NJ man fighting illegal hunting charges, says he killed bears in self-defense (VIDEO)

One man is involved in a court battle with the state of New Jersey over three bears he shot and killed outside of his Sparta home last October.

The state Fish and Wildlife cited Robert Ehling for hunting out of season and hunting near a residential home and issued him four court summonses, each carrying a $100 fine. Ehling claims he wasn’t hunting, but rather protecting his home and his family from the 300-pound beasts.

“I wasn’t hunting,” Ehling told reporters. “It was going to come in to my house. That was a big animal — you’ll see the pictures.”

The bears were called to his attention early one morning when his wife found one trying to get in through the deck door leading into the kitchen and screamed. Ehling grabbed his shotgun and shot the first bear, who subsequently fell over the railing to the ground below.

Ehling then walked over to the edge of the deck to look down at the animal, and that’s when he saw a second bear climbing up onto the deck and heard the third bear make a noise he described as part growl, part roar and part cry.

In the end, Ehling shot and killed all three animals, but maintains he merely acted in self-defense. The homeowner said he refuses to admit guilt for something which he did not do and has opted to fight the case whether than pay the fines. Ehling is due back in court the end of the month.

[ CBS New York ]

Read More On:

Hunting

Latest Reviews

AMT Backup .380 Review: Fun With a Retro Pocket Pistol

I’m rather fascinated with pocket guns, so when I came across this AMT Backup 380 in Guns.com's Certified Used stockpile, I had to give it a try. It's an interesting and affordable retro pistol.
Read More
Winchester Model 100 in .243 Win Stands the Test of Time

Every now and then I happen upon a neat little rifle I’ve never heard of, like this Winchester Model 100. Let's see if this mid-century deer hunter chambered in .243 Winchester still has what it takes.
Read More
Palm Full of Parabellum: A Review of the 9mm Bond Arms Stubby

Texas-based Bond Arms, the country's go-to maker of double-barreled derringer-style handguns in usable calibers, recently introduced an ultra-compact new 9mm-- the aptly named Stubby.
Read More
.243 Winchester: Spicy Short-Action Cartridge with Staying Power

The short-action .243 Winchester is a long-lasting, incredibly versatile chambering, but is it still relevant in a world of newer 6mm cartridges? Let's dig in and find out.
Read More

revolver barrel loading graphic

Loading