Opponents to Nevada bear hunting appeal state’s decision
By Jeff Delong, Reno Gazette-Journal
Determined to stop Nevada’s first black bear hunt in its tracks, organized opponents are appealing a regulation allowing the hunt passed by the Nevada Wildlife Commission last December.
Commissioners are tentatively scheduled to consider the appeal when they meet in Reno May 12.
The administrative appeal filed by the nonprofit group NoBearHuntNV.org attempts to invalidate the hunt on the basis the Nevada Department of Wildlife and the Wildlife Commission failed to meet minimal public noticing and information requirements and failed to consider potential economic impacts to Lake Tahoe businesses.
The decision is also being challenged on the grounds it failed to provide an adequate wildlife management justification for the hunt and failed to properly employ science in estimating Nevada’s bear population.
Critics of the hunt, slated to begin in August, remain incensed.