New Jersey Commissioner Jeopardizes $2 million in Pittman-Robertson Funds.

New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bradley Campbell may just have cost his state far more than a 2004 black bear season. SCI learned today that Commissioner Campbell may have also lost his state about $2,000,000 in Pittman-Robertson Funds. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has informed New Jersey's Division of Fish and Wildlife that the FWS considers Commissioner Campbell's refusal to allow the state's upcoming black bear hunt a "diversion of funds." The Federal Assistance Division of the FWS is preparing to recommend to the FWS Director that New Jersey be declared ineligible to receive the funding the state expected to receive under the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program (aka Pittman-Robertson).

Commissioner Campbell got over ruled in court. As of tonight, the bear hunt will take place. According to Yahoo news:
"By TOM BELL, Associated Press Writer

TRENTON, N.J. - A state appeals panel on Tuesday struck down an attempt by New Jersey's environmental chief to block a six-day bear hunt.

The three-judge panel ruled that Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bradley Campbell does not have the authority to stop the state Fish and Game Council from issuing permits for the bear season, slated to begin Dec. 6.

Campbell said he will appeal the ruling to the state Supreme Court.

The state revived bear hunting last year for the first time in 33 years to thin the bear population.

Campbell supported the hunt at the time, but said this year that the state can now better manage the bear population with contraception and by educating residents in northwest New Jersey, where most of the state's bears are.

After Campbell denied thousands of permits, two sportsmen's organizations and three hunters sued, claiming Campbell exceeded his authority. William P. Horn, a lawyer representing the hunters, said Campbell "tried to trump up and concoct this authority he didn't have."

The appeals division of the Superior Court of New Jersey agreed.

"We conclude that the commissioner lacks authority to subvert the council's authorization of hunt by such a directive," the ruling said.

Campbell was ordered to complete the processing of all bear hunting permits by Dec. 2. He said he would comply, so the hunt can take place if his appeal fails."

Commissioner Campbell got over ruled in court. As of tonight, the bear hunt will take place. According to Yahoo news:
"By TOM BELL, Associated Press Writer

TRENTON, N.J. - A state appeals panel on Tuesday struck down an attempt by New Jersey's environmental chief to block a six-day bear hunt.

The three-judge panel ruled that Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bradley Campbell does not have the authority to stop the state Fish and Game Council from issuing permits for the bear season, slated to begin Dec. 6.

Campbell said he will appeal the ruling to the state Supreme Court.

The state revived bear hunting last year for the first time in 33 years to thin the bear population.

Campbell supported the hunt at the time, but said this year that the state can now better manage the bear population with contraception and by educating residents in northwest New Jersey, where most of the state's bears are.

After Campbell denied thousands of permits, two sportsmen's organizations and three hunters sued, claiming Campbell exceeded his authority. William P. Horn, a lawyer representing the hunters, said Campbell "tried to trump up and concoct this authority he didn't have."

The appeals division of the Superior Court of New Jersey agreed.

"We conclude that the commissioner lacks authority to subvert the council's authorization of hunt by such a directive," the ruling said.

Campbell was ordered to complete the processing of all bear hunting permits by Dec. 2. He said he would comply, so the hunt can take place if his appeal fails."


The hunt was cancelled; the NJ Supreme court granted Campbells appeal. Good thing they did this only 5 days before the hunt while I was away hunting in PA.
Ignorance of the law is no excuse... Could you imagine if I tried to show up to check a bear at the checking station? Thank God my wife heard about the cancellation of the season before I headed out to hunt. whizzum

I heard on the radio news today that New Jersey's bear hunt has ended (yesterday?) and the take was 280 bears I think. And, the news also reported that there was the usual cadre of anti-hunters/protesters out mucking things up.

Congrats to all the successful hunters!