The black bear comment period opened on May 18, 2015. As reported by most newspapers, the bear hunt has been drastically expanded. Our attorneys and advisers are reviewing the 167-page document, but our members, friends and supporters can take action now and get involved to help. We know how frustrating and upsetting it is to be ignored by the Christie administration and no matter what we do, the bear hunt goes on. Please remember that three governors stopped bear hunts in the past. If we can show increased support for bears, future governors can take action to stop the hunt. Just so you know. . . Reporters have told us the state says the bears have lost the support they once had. We know this isn't true, but again, the only way we can show it, is for bear supporters to send in comments. We've made it easy to do that. See below. Submit comments by July 17, 2015 electronically at the following link. (Please note that once you've submitted comments through the link below, there is no need to do so again.) http://www.nj.gov/dep/rules/comments/ Instructions: •Fill in the required boxes. •At "Select Rulemaking from the list," scroll to "DEP Dkt. No. 04-15-04, Game Code NJAC 7:25-5.6 and 5.24 Black Bear" •Type your comments in the field. You can use the wording below as a basis for your comments, or use your own words, at the beginning, or end. Suggested Comments: I am writing to register my opposition to the entire proposed 2015 Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy (CBBMP) and its extension to seven years. New Jersey's bear hunts are entirely recreational and have no impact whatsoever in reducing human/bear interactions as stated in the CBBMP. Nonlethal means of reducing human/bear encounters are the only effective solution. However, I cannot support the CBBMP's nonlethal components because they have never been implemented in any serious manner by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. I cannot support the state's category system, which sensationalizes normal black bear behavior, often resulting in the death of bears. Furthermore, I support the development of Bear Smart Communities as described in Bear Smart bills (A4017/S687). Help us reach more people by sharing this e-mail with friends, co-workers, and family. Thank you for helping NJ Black Bears. They need your voice now. Kimberly - NJ Bear Group Volunteer http://www.savenjbears.com/ http://www.bearsmartnj.org/