nters try to shoot any and every bear they see, trained professionals kill the bears that they see as causing problems in a populated area. Black bears, once rarely aggressive, are growing bolder, from simply mauling trashcans to killing pets and livestock. This year, the number of complaints of property damage is 157, the number of home entry complaints is 26, the number of livestock killings is 21, the number of beehives destroyed is 13, the number of domestic pet rabbit killings is 10, and the number of complaints of pet dog attacks is 7. In addition, more than 30 vehicle strikes are occurring between humans and bears. New Jerseyans have the right to want to protect themselves, children, pets, livestock, and property against bears. A proposed bear hunt of sharp shooters would reduce the number of black bears by up to 75% over a three year time period, from more than 1,000 down to 250. The effects of a professional bear hunt would not only resulting dramatic, immediate results, but would prove to be safer, more efficient, and much lower in cost compared with several other options. As opposed to a regular hunt where any licensed hunter of any juvenile accompanied by a licensed adult can participate, the sharp-shooter hunt would only be available to a select group of hired hunters, after passing safety courses. This hunt would not only reduce the risk of incidental injuries obtained by inexperienced hunters, but would also lessen the cruelty towards the bears. Having excellent aim and precise knowledge of bear hunting, the sharp-shooter could kill each bear quickly and painlessly with one bullet rather than injuring the bear first and tracking it down to complete the drawn-out kill. The efficiency with which the professional hunters work, could complete the hunt with several days, therefore causing less of a disruption in the community. Many communities would experience a great abundance of recreational hunters if a legalized...
