Attention NJ Outdoors Men! Action Alert!

[Michael R Braun]

please take action now. please read and forward this info to your fellow outdoors men in and out for the state of NJ.  

Ladies and Gentlemen

I have here  a bill that could and most likely change the size, scope and political loyalties and , as opponents claim, lead to a direct attack on hunting and fishing in the state of NJ.

Bill (A3275), and the senate companion,(S 2041), were introduced a year ago and a few weeks back be for the Environment and solid waste Committee will be its first airing in the legislature.

The Bill reduces the size of the fish and game council from 11 members to 7; changes the name of the council to fish and game council; and eliminates some language while giving the council new authority.

"This is a very bad Bill", said George P Howard of the NJ state Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs in an e-mail sent to sportsmen across the state. The Bill, he said " would change the way wildlife has been managed in NJ for the last 100 years and totally politicize the management of fish and wildlife in our state.

This proposal is said to be a direct attack on sport hunting and fishing and the use of wildlife by NJ anti-fishing, hunting, and animal use zealots and must be defeated immediately.

This bill was introduced as the political battle over a possible bear hunt was heating up last year, the bill replaces the 11 member on council with 7 body members appointed by the governor with advise and consent of the senate.

This council is in charge of going over the rules and regulations of what species may be hunted or fished, and when, based on scientific studies. The council is also in charge of oversight of the Division of fish and wildlife.

The current make-up requires a balance from across the state, with a farmer and two sportsmen from each of the three regions. the other two members in clued the chair of the endangered and non-game species council and an expert in land use management and soil conservation.

Sussex County is grouped with neighboring Passaic, Morris and Warren counties in the seven-county northern district.

The only requirement of the  proposed new members is that they have " knowledge of and interest in the conservation of fish and wildlife, and not have any direct personal financial interest which might be expected to impair their judgment on the matters be for the council.

The biggest changes, however, are in language. Gone are " public recreation and food supply" as reasons for establishing hunts. Instead, the council's code is the purpose of providing a properly managed and balanced system.

Added to the duties of the council are provision to investigate " the use of non-lethal alternatives of dealing with wildlife conflicts, exploring eco-tourism opportunities to promote the state's diverse wildlife; and pursuing opportunities to preserve land for wildlife habitat.

The fact that the bill is coming up now, a year after introduction, is an indication of the political battle lines being drawn. "when you see a bill to make a council a bunch of political appointments, it's a sure sign the governor does not like what's happening".

Last year despite a report from fish and game council that a bear hunt should be held, Gov. Jon Corzine said he opposed a hunt and department of environmental protection Commissioner Lisa Jackson canceled the hunt.

That action, and other legal questions over a bear hunt are still pending the state's supreme court.
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PLEASE GO TO
the NJ state website and e-mail your assembly member and senator that you opposed to these Bills. If you need a link please contact me.

Also ladies your vote counts as 5. The more women  writing the better! Another plus are hand written letters then email.  I would not mail once and let it go, respond to these bills  often until it is squashed.

Sincerely
Michael R Braun