Trenton (Nov. 22, 2004) - The fate of the 2004 bear hunting season rests in the hands of New Jersey’s highest court.

The State Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments on a case to determine whether Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley Campbell has veto power over the state’s Fish and Game Council. The hearing is scheduled for Monday, November 29 at 9:15 a.m.

A three-judge appellate court ruled unanimously on November 16 that Commissioner Campbell overstepped his authority when he refused to issue permits for a bear hunting season, which was approved by the New Jersey Fish and Game Council. The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation (USSAF) and the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs filed suit in response.

The sportsmen’s groups successfully convinced the appeals court that the Council’s authority to set hunting seasons is not subject to veto by the DEP. In response, Campbell appealed to the state Supreme Court, asking that it stop the hunt, and overturn the Appellate Court’s ruling.

“We feel strongly that the court will uphold the hunt,” said Rob Sexton, USSAF vice president for government affairs. “We’re not surprised Campbell is still attacking sportsmen. He is obsessed with gaining power over the Fish and Game Council and trampling the rights of hunters in the process.

“His private war against sportsmen is costing taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars. In the meantime, there are still too many bears, and children continue to be attacked,” said Sexton.

In the latest incident, two Boy Scouts were attacked by bears in Blairstown, New Jersey on October 13. One of the boys was bitten several times, and both received rabies shots. DEP officials issued a report about the attack six days later.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation and its work, call (614) 888-4868 or visit its website, www.ussportsmen.org.