follows the filing of four lawsuits by animal rights groups attempting to stop the hunt, which is scheduled for December 8 through 13.

The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation's Sportsmen's Legal Defense Fund (SLDF) is the nation's only litigation force that exclusively represents sportsmen's interests in the courts. It defends wildlife management and sportsmen's rights in local, state and federal courts. The SLDF represents the interests of sportsmen and assists government lawyers who have little or no background in wildlife law.

[dampainter]

[ 12-04-2003, 06:12 PM: Message edited by: dampainter ]

[skein]

New Jersey? How 'bout right here in Oregon!!!

Last year, the youth rabbit hunt at EE Wilson was cancelled (you guessed it) to prevent children from being confronted by animal rights protestors that have been threatening to disrupt the hunt. Not only that, there were rumors of death threats spewed by the bunnie-huggers and NO ONE (law enforcement) WENT AFTER THEM!

Actually the Mary's Peak Hound's Club, a long-time supporter of the hunt, went ahead with the event and almost everyone who had signed up ended up participating. Even the main protester, in his pink bunny suit, was invited to join them.

Bottom line is, don't think this just happens in some far-off foreign land like New Jersey.

Skein

[kamloops]

Guys, it's comming.
1st they are going to go after gun rights, than hunting, than guess what? Fishies.
Can you say NRA or Mike Moore?

Try "Comrade Moore"

I see that Moore is supporting the Socialist Party (Green Party, green on the outside and red on the inside) for mayor of San Francisco. The San Francisco Democrats, although extreme left themselves, were not radical enough for the likes of Comrades Glover, Moore and Sheen.

We need to stop the humaniacs and their anti-gun, anti-hunting and anti-consumptive use political allies, NOW!

[ 12-04-2003, 07:28 AM: Message edited by: Keta ]

[pdxkevin]

If they know that there is a group(s) planning on infringing on a legal hunters legal hunt, shouldn't they go out there and arrest them if they do interfer?

Why punish the people following the law, instead of those breaking them?

Did vira put them up to this? She like to protect the law breakers, while distupting legal business/events.

[Rip'N'Lips]

Threatened, come on... the hunters are the ones with the guns. They should make the protestors dress in bear costumes, then give them a 5-minute head start :grin: :grin: !!!!

Rip'N'Lips

R'N'L.
Not good PR and it will only help them gain more support. Take their political support away from them by voting only for candidates that will support us (both parties have members that are anti-hunting), take them to court, and run them down in public forums.

[skein]

Actually the rabid anti-gunners were beaten up pretty badly in the last election and have tempered their rhetoric somewhat. They haven't gone away or forgotten, but they do know that they can't stay in power without votes, and that the votes aren't falling to the anti's right now.

What we need to do is stay with it, and when something like this comes up, let it be known where our votes and voices are going to show up.

In fact, I think I'll call Lindsay Ball's office today and see what they have to say about this year's hunt at EE Wilson.

BTW, the Fish and Game CANNOT sponsor a hunt - that's the law. They can allow it to be held on refuge property, but only under the auspices of another organization. That's why the "hunt" is now called a "small-game clinic" in the regs.

Skein

[Critr Gitr]

Originally posted by skein:
Actually the rabid anti-gunners were beaten up pretty badly in the last election and have tempered their rhetoric somewhat. They haven't gone away or forgotten, but they do know that they can't stay in power without votes, and that the votes aren't falling to the anti's right now.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">Right on the mark SK. Noticed how they have changed tactics and are now promoting anti-gun issues under the auspices of firearm safety.....

I agree we have our own issues in Oregon. The Bear hunt in NJ helps to outline how widespread these issues are becoming. As evidenced below, these folks won't stop.

Anti's Attack on New Jersey Bear Hunt Moves to Federal Court

(Columbus) - In yet another attempt to derail the pending black bear hunt in New Jersey, animal rights groups have filed suit in federal court to prohibit bear hunting on federal lands that contain the highest concentration of bears in the area on which the hunt is to occur.

