http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/index.htmlHot News!enwebmaster@njsfsc.orgCopyrights as stated in article2007-11-28T17:00:49-05:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:47:12 -0400webmaster@njsfsc.orgHome2007-11-28T17:00:49-05:00http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/press/press/files/12d2daedf704e9732c82a454500eb810-16.html#unique-entry-id-16http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/press/press/files/12d2daedf704e9732c82a454500eb810-16.html#unique-entry-id-16
"We don't want to be just a political entity," said Mauro. "While the political aspect helps us promote outdoors-friendly legislators, we also want to be a conservation-oriented organization. We want to educate people."

The NJOA had its first strategy meeting about two weeks ago. One of the topics was how the PAC can broaden its presence.

"Part of the discussion centered on creating a council representing the interests of hunters, anglers and trappers," said Mauro in a progress report sent to those interested in the NJOA. "We are in the process of forming a council to address issues and legislation that affect hunting, fishing and trapping. Part of the discussion was in determining the individuals that should be added to the council that represent trout fishing, bass fishing, trapping and conservation interests."

Another meeting of NJOA officers is scheduled for today. They will be discussing the formation of committees. One proposed committee would "address membership issues" and another would work toward another NJOA goal: A state constitutional amendment guaranteeing residents the right to hunt, fish and trap.

The NJOA is also wrestling with how it wants to support shooting, said Mauro.

"We're forming a council that will be composed of individuals representing anglers, clubs, organizations, hunters and trappers and we are currently looking at shooters too," he said. "When it comes to shooting, we want to keep it related to hunting only. We don't see ourselves as being a second-amendment organization (a battle being fought by the National Rifle Association). We want to limit it -- whether it's using a bow and arrow or a shotgun or a muzzleloader -- to the issues that affect hunting."

A big challenge for Mauro and his NJOA colleagues is convincing sportsmen about the organization's roles and powers.

"At first, people thought we were just another club," said Mauro. "We don't compete with them. Our mission is different. We are a non-profit, New Jersey corporation, but we can spend money on campaigns to help politicians become re-elected. We can be a political entity. We can get behind a particular bill and support a particular politician."

Mauro said the NJOA has raised about $35,000. It hopes to build a much larger war chest, since -- when it comes to politics in New Jersey -- sportsmen are never really out of the woods.

Fred J. Aun covers the outdoors for The Star-Ledger. He may be reached at outdoors@starledger.com

http://www.nj.com/outdoors/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/119622916554690.xml&coll=1

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This Saturday, Nov. 10, small game hunters will venture into New Jersey woods and fields as the 2007 Small Game Season opens. At that time bobwhite quail, coyote, fox, grouse, pheasant, chucker, rabbit, jackrabbit and squirrel will become legal game.

Some of these animals have already come into season, but will continue through the small game season. In most cases, the hunting hours are from sunrise to one hour after sunset. In addition, the quail season has been divided into two areas with corresponding dates.

As ever, be sure to consult the 2007 Hunting and Trapping issue of the New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Digest, available free wherever hunting licenses are sold. It contains all the hunting dates, bag limits and a listing of the many special variances that are applied to many of the seasons.

Keep in mind that when hunting for pheasants and quail, a special pheasant and quail stamp is necessary when using the many Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) throughout New Jersey.

According to the N.J. Division of Fish & Wildlife, it will have put out in excess of 60,000 pheasants and also released 11,000 quail on selected WMAs. It is essential that hunters refrain from hunting or carry a loaded firearm or cocked bow and arrow within the safety zone of 450 feet from a building or school playground, even if not occupied.

In addition, firearm hunters must wear a cap made of solid daylight fluorescent orange or an outer garment containing at least 200 square inches of the fluorescent orange material visible from all sides.

The Raccoon Creek Boat Club on Island Road in Bridgeport, N.J. will be holding a Coast Guard boaters safety course. The date is Sunday, Dec. 9 and the time is 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. This is the eight hour mandatory N.J. safety course. Treasurer Vince Dwyer tells me that limited seating is still available. The coast is $60 per person and interested boaters should contact Vince Dwyer at 856-297-8624 or Wayne Fisher at 856-467-2936.

You may purchase breakfast and lunch or bring your own. Attendance will be by advance reservation only with payment. Make checks payable to the Raccoon Creek Boat Club.

As of Tuesday, Nov. 6, the Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Tournament had the 961 registered anglers inking in a total of 57 striped bass and 249 bluefish. There's been a better ratio of bass to bluefish, but unless there is a real blitz of stripers during the latter part of this week or during next week's last gasp of the tournament, the bluefish will have greatly overpopulated the contest by a great margin. Bunker was undoubtedly the favorite bait and the catches were scattered throughout the island.

Stripers are turning on in Delaware Bay and all that is needed is some decent weather to get to them. After postponing the Sportsman's Cove Marina's Striper Tournament from the previous week, it looked as if last weekend would be a washout as well. Saturday was a windstorm, but Sunday was just fishable.

The 37 boats that participated weighed-in a total of 14 stripers with the following declared the winners.

