(38th LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT) – Assemblywoman Connie Wagner (D-Bergen) released the following statement today following the state appellate court ruling allowing next week’s bear hunt in New Jersey to take place:
“The debate over New Jersey’s bear hunt, at least for this year, is likely over.
“A state appeals court ruled today that the hunt typically held in December will continue, despite the efforts of animal protection groups that sought to stop it. I am disappointed in the ruling, but I accept it.
“I’m by no means advocating the bear hunt, but if the courts, which have the final say, are going to allow this practice to continue in New Jersey, then let’s raise the permit fee.
“I’m currently sponsoring a bill that would raise the permit fee from $2 to $5 for state residents, and make the new fee for out-of-state residents $15. Despite which side of the debate you are on, in a time when our towns are struggling to balance their budgets, this is a reasonable thing to do to allow people to hunt bears.”