New Jersey’s first bear hunt since 2020 started Tuesday, a day later than planned, after a state appeals court ruling lifted an emergency stay and rejected arguments by animal rights groups seeking to block the hunt.
“Initially, we are not convinced appellants’ right to due process was violated under the Administrative Procedures Act,” the appellate court wrote. The animal rights groups “acknowledge they attended the public meeting and provided comment.”
A notice posted on the state Fish and Wildlife website declared the hunt open Tuesday afternoon with check stations open from 4 to 7 p.m. for hunters to register killed bears.