First, Mel Coombs (42-1/2 pounds). The next three winners all put 28 pounders on the scales Denny Smith, Kenny Mack and Joe Musso. Fifth place went to Ben Jones for his 26-1/2 pounder. Other good bass reports came from the Port Norris Marina, where several nice stripers were put on their scales.

This weekend will see the Bay Point/Toadfish Derby. Hopefully decent weather will greet the fishermen.

]]>webmaster@njsfsc.orgHome2007-11-04T10:51:01-05:00http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/press/press/files/985a1db26c5e3bf89740a7c17dcd7f45-15.html#unique-entry-id-15http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/press/press/files/985a1db26c5e3bf89740a7c17dcd7f45-15.html#unique-entry-id-15
Several speakers at the N.J. Outdoor Alliance event said the two sponsors of bills to destroy the Fish and Game Council and remove "food and recreation" from hunting and fishing regulations finally got the attention of formerly lethargic hunters and anglers, who filled five acres of parking at the Clarksburg Inn.

The 500 conservationists from throughout the state heard Assemblymen (and women), Senate and Assembly candidates and leaders of hunting, shooting, fishing and trapping organizations warn what to expect if the 11-member Council was replaced by a council of Governor Corzine's political appointees, and fish and wildlife management would be big on "nonlethal," without fish and game being considered food and recreation.

If you weren't there, you wouldn't have read about that in the next day's editions of the two newspapers (Star Ledger and Asbury Park Press) that covered the event. The legislators who spoke were not mentioned in their stories, but an antihunting assemblyman who wasn't there was quoted. Typical. Seventy-five antis held a rally the day before, had three photos and a story in the Sunday Monmouth paper.

Reporters didn't write that legislators from the Senate and Assembly said they would introduce a constitutional amendment at the Nov. 8 quorum call to protect our rights to hunt and fish, which is what at least 30 states have done. The rally was a success. Now the real test is whether hunters, anglers and others in the 12th District can unseat the two incumbents who want to kill the Council.

Antihunters failed when they attempted before to control the Council and stop hunting, said Jim Hutchinson, executive editor of "The Fisherman," even though hunting and fishing brings millions of dollars to the state's General Fund and hunting and fishing licenses and permits contribute $12-million annually while antihunters contribute nothing to conservation. He's right. All they do is complain, look for donations and members.

Tom Fote of the Jersey Coast Anglers Assn. told of being at a children's fishing contest when PETA demonstrators dressed like fish told the kids fishing was cruel. Assemblyman Joseph Malone said hunters and anglers shouldn't be made scapegoats by people who don't like hunting and fishing, and Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck asked who would "pick up the tab" if hunters didn't take 60,000 deer annually.
]]>webmaster@njsfsc.orgHome2007-11-01T13:33:19-04:00http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/press/press/files/06ee24862b4a8a4c6cd13146e0c35356-13.html#unique-entry-id-13http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/press/press/files/06ee24862b4a8a4c6cd13146e0c35356-13.html#unique-entry-id-13
The legislation also would drop the goal of managing wildlife and fish for public recreation and food supply, in favor of a call for a "balanced system." But the term isn't defined, which leaves a lot of room for mischief.

Finally, the bill would broaden the council's duties by requiring it to consider nondeadly alternatives for controlling wildlife. This poses practi cal problems. The council, a semi-autonomous body, has no power to order state biologists to study anything and no money or staff to perform its own studies.

Hunters are convinced these changes will start the state on the road to banning all hunting and fishing. That's a bit paranoid. But the opposition is hav ing an impact. Panter now says he is willing to include a re quirement for some sportsman representation, possibly enlarg ing the panel, and to make other changes.

The New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs and Panter say they want to talk about concerns over the bills. Yet each side says it hasn't heard from the other, so no meeting has been held.

This is silly, especially since the federation has been open to expanding the Fish and Game Council, perhaps to include the Audubon Society or other groups with an interest in wildlife. Someone needs to pick up the phone and set a date.

But if the issue is whether hunting or fishing is a valid activity and sport or merely a cruel anachronism from another era, the Fish and Game Council is not the appropriate place for that debate. That is a question for the full Legislature.

In the meantime, so long as hunting and fishing are legal, the state would probably benefit from taking politics out of the equation. Why not leave decisions about season and bag limits to professional biologists at the state Department of Environmental Protection?

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The members would be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The bill would also expand and revise the responsibilities of the council to include investigating the use of nonlethal alternatives for dealing with wildlife conflicts and exploring eco-tourism opportunities to promote the state's diverse wildlife.

Supporters argue that change is necessary to produce a balance on the council. Under current law, at least six members must be sportsmen, three must be farmers and two commercial fishermen.

Anthony P. Mauro Sr. is chairman of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance, the political action group that sponsored the rally attended by approximately 800 men, women and children.

"The bills would change the composition of Fish and Game Council, which will compromise their ability to set codes for freshwater fishing, hunting and trapping," Mauro said.

If the bills are passed, Mauro said, it would be "catastrophic" for the entire state because of the billions on dollars in revenue excess from hunters, anglers, trappers, shooters and many businesses that cater to these groups. The change would take away recreational and food sources for many people, he said.

