On Thursday, June 14 the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee approved A3275 by a 5-2 vote and it now heads to the full Assembly. This bill seeks to drastically change the membership of the Fish & Game Council from six sportsmen and three farmers -- who represent various geographical regions of the state -- to seven political appointees recommended by the Governor. The current system has served New Jersey and its sportsmen well for over a half-century. There is no justification for this dramatic change of course.
Thanks to your calls, emails, and the presence of sportsmen concerned about the hunting heritage of New Jersey, the members of the committee pledged to work with sportsmen in the future on amending A3275.
“Animal rights” extremists testifying in support of A3275 derided hunting as a “15th century” means to wildlife management and touted this legislation as a “21st century” tool for wildlife management. They also expressed their desire to rid the Fish & Game Council of anyone with a “hunter driven background.”
New Jersey sportsmen and anyone concerned about the hunting heritage of the Garden State is urged to contact his or her State Assembly member at (800) 792-8630 and respectfully urge him or her to vigorously oppose this anti-hunting legislation.
Voted YES on A3275:
Assemblyman John McKeon (D-27), Chairman
Assemblyman Robert Gordon (D-38), Vice-Chairman
Assemblyman Joseph Cryan (D-20)
Assemblyman Louis Manzo (D-31)
Assemblyman Michael Panter (D-12)
Voted NO on A3275:
Assemblyman Larry Chatzidakis (R-8)
Assemblyman John Rooney (R-39)
To find further contact information or help identifying your legislators
please use the "Write Your Representative" feature found at www.NRAILA.org.