Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy and his Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli hit the campaign trail in northern New Jersey on Thursday. They each had two very different economic philosophies and got into a debate over the state’s bear hunt.

“As governor, I’ll provide you with opportunity. You hold up your end of the bargain – you work hard, everything’s going to work out just fine – for the state and for you,” Ciattarelli said.

The former state assemblyman pitched the idea of small government, small business success in campaign stops in Bergen and Passaic counties.

“The conservative belief is the more money we put in your pocket, the better for the economy and the better for society. But most importantly, the better for you,” Ciattarelli said.

Ciattarelli began with a picnic table discussion with Ramapo College students at a Mahwah park and then continued with a visit to the Ho-Ho-Kus Trade and Science School in Paterson.

“You have my word that state government will do all that if need to do to make sure this institution continues to achieve all of its goals and thrives,” he said.

Meanwhile, Gov. Murphy highlighted a Berkeley Heights groundbreaking where a financial tech company is bringing 2,000 new jobs and retaining more than 1,000 jobs thanks to a $109 million state tax credit.

“We know companies don’t want a place that just provides good value for money in their investment, which they do, but which also stays true to the values that their employees hold,” Murphy said. “Being pro-growth and being progressive are not either/or scenarios.”

During a Q&A, the governor responded to comments from Ciattarelli moments earlier that the Republican would bring back the state's bear hunt.

“The science and the biology says the most humane thing is to thin the herd. And bear hunting is part of a cultural, family tradition,” Ciattarelli said.

“The bear hunt will not come back as long as I’m governor,” Murphy responded.

With polls narrowing, the two candidates have barely three weeks until early voting. Early, in-person voting begins on Saturday, Oct. 23. Election Day is Nov. 2.