David Bernard, 47, of Buena in Atlantic County called the reform bill "absolutely crazy. It would totally take away our rights. People have been hunting and fishing for thousands and thousands of years. And just because these people come in, and they don't think that it's in vogue right now, why should they try to take it away from the people who have been enjoying it for years and years?"

Neptune resident Peter Longo has been fishing since he was a boy. He said for the past 60 years, hunting and fishing laws have been based on scientific research and information.

"Now, there seems there is a movement to have emotional feelings dictate the laws and regulations, and it doesn't make sense," the 48-year-old said.

Past president of the Traditional Archers of New Jersey, Philip Muller, referred to the change as an "attempt to undermine the Fish and Game Council and a way to take the rights away from hunters and fishermen. We are here today to show that that's not going to stand."

http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071029/NEWS01/710290380/1004

]]>webmaster@njsfsc.orgHome2007-10-19T08:13:56-04:00http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/press/press/files/f3e272c7dc63704ca1711a54fbbe1788-11.html#unique-entry-id-11http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/press/press/files/f3e272c7dc63704ca1711a54fbbe1788-11.html#unique-entry-id-11
So that section would now read as follows: "32. For the purpose of providing a properly managed and balanced system of protection, propagation, control and conservation of freshwater fish, game birds, game animals and fur-bearing animals in this State, the council is hereby authorized and empowered to determin under what circumstances, when and in what localities, by what means and in what amounts and numbers such freshwater fish, game birds, game animals, and fur-bearing animals, or any of them, may be pursued, taken, killed or had in possession so as to maintain an adequate and proper supply thereof, and may, after first having determined the need for such action on the basis of scientific investigation and research, adopt and from time to time amend and repeal such appropriate and reasonable regulations concerning the same, or any of them, penalties for the violation of which are prescribed by certain of the sections of Title 23 of the Revised Statutes amended herein, as it deems necessary to preserve, properly utilize or maintain the best relative number of any species or variety thereof, at the times, in the manner and to the extent herinafter provided. The regulations so established shall be called the State Fish and Game Code."

By removing the words "for their use and development for public recreation and food supply," hunting and fishing are essentially given no status or importance under the new bills.

And removing that language sets the table for the council to ban fishing and hunting altogether.

The question is, why?

That's what Suarez, 48, of Beachwood, and hundreds of hunters and fishermen across the state are asking.

Many of the hunters he knows rely on the meat from the deer and turkeys they hunt to feed their families.

"One guy has three households in his house," said Suarez, who's a bow hunter. "The deer and turkey will provide food for his family for the whole year."

And he gives away much of the venison from his hunting to needy families.

And he doesn't understand the motivation to shut it down.

To me, it is merely another example of extremists forcing their agenda on the rest of us. The extremist animal rights groups have become increasingly adamant, increasingly vitriolic. And that goes against everything I was taught that this country is supposed to stand for: tolerance of others' beliefs, others' lifestyles and of differing opinions.

Increasingly, though, fishermen and hunters are the targets of intolerance from those who don't understand the sport, from those who believe it's their God-given duty to force the rest of us to succumb to their version of morality.

And that's just wrong.

I've heard commercials for Panter's campaign on the radio and I just laugh because they go on and on about political corruption when he accepts campaign funds from groups that support the goal of stopping fishing and hunting.

How is that any different?

I don't hunt. I don't own a gun and shooting animals in any form isn't my cup of tea. But that doesn't mean I feel others shouldn't have that right. If they are engaging in their chosen hobby lawfully” with the proper permits, licenses and adhering to the seasons” they should have the right to hunt. Period.

And the same goes for fishermen. As long as we are adhering to the rules and regulations covering it, we should be free to fish. I'm tired of the guilt trips the extremist groups try to inflict on those of us who enjoy fishing. I'm tired of them trying to push us off the water.

I'm all for choosing not to eat meat or animal products if that's what you choose for yourself, Mr. Panter and Ms. Karcher.

But stop trying to impose your beliefs on the rest of us. You're supposed to be representing ALL of your constituents. Not just the few who believe what you do.

Karen E. Wall is the editor of Hook, Line & Sinker. kwall@app.com
]]>webmaster@njsfsc.orgHome2007-10-14T19:08:40-04:00http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/press/press/files/f5aa83afe124623a67ee2ad5d0b68a7a-10.html#unique-entry-id-10http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/press/press/files/f5aa83afe124623a67ee2ad5d0b68a7a-10.html#unique-entry-id-10
Both bills threaten to radically change the makeup of the state's Fish and Game Council and would prohibit the consideration of managing fish and game for the purposes of recreation and food, a move that is seen by the majority of sportsmen as an attempt to severely curtail or even end hunting, fishing and trapping in the state.

The first bill has already passed through a committee and is awaiting the vote of the full assembly. That bill, as with the Senate bill, would reduce the number of members on the Fish and Game Council from 11 to seven and make all council members gubernatorial appointments selected with input from the senate.

No provisions were made in either bill to include any sportsmen on the council. In addition, the bills would direct the council to explore non-lethal means of managing wildlife populations.

"The integrity of the Fish and Game Council (would be) compromised in that any senator can have anybody they want on there," said NJOA chairman Anthony P. Mauro Sr. "The fear among outdoors people is that (this) could certainly allow, very easily, anti-hunters or those that have an agenda that are not conventionally conservationists to get on there and, without having the knowledge of conservation, could compromise the ecosystem because they don't have that conservation background."

