Despite the fact that the number of hunters in New Jersey is only 1 percent of the population over 16 years of age, as reported by ABC News on Sept. 2, 2007, hunting has escalated into a booming business.
Over 100 years ago, the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife’s purpose and priorities were wildlife and habitat preservation. But these standards have sadly sunken to an all-time low.
Using what I believe to be corrupt and underhanded tactics, 11 members of the Fish and Game Council, all hunters, together with the Division of Fish and Wildlife, rule wildlife with an iron hand. They have provided trapping and sport hunting on our wildlife refuges and private properties. Animals are purposely bred to encourage more hunting. There is no safe haven for New Jersey’s wildlife.
The civil society of New Jersey is crying out for change, and Assemblyman Mike Panter has sponsored Assembly bill A- 3275, which would allow a diversified and unbiased seven-member council, who would not have direct financial interest in wildlife, to be appointed by the governor. This would result in less-expensive, equal representation for the 99 percent of the public who are nonhunters.
Please call or write to your two Assembly people and district senator for their support and urge them to co-sponsor A-3275.
The last thing New Jersey needs is more dead animals. What we do need is intelligence and sanity to emerge with the realization that arrows, bullets or net-and-bolt are not a civilized and honest, beneficial solution for the stewardship of wildlife in our state.
Betty Rand
Millburn