(AP) - Three bear hunters in New Jersey want hunt opponents to put their money where their mouths are.

The hunters say they'll destroy their hunting licenses if opponents pay them $500 each. The proceeds will be donated to a food pantry and an animal shelter.

Michael Bush of Mountain Mike's Sports Shop in Sussex County posted the challenge on Facebook. Bush tells NJ.com he wants to see how much people care about the bears.

State Sierra Club director Jeff Tittel says it sounds like they're trying to ransom the bears and are trying to discredit the people who oppose the hunt.

Officials are extending New Jersey's bear hunt because this year's harvest fell short with hunters bagging 382 black bears during both segments of the 12-day hunt, which ended Saturday.