Mauro said the overall mission of the NJOA is to advance and defend hunting, fishing and trapping in the state.

"We want to enhance and protect the outdoor heritage that we have in New Jersey and get outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen more knowledgeable about the practice of scientific management of fish and wildlife," Mauro said. "We also want to start to guard against these legal and legislative assaults on our outdoor heritage.

"We intend to support legislators who are like-minded and also hope to get people like them, candidates or legislators, to advance the legislation that will endorse or promote the outdoor experience."

The reason that the time has come for a PAC is that most sportsmen's groups are nonprofit organizations that can't legally participate in election campaigns or endorse candidates, for risk of losing their nonprofit status. The NJOA, which as a PAC is allowed to support campaigns, plans to back candidates throughout the state who are pro-hunting, fishing and trapping. The organization is encouraging sportsmen to get out and vote for those candidates as well.

Although the organization is only two months old, support for NJOA has been growing rapidly, with donations coming in from as far away as Alaska and Hawaii.

"It has been overwhelmingly favorable. I think that we really touched a nerve," Mauro said. "I think that this is something that people have been looking for, but no one had been doing and no one knew how to start it (and) organize it."

According to Mauro, the introduction of both bills marked the first time that he has seen anglers, hunters and trappers so united toward a common purpose and trying to change the political landscape in the state.

"These bills were like the last straw. Once we unified, and once people knew what our mission was, it just kind of grew from there," Mauro said. "They're actually carrying us on their shoulders."

If a person is interested in supporting the NJOA, the organization is accepting donations that will go toward helping it achieve its mission and working to defeat the bills.

There are also opportunities for people to volunteer their time and talents to the organization. Sportsmen are being encouraged to contact their legislators to let them know they oppose the bills.

To learn more about the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance and its mission, visit www.njoutdooralliance.org.

Mark Demko can be reached by e-mail at sports@express-times.com.
]]>webmaster@njsfsc.orgHome2007-10-14T19:05:38-04:00http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/press/press/files/d7274da780e01b0c125e43d2a4285266-9.html#unique-entry-id-9http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/press/press/files/d7274da780e01b0c125e43d2a4285266-9.html#unique-entry-id-9www.njoutdooralliance.org) and is making itself known to sportsmen, and perhaps more importantly, state legislators.

It is not often in this space we deal with issues, nor succumb to knee-jerk reactions every time a perceived threat comes down the pike. Soapbox columns should be served up like rich desserts, sparingly.

I would rather write about cane pole fishing for bluegills, a lost art.

However these are troubled times and a clear and present danger lurks for outdoorsmen and women. So much so that it was a main topic at a meeting of the Clover Rod & Gun Club last week. Clover has its roots in Trenton, starting nearly 60 years ago.

The gist of the recent rally in South Jersey was that some 1,000 sportsmen gathered, inside and out of the building. Others say it was closer to 800, but whatever, it seems sportsmen are finally getting off their duffs and realizing there is indeed a threat via two bills that would, or could, end hunting and fishing in this state.

Alarmist, paranoid? Perhaps. I used to think just the same, but it is not fun and games anymore. There are organizations out there with heaps of money and tons of volunteers who have nothing more to do with their silly lives than force their idiotic values on others. Think Pilgrims. Thou shalt not have fun. Lord forbid we actually eat what we kill.

Legislative bills A-3275 and S-2041 would effectively put the kibosh on the state Fish and Game Council and stack it with political appointee hacks by the governor, who might be in favor of feral cats and the rights of rats.

Right now there are 11 members, made up of farmers, sportsmen, conservationists and even non-game reps. Seems fair, and the names are sent to the Gov for approval. The bills in question would knock it down to seven, with choices recommended by the legislature. Golly gee, no politics there.

This is not saying that all appointees over the years have not had some political strings to pull. Of course they did. It is the way the game is played. But at least those folks were qualified and knowledgeable about wildlife in New Jersey and not appointed as somebody s dumber-than-dirt brother-in-law or flunky owed a favor by the current administration.

Good news is that the NJOA is gaining ground and rallying the troops.

The next battleground is Oct. 28, 4 p.m. at the Clarksburg Inn in Monmouth County.

The rallying point is at 465 Stage Coach Road in Clarksburg. Try (609) 259-2558 or www. Clarksburginn.net.

This just in. One of the co-sponsors of this hideous legislation, Linda Greenstein, D-14, has supposedly taken her name off the bill.

Also, Freehold Township has passed a resolution basically saying the proposed legislation is horse manure.

There was a recent story in the local press that New Jersey dwellers are fleeing the state in record numbers. What a surprise. Crime, the highest property taxes in the nation and more and more denying the right to protect ourselves with Draconian gun laws.

Do you want to fight the bad guy busting through your door with a .44 magnum or a rolled up copy of this newspaper?

That, and the above-mentioned threat to sportsmen, is a reason some are calling We Gotta Get Out of This Place, a theme song and leaving for more sportsmen s friendly spaces.

But with the NJOA making an impact, we just might stay put for a while and fight the good fight.

