The Finley: Why Won’t Governor Phil Murphy Cancel The New Jersey Bear Hunt?

Angi Metler and Doreen Frega of the Animal Protection League of New Jersey talk about the campaign to persuade Gov. Phil Murphy to stop this trophy hunt.

The Finley is The Monroe Gazette’s listener supported podcast, covering New York State politics, local news, and more. Subscribe with your favorite podcast player by clicking or tapping here.

Key Takeaways From This Week’s Episode

• The NJ Bear hunt is contested: The Animal Protection League of New Jersey and other activists argue New Jersey’s annual bear hunt is a trophy hunt, not a population-control measure. The APL has repeatedly pressured governors to stop it via executive action and public outreach.

• Human behavior drives human-bear conflict: Securing garbage, removing bird feeders and fallen fruit, using bear‑resistant containers, and practicing aversive conditioning are the primary, effective ways to reduce bear encounters. Additional information can be found on the APL’s website here.

• Public opposition and outreach matter: Many New Jersey residents oppose the hunt; grassroots education, tabling, billboards and protests aim to maintain public awareness and political pressure to put a…