The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation's Sportsmen's Legal Defense Fund (SLDF) will intervene in the case to defend New Jersey hunters. The hunt is scheduled to begin December 8.

The Fund for Animals, Humane Society of the United States and the Center for Animal Protection have asked the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. to grant a restraining order prohibiting the hunt from taking place on the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which is managed by the National Park Service. The hunt is scheduled to run through December 13. According to state wildlife officials, the recreation area features some six black bears per square mile, the highest concentration of bears in New Jersey. The anti-hunting groups falsely claim the hunt would violate federal environmental laws.

"Anti-hunting groups want all Park Service land to be off limits for hunting," explained Rob Sexton, vice president for government affairs for the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation. "Hunting is permitted by law on National Recreation Areas including this one on which hunting has been occurring for many years. This is simply another ploy to stop the black bear hunt from taking place."

This latest action comes on the heels of two other lawsuits filed by anti-hunting groups trying to stop the hunt. The New Jersey Animal Rights Alliance asked the New Jersey Superior Court to grant a restraining order to stop the bear hunt. The court declined. The SORT Group (Saving Our Resources Today) asked the Superior Court to stop the hunt allegedly to prevent hunting and fishing licenses from being issued to felons. The case was dismissed.

"Three frivolous law suits in the past month must be some kind of record," commented Sexton. Clearly anti-hunting groups will try any tactic and make any false claim to stop this hunt.

The New Jersey Fish and Game Council approved the first black bear hunt in 30 years to address growing concerns about the increasing bear population. The concerns were highlighted by two bear attacks earlier in the year.

The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation's Sportsmen's Legal Defense Fund (SLDF) is the nation's only litigation force that exclusively represents sportsmen's interests in the courts. It defends wildlife management and sportsmen's rights in local, state and federal courts. The SLDF represents the interests of sportsmen and assists government lawyers who have little or no background in wildlife law.

[1pump]

Um, it said in the release that the hunt was scheduled from 12/8 to 12/13.

Don't bears hibernate in winter? :whazzup: I realize that were talking about the renowned sportsman's paradise of New Jersey, but that seems a little strange.

Bears hibernate when their food supply gets low, not by a calendar.
New Jersey has many miles of undeveloped land and the hunting there is good.


#3

[Gun Rod Bow]

Originally posted by Crit'r Git'r:

The DEP told several parents that the prohibition was issued to prevent children from being confronted by animal rights protestors that have been threatening to disrupt the hunt.

"This action sends a terrible message to animal rights protestors," said Rob Sexton, vice president for government affairs for the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation. "It tells them that if they protest, the state will fold and cancel hunting opportunities. This will only encourage more law breaking by anti-hunters."

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">[img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] Kinda like giving in to the terorrists.

We must not allow the illegal actions of those who would steal our heritage to succeed.

[Critr Gitr]

Yep - I'd think they'd be snoozing
Wonder how much mony has been spent on all this - the winners are the lawyers in any case.

Ditiditididiididid ... this just in.....

Three Court Rulings on New Jersey Bear Hunt
- Hunt Permitted on State Land
-Youth Bear Hunting Opportunities Denied
- Bear Hunt Delayed on Federal Land

(Columbus) - The Superior Court of New Jersey today ruled that hunting will be permitted on state land, but in a second ruling has barred young hunters from participating in the hunt.

New Jersey Superior Court Judges Steven LeFelt and Ariel Rodriguez denied a request by anti-hunters to prohibit the state's bear hunt from taking place on state park and forest lands. Anti's claimed the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry did not follow proper guidelines when establishing the hunt. The Sportsmen's Legal Defense Fund (SLDF), the legal arm of the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation, led the defense on behalf of the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs and sportsmen.

While the court will allow sportsmen to hunt on state park and state forest land, it ruled against the SLDF's challenge of a directive from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Division of Fish and Wildlife that prohibits children younger than 16 years old from hunting black bears. The court agreed with the SLDF that the state failed to follow proper procedures when issuing the restriction, but refused to permit youth to participate in the hunt.