TRENTON WINNER

Congrats to Zoltan Tgyed of Trenton for second place in the Blackfish category with an 18 ÃÂ
’-inch fish at the gov s tourney on LBI.

Gov s cup winner went to Martin Moseu of Collingswood for a 37-inch and change striper.

Corzine was a no-show. Second-team did. Lisa Jackson, DEP Commish, handed out the awards.

Rick Methot is the outdoor columnist for The Trentonian. Contact him at rikwrite@aol.com
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Bills A3275 and S2014 would reduce the present Fish and Game Council from 11 members to seven, all of which would be appointed by the governor. Gov. Corzine and his appointed DEP commissioner, Lisa Jackson, are not considered friends of the sportsmen, especially those favoring a black bear season.

It was not a political meeting but was attended by just about every politician in our area, both incumbents and "wanna-bes." In a rare experience, all agreed and stated publicly and with emphasis, that they would not vote for such a measure and also do their best to see that it does not pass. However, one of those opposing the incumbents started to hurl barbs at others attending and was rapidly booed off the stage. The entire meeting was expertly emceed by Ed Cuneo.

The crowd was very orderly, but showed their approval loudly whenever those speaking vowed to oppose the bills. Some sportsmen came from as far as Sussex County, but by far the majority were from South Jersey. Politicians attending and speaking included; Steve Sweeney, Doug Fisher, John Burzichelli, Doug Rainear, Nick Asselta, Jeff VanDrew, Fred Madden, Nelson Albano, Matt Wilson and Agnes Gardiner.

"We have lawyers on bills concerning lawyers, morticians on bills about morticians and doctors on bills about medicine, so why in the world would we have anybody but sportsmen on the Fish and Game Council," remarked Sweeney.

"We represent one million dollars to the state," said Fisher, who added, "This is more than all those opposing the bill count together."

The guest speaker of the meeting was Bassmaster Fisherman Of The Year, Mike Iaconelli. Mike was his usual vibrant self, noting that his livelihood and that of all other fishermen would be taken away if these bills pass. Iaconelli was raised in Runnemede and began his fishing career locally, but is now one northern fisherman making a name for himself in an area generally owned by those from the South.

The meeting was sponsored by the New Jersey Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, Gloucester County Chapter and introduced the newly-formed New Jersey Outdoor Alliance, which encompasses hunters, shooters, fishermen and trappers.

They are planning another meeting at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28 in Clarksboro, Monmouth County, which is right in the center of the anti-sportsmen's groups in the state.

In addition to Tuesday's meeting being covered in local papers, KYW-3 also showed shots of the large group and speakers. It's about time that such a gathering gets news coverage when only a couple of dozen animal rights radicals make the papers and television.

The first few days of the Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Tournament has been a blue fisherman's heaven. As of Wednesday morning, the 578 registered anglers had entered 24 blues, but nary a striper. The blues did not arrive until Monday as no fish of any kind were put on the books Saturday or Sunday. There are two identical leading bluefish, both weighing in at 14 pounds, 9 ounces. One of these was beached by Sewell's Matt Bodine on bunker at Shipbottom. Of those bluefish entered, by far the most fell to bunker baits.

In Delaware Bay, everyone is waiting for the stripers as well. With the water temperature hovering around 70 degrees, it's anyone's guess when they will appear.

Meanwhile the weakfishing plus small bluefish and some croakers are the only game in town. For those still able to obtain shedder crab, the mouth of Back Creek is still giving up trout and the waters less than one mile south of the two and three buoys in the Maurice River Cove is seeing some decent weakfish action, with several limit catches reported. In addition nice catches of kingfish are taking place, with one boat taking 22 of these gamey specimens.

Ralph Knisell is the outdoors writer for the News. His column appears on Thursday. ]]>webmaster@njsfsc.orgHome2007-10-10T07:48:52-04:00http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/press/press/files/f16ff790527ee5ce8b5554605c31edfb-7.html#unique-entry-id-7http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/press/press/files/f16ff790527ee5ce8b5554605c31edfb-7.html#unique-entry-id-7
The bill also would delete a provision that refers to "development of fish and game for public recreation and food supply," while adding provisions designed to encourage "eco-tourism" and "nonlethal alternatives for dealing with wildlife conflicts."

"What a stupid bill," Assemblymen John Burzichelli, D-Gloucester, told the rally. "Something that's been working for 60 years and we're going to fix it?"

"This has been brewing for some time," said Bill Riestle, a 70-year-old hunter and fisherman from Logan. "Now it's coming to a head."

After allowing bear hunts in 2003 and 2005 to cull the growing population of black bears in the northwestern part of New Jersey, the state Department of Environmental Protection last year canceled a scheduled hunt and has no intention of resuming it this year.

Sportsmen consider this a foolish policy motivated more by an anti-hunting bias than any scientific approach to wildlife management.

Tuesday's rally attracted a number of state legislators from South Jersey and their opponents in next month's election. The rally was organized by the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen and the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

State Sen. Nick Asselta, R-Cumberland, said he is a sportsman himself. "Growning up in Vineland I understand how important our way of life is," he said.

Asselta accused North Jersey politicians of trying to "erode our way of life in South Jersey."

