Kansas City – Hunter Nation, the country’s fastest-growing hunting organization dedicated to protecting and defending the rights of hunters in all 50 states, called today for immediate action to restore black bear hunting in the state of New Jersey. The group’s call follows a move by the state’s Department of Environmental Protection to suspend the state’s long-awaited hunt as anti-hunting groups were granted an emergency stay by a state appellate court.

“Delaying this hunt is inappropriate and unnecessary,” says Hunter Nation founder Keith Mark. “The black bear hunt has won support from both sides of the aisle as a science-based way to manage wildlife, As a policy approved by the governor to help keep the public safe, a delay in this hunt is disappointing and simply dangerous.”

The hunt had initially been opposed by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D). However, citing an increase in incidents involving humans and bears as well as record level sightings of black bears within the state, Murphy recently changed his position and in November ordered the state to proceed with the hunt.

Approved unanimously by an independent panel of the New Jersey Fish and Game Council, the black bear hunt was scheduled to begin on Monday, Dec. 5.