2/4/10

The New Jersey Fish and Game Council (FGC) is putting the finishing touches on a new bear management policy that would include black bear hunting.

The new management plan is to be heard at the February 9 meeting of the FGC being held at the Central Region Office in the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area in Robbinsville. According to one of its main authors, Council Member Len Wolgast, the plan would allow for a bear hunt to take place this fall.

If passed, the plan must then go to the acting Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for final approval.

In 2006, former DEP Commissioner Lisa Jackson, an appointee of then Gov. John Corzine, arbitrarily cancelled the state’s bear hunt. In response, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation (USSAF), along with Safari Club International and the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs filed a lawsuit against the state to challenge the former Commissioner’s decision to stop the bear hunt. That November, the state Supreme Court refused to consider an emergency injunction that would have compelled the Commissioner to proceed with the 2006 hunt.

In subsequent years, the DEP continued refusing to authorize a bear hunt despite mounting evidence of increased human-bear interactions and multiple calls by state legislators to bring it back.

\”We firmly believe that science should be the foundation of New Jersey’s bear management policy and that’s why we’ve fought so hard to protect the hunt in the past,\” said Bud Pidgeon, USSAF president and CEO. \”We hope that the Fish and Game Council will recognize the importance of bear hunting as a management tool and reinstate the bear hunt.\”

Take Action! New Jersey sportsmen are encouraged to attend the Fish and Game Council meeting on February 9th to voice their support for the bear management policy. Those unable to attend Tuesday’s hearing can submit written comments to the FGC at P.O. Box 400, Trenton, NJ 08625.

Pet Tip of the Week

By Dawn Watson

\”Fido is great except for nipping, barking, trash-picking, digging, pooping in the house..\” What these folks don’t realize is

that Fido can learn to act in a more socially acceptable manner in a matter of a couple of hours of class or a session or two with a good trainer. Good training can mean the difference between a stress-filled household of snarling adults and crying kids and a Norman Rockwell-like scene of good ol’ Fidey playing with the children while Mother looks on approvingly over her darning needles.

An animal behaviorist or consultant can also be contacted if your dog seems to have some unacceptable personality quirks. He or she can recommend a course of action while providing insight into why the dog is behaving that way. This reassurance can mean the difference between a dog living a happy life in a forever home and one that is returned to a shelter.

A responsible trainer will tell you that physical punishment of any kind will not only damage the trust your dog has in you but may even make the behavior worse. If you speak with a professional that recommends shock collars, pinch collars, choke chains or any other harsh method get your dog out of there immediately: these methods are outdated and downright cruel!

Next week’s topic will be entitled; I Love My Dog—and My Partner HATES Him! As always, Cleary’s notebook encourages dialogue so your comments are welcome!

Wado, udohiyu, (thank you very much, in the Cherokee language)

Dawn Watson

Brother of the Wolf, LLC

700 Market St, Gloucester City NJ 08030

Dominic Formelio previously ran a Philly Pretzel store in Blackwood. His friend, Mario presented the opportunity for Dominic to operate the Gloucester store and he accepted the offer.

According to legend, the pretzel was first formed by an Italian or French monk who twisted the dough into the shape of crossed arms and baked the beginning of a favorite snack.

At one time there was even a Pretzel Museum in the historic section of Philadelphia, which is now closed. There is no need to travel to Philadelphia for the pretzels that can be sprinkled with toppings such as garlic, sesame and poppy seed. A Deitz & Watson hotdog with American cheese wrapped in pretzel dough tastes great right here in Gloucester City.

Cinnamon pretzels are a favorite, according to Dominic, who single-handedly shapes all