"This is where we need to draw the line," Asselta said.

State Sen. Stephen M. Sweeney, D-Gloucester, made it clear he would oppose the change.

"I promise you tonight, if that bill comes up we're going to kill it in the Senate," Sweeney said.

State Sen. Ellen Karcher and Assemblyman Mike Panter see their bill as an attempt to bring broader representation and a wider mission to the fish and game council.

Under current law, the Fish and Game Council is composed of 11 members, six of whom are appointed on the recommendation of the Federation of Sportsmen, and three of whom must be farmers.

Under the Karcher-Panter proposal, all seven members would be appointed by the governor, with two of the appointments reserved for farmers.

Reach Richard Pearsall at (856) 486-2465 or rpearsall@courierpostonline.com

http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071 ...
]]>webmaster@njsfsc.orgHome2007-10-10T07:47:39-04:00http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/press/press/files/3219585d10aea3a3ed9f46fa78020fa3-6.html#unique-entry-id-6http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/press/press/files/3219585d10aea3a3ed9f46fa78020fa3-6.html#unique-entry-id-6
The new bills would reduce the size of the council from 11 members to seven and its membership would be decided by the governor.

"Changing the people on that council obviously will lead to no more hunting and fishing in New Jersey, and I believe that's their goal," State Sen. Nicholas Asselta, D-1, of Vineland said.

Asselta addressed the group of more than 400, saying Gov. Jon Corzine, his administration and legislators in the northern half of the state have begun to erode South Jersey's lifestyle.

"We won't stand for North Jersey again attacking our way of life," Asselta said.

State Sen. Stephen M. Sweeney, D-3, of West Deptford said he didn't believe the debate is one of north versus south. He called the bills "misguided."

"It's a sportsman's organization, it's a wildlife bill," Sweeney said "Sportsmen should be on it because they care more about it than anyone."

In an e-mail to the Times, Assemblyman Michael Panter, D-12 of Shrewsbury, Monmouth County, who sponsored A-3275, said opponents of the bill "grossly mischaracterized" the legislation.

"The intention of this legislation was not to ban hunting or fishing in any way, but instead seeks to provide council membership which is not controlled by any specific group," Panter said.

Still, organizers of the rally say the change effectively takes away the voice of sportsmen statewide in Trenton.

"It's an attempt to stomp it out," Mauro said. "This bill is malicious and vindictive and no other way to interpret that."

New wording of the code would delete the phrase "developing fish and game for public recreation and food supply" and replace it with "providing a properly managed and balanced system."

"You can no longer do those activities for recreational purposes or for food supply," Mauro said of his interpretation of the bill. "It's that succinct. He (Panter) knows exactly what he's doing."

Representatives from Gov. Corzine's office declined comment because the bills are still in the Legislature.

Panter said he has not been involved in efforts to ban fishing or hunting and that he'd be willing to have seats on the Fish and Game Council filled with members chosen by sportsmen's groups.

Still, Sweeney, vice chairman of the Senate Environment Committee, doesn't see much of a future for Panter's bill or its Senate counterpart.

"I promise you tonight, if that bill comes up, we're going to kill it in the Senate," Sweeney said to a chorus of cheers from the crowd.
]]>webmaster@njsfsc.orgHome2007-09-19T14:40:46-04:00http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/press/press/files/8614fbc51501f8b9da6dcc68c361efa8-5.html#unique-entry-id-5http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/press/press/files/8614fbc51501f8b9da6dcc68c361efa8-5.html#unique-entry-id-5
“Anywhere where the word ‘game’ appears it is replaced with ‘wildlife.’ Why the change?” said New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Chairman Anthony Mauro. “I’m not an attorney, but something that is ‘game’ can be hunted; something that is ‘wildlife,’ cannot.”

“It’s a sneaky way of getting rid of hunting, fishing and trapping,” he said.

The bills, according to the Alliance, a non-profit organization of hunters, anglers and trappers, would also change game conservation in New Jersey by focusing on “expensive and unproven non-lethal alternatives” of wildlife management.

“Animal rights activists testifying in support of A-3275 derided hunting as a ‘15th-century’ means to wildlife management,” according to an Alliance press release, “and proclaimed the bill, which relies heavily on non-lethal alternatives, as legislation for 21st century wildlife management.”

Currently, the Fish and Game Council consists of 11 members who are chosen from those with knowledge of and interest in the conservation of fish and game, as follows: three farmers recommended by the state agricultural convention to the governor for appointment; six sportsmen, recommended by the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs to the governor for appointment; one public member knowledgeable in land use management and soil conservation practices; and the chairperson of the Endangered and Nongame Species Advisory Committee.

The present farmer and sportsmen appointments are chosen with regard to geographic considerations: one farmer representative and two sportsmen representatives chosen from the northern, central and southern regions of the state.

Mauro said the changes in composition and in how appointments would be made makes them more political and would permit the council to be stacked with those with an anti-hunting bias.

Mauro said his membership and other outdoor recreational associations in New Jersey are still analyzing the bills for their full effect; his membership has serious concerns about the negative impact on hunters, trappers and freshwater fishermen and women, and the businesses they support.