"Obviously, we are pleased that the bear hunt will be permitted on state land," said Rob Sexton, U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation vice president for government affairs. "But, we are bitterly disappointed that the court would reward the threat of intimidation by anti-hunters by denying hunting opportunities to youth."

Also today, a federal court ruled to delay black bear hunting on federal land where bear numbers are high.

United States District Court Judge Reggie Walton temporarily granted a stay on the bear hunt at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area until Tuesday. Anti's filed suit claiming that the National Park Service (NPS), which manages the recreation area, did not follow proper federal guidelines when allowing the hunt to occur. The SLDF is leading the defense on behalf of the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs and sportsmen.

Judge Walton delayed the hunt to allow himself adequate time to review the arguments from both sides of the case and will make a final ruling on Tuesday.

"Although we are disappointed that the hunt has been delayed, we are confident that Judge Walton will allow the hunt to continue on the recreation area," said Sexton. "We believe that once the judge reviews the evidence, he will realize that allowing the hunt to go forward is vital to the effective management of the black bear population."

The SLDF was granted intervenor status in the federal case along with the state of New Jersey and Safari Club International.

The New Jersey Fish and Game Council approved the first black bear hunt in 30 years to address growing concerns about the increasing bear population. The concerns were highlighted by two bear attacks earlier in the year.

[Lured In]

The court agreed with the SLDF that the state failed to follow proper procedures when issuing the restriction, but refused to permit youth to participate in the hunt.

What a load of 'you know what'!!! :whazzup:

This is sets such a poor precedence for future rulings, I find it frightening. I hope they plan to take the ruling to the next higher court. [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img]

[SHOUGALNITE]

Don't register you weapons or fishing rods.

[1pump]

Well, the bear hunt is on, but after the snow dump they got in the northeast it sounds like the bears went to hibernate mode, so the whole issue might be moot.


NJ bear hunt


At least the protesters are outnumbered, with 5200 permits issued and only about 200 bear-huggers.

[ 12-08-2003, 12:35 PM: Message edited by: 1pump ]

[Critr Gitr]

FYI ( from the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation)

Controversial Bear Hunt Ends Successfully

(Columbus) - New Jersey's first black bear hunt in over thirty years ended today and accomplished its purpose - to slow the expansion of a growing bear population. The hunt was successful in spite of a rash of last minute lawsuits and other actions by animal rights groups.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Division of Fish and Wildlife reports that sportsmen took approximately 300 black bears during the week-long season, which ran December 8 through 13.

In recent weeks, anti-hunters filed lawsuits to stop the bear hunt on federal and state lands. Federal and state court rulings favored sportsmen and allowed the hunt to continue on public properties. The Sportsmen's Legal Defense Fund (SLDF), the legal arm of the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation, led the defense on behalf of the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs and individual New Jersey sportsmen.

"It took a monumental effort by sportsmen to keep this hunt in place," said Larry Lehman, president of the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs. "And as expected, the hunters also did their part in the field, responsibly and efficiently. This was a huge step in a long term plan to control the bear population for everyone's benefit."

Animal rights groups spent this last day of the hunt protesting at several areas around the state. The protests were lightly attended and basically did little to disrupt or affect the hunt's outcome.

"Keeping this season in place has been one of the more trying and difficult tasks in which we have ever been involved," said Bud Pidgeon, president of the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance. "A flood of misinformation spread by anti-hunters permeated the courts, the administration and the legislature. Only the resolve of organized sportsmen across New Jersey made this season possible. Again, sportsmen have shown they are a powerful force. Every citizen in New Jersey has benefited from their work."

The New Jersey Federation is used to fighting for New Jersey's hunting heritage and understands the importance of the help they received.

"We could not have won this fight without the help of the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance," said Lehman. "They provided the expertise and financial help that our sportsmen needed to get the job done. The bottom line is that they know how to win and can help anyone across the country get the job done."