Attack on outdoor sports continues in New Jersey (6/20/2003)

A New Jersey assembly bill would hand wildlife management authority to animal rights activists. Sportsmen's pressure, prompted by calls to action from the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance and other conservation groups, led to the withdraw of an identical senate bill and is again needed to stop the latest anti-hunting assault.

Assemblyman Reed Gusciora, D-Trenton, introduced AB 3764, a bill that would expand the New Jersey Fish and Game Council to 19 from the current 11. The Commissioner of Environmental Protection would fill one of the new positions. The other seven seats are earmarked for animal rights or environmental activists. Sportsmen members are capped at six, guaranteeing hunters and anglers a minority voice in fish and wildlife policy matters.

The measure also removes critical management authority from the director of the Division of Fish and Wildlife, and gives it to the Commissioner of Environmental Protection.

Brad Campbell, the current commissioner, frequently sides with animal rights groups over hunting issues, including the debate over whether to establish a bear-hunting season.

In 2001, sportsmen contributed $14.5 million, 80 percent of the funding, to manage fish and wildlife in New Jersey. Animal rights and environmental activists contribute nothing, but would be granted majority control over fish and wildlife policy.

The bill essentially guts the authority of the Fish and Game Council, and gives it to the Commissioner of Environmental Protection. It specifically grants the Commissioner the authority to suspend hunting seasons without a public hearing or the consent of the Fish and Game Council. All changes and decisions made by the council will have to be approved by the Commissioner as well.

Fortunately, sportsmen's pressure led Sen. Joseph Vitale, D-Woodbridge, to withdraw an identical bill, SB 2603, from consideration on June 12. New Jersey sportsmen must act now to defeat AB 3764.

Take Action! If AB 3764 passes, animal rights activists will have the power to make and set wildlife regulations in New Jersey. Sportsmen in the state should tell their legislators that AB 3764 will put successful wildlife programs at risk in New Jersey. To find your legislator, call (800) 792-8630.

CopyrightÓ  U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance- www.ussportsmen.org

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