He also points to the track record of the bills’ sponsors, Assemblyman Michael J. Panter (D-12th) and Senator Ellen Karcher (D-12th), as leaning heavily toward animal rights causes.

Voting “yes” on A3275’s release from the Assembly committee were: John F. McKeon (D-27th), chairman, Charles T. Epps, Jr. (D-31st), Robert M. Gordon (D-38th), vice chairman, Louis M. Manzo (D-31st), and Panter.

Voting “no” were Larry Chatzidakis (R-8th) and John E. Rooney (R-39th).

“Do I think the purpose is to get animal activists on it (the council)? Yes I do. Because it’s also changing the statute which confines the people who would be on the Fish and Game Council to consider only contraceptive means,” he said.

Contact Avedissian at (609) 886-8600 Ext 27 or at: savedissian@cmcherald.com.

http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/9970-hunters-trappers-anglers-arms-over-devastating-bills]]>webmaster@njsfsc.orgHome2007-09-18T07:23:45-04:00http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/press/press/files/504d841fa4444e31c80876691221ceb1-4.html#unique-entry-id-4http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/press/press/files/504d841fa4444e31c80876691221ceb1-4.html#unique-entry-id-4We're not alarmists and we know full well that no human being has been killed by a bear in New Jersey for more than 100 years.

Our concern is that as the bear population grows, more human/bear interaction is bound to occur. That could be a dangerous prospect.

We think a bear hunt this winter to control the population would be a wise move. Unfortunately, the Corzine administration opposes such a hunt. We think it's making a mistake. This is a position that should be reconsidered.
]]>webmaster@njsfsc.orgHome2007-09-15T16:07:03-04:00http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/press/press/files/01139cf2d1a15bf993644d34274ecd0e-3.html#unique-entry-id-3http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/press/press/files/01139cf2d1a15bf993644d34274ecd0e-3.html#unique-entry-id-3
Two animals die

Eight officers responding to the scene at 8:30 a.m. converged on the bear in the woods, Wagner said. An officer killed the bruin with two shotgun blasts while another used a handgun to kill the mauled sheep.

DiGuiseppi said he was astonished by the bear's strength.

"This sheep was one of my largest. (The bear) dragged it 300 yards out of a pasture, over a 4-foot fence and into the woods," said DiGuiseppi, whose farm near the Denville/ Rockaway Township border is backed up by 400 acres of state land.

Wagner said the incident was "highly unusual." Denville police hadn't shot and killed a bear since one was struck and injured by a car several years ago, he said.

Larger issue

DiGuiseppi, a 45-year resident, said he couldn't recall a similar attack on his livestock. He speculated that the bear might have been roaming for food in advance of hibernation.

"They need a lot of protein to survive the winter in their sleep," he said.

DiGuiseppi said he was more concerned about the potential danger to people than by what happened to the sheep.

"If you lose a sheep or two, you buy another one," he said. ]]>webmaster@njsfsc.orgHome2007-09-13T06:34:21-04:00http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/press/press/files/528164bb4d5e9379e295c25759bde9ed-2.html#unique-entry-id-2http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/press/press/files/528164bb4d5e9379e295c25759bde9ed-2.html#unique-entry-id-2
The current statute governing the Fish and Game Council provides for conserving freshwater fish, game birds, game animals and fur-bearing animals for public recreation and food supply. The proposed bills change the council's purpose by deleting all consideration for the use and development of fish and game for public recreation and food supply. Since freshwater fishing, hunting and trapping are all recreation-based and largely driven by a need for food supply, the bills ostensibly eliminate these activities.

Controlling the things we eat is not new for Panter and Karcher. Both are vegetarians. Both initiated the ban on goose liver sales and trans fats. Interestingly, both represent constituents in District 12 — home to a network of animal rights activism.

The New Jersey Animal Rights Alliance of Manalapan operates a nonprofit organization that claims dedication to ending animal exploitation. But this is no folksy protest group. Its director is listed as a press officer for the Animal Liberation Press Office, a publication set up to relay information to the media about action undertaken by the Animal Liberation Front and other radical animal-rights groups. The FBI has identified ALF as one of America's primary domestic terrorist threats.

The Animal Protection PAC, also based in Manalapan. was established to advance the animal rights agenda through donations to like-minded politicians. In 2005, it donated nearly $1,700 to Panter's re-election campaign. On Sunday, it will host a vegan-catered party for Panter, his running mate Amy Mallet and Karcher.

Also contributing to Panter's campaign is Humane USA, the political action committee of the Humane Society of the United States. Testimony provided to the U.S. Senate by the director of research for the Center for Consumer Freedom revealed the Humane Society funded the operation of an Internet server used to issue ALF-related communications.

Humane USA boasts on its Web site that its state-level giving was not only meaningful, but that Panter would not have been re-elected but for Humane USA's support.

Karcher is the recipient of donations from Panter's political action committee. It is fair to say the funds she received may have originated from the pockets of animal activists.

It is apparent that our representatives in District 12 believe our personal choices should be determined by Trenton elitists. Sponsoring legislation that is directed at changing the Fish and Game Council to advance the interests of a few at the expense of responsible oversight of our state's natural resources is reckless and unconscionable. New Jersey is already experiencing high populations of deer, geese, bear and coyotes due to political interference of wildlife policy.

The current model governing the structure of the council has served our state extraordinarily well. I request that Panter and Karcher remove their misguided bills from consideration and that they refund all forms of donations given by Animal Protection PAC and Humane USA.

Anthony P. Mauro Sr., Colts Neck, is chairman of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070913/OPINION/709130382/1030]]>webmaster@njsfsc.orgHome2007-08-29T07:11:19-04:00http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/press/press/files/b0f9e725e8188eb7efad58715f507698-1.html#unique-entry-id-1http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/press/press/files/b0f9e725e8188eb7efad58715f507698-1.html#unique-entry-id-1The legislation in question is a bill that would reconfigure the state's Fish and Game Council. Mauro says it's really an attempt to stack the council with animal rights activists that aim to curtail the rights of New Jersey hunters.

The legislation's primary sponsors are two of the Democrats in the hotly contested 12th district legislative race. In the Senate the bill is sponsored by Ellen Karcher, D-Freehold, and in the Assembly by Michael Panter, D-Shrewsbury.

NJOA's Chairman would not say if the PAC plans to target specific politicians this November, but said it would be making an endorsement in the 12th District.

And while the issue itself may not penetrate the race, money very likely will.

"It's not necessarily the specific issue that's important, it's the fact that there's a core of people who are backing this effort financially that could make the difference," said Monmouth University Pollster Patrick Murray.

Murray draws a parallel to New Jersey's legislative elections of 1991 when campaign contributions were pouring into Republican coffers from the NRA, even though the key issue that year was taxes.

"Even though this doesn't sound like an issue that can have an impact, the money that may come into the race as a result of it very well could," Murray said.

The Republican slate in the 12th District would certainly welcome the financial help if NJOA does back them. Republican Assembly candidate Caroline Casagrande has already spoken with several members of the group by phone and says she is on their side.

"This bill places people's ability to continue hunting and fishing recreationally in serious jeopardy," said Casagrande. "There is absolutely no need for this bill."

But, before NJOA starts throwing money around Assemblyman Michael Panter wants to meet with hunters in the hopes of striking a compromise on some of the language in the bill and ensuring that hunters would remain fully represented on the council.

"The original intent was to make [the Fish and Game Council], which was created decades ago and is always marred in controversy, more representative," Assemblyman Panter said. "This is by no means an anti-hunting bill."

Currently, the council's eleven members must have some fish or wildlife background to gain a seat, but the bill now before the legislature would change that. It would trim the council to seven politically appointed members with no requirement that they have a hunting or wildlife background.

Politically, the Fish and Game Council plays a pivotal role in whether or not to authorize a bear hunt in the state each year, a decision that always comes amid controversy.

PAC Director Anthony Mauro says his group already has thousands of supporters and is currently raising money.

"We are getting overwhelming support from the hunting communities around the state," Mauro said.

And as for a face to face meeting with Panter, "Not until [Assemblyman Panter] retracts his assault on freshwater fisherman and hunters in New Jersey, is there a need to sit down and talk with him," Mauro said. "This is an intentional attempt to foist his vegetarian lifestyle and pro-animal rights agenda on New Jerseyeans."

"If I were to give them some political advice at this point, it would be that they have a sponsor of this bill who respects hunting and wants to work with them on this," Assemblyman Panter said.

"Also, they should keep in mind that there are around 25 members of the legislature [whose names] are on at least one bear hunt ban bill...We haven't moved any of those bills yet."

Shane D'Aprile can be reached at sdaprile@njpols.com]]>webmaster@njsfsc.orgHome2007-08-17T11:26:50-04:00http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/press/press/files/5b3236d2bc736f764041b7b4e20f2683-0.html#unique-entry-id-0http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/press/press/files/5b3236d2bc736f764041b7b4e20f2683-0.html#unique-entry-id-0
Fighting such proposals is one of the Outdoor Alliance's missions. To Mauro, the battles the Alliance will fight are almost epic in scope. The month-old organization already has about 5,000 members and Mauro believes it is at the vanguard of a Garden State culture war.

"There's a loss of the hunting culture in New Jersey," he said. "The loss of that culture has made people lose touch with how dependent we are on the environment and of there being a balance in nature. Hunting, trapping and fishing help maintain that balance."

Mauro, a 52-year-old who has been hunting and fishing since he was 10, said the urbanization of New Jersey has created a widespread disconnect from nature. "Today, the culture is almost of the mind-set that food comes from the supermarket and water comes from the tap," he said.

Those who oppose sportsmen often see their activities as being barbaric or foolish. They scoff at the apparent hypocrisy: Sportsmen kill animals but claim to love the outdoors and its creatures.

But Mauro said the thrill of stalking animals and the satisfaction of providing one's own food is deeply ingrained and, in many ways, righteous and spiritual. Efforts to stop hunting disregard the harsh truth: Unless they are culled by people, game animals in a small, dense state can overpopulate and starve, destroying their own habitat and that of lesser animals before they do.

"If we remove hunting, fishing and trapping, Mother Nature is going to come in and do exactly what we were doing," said Mauro. "Except Mother Nature waits for the extreme."

In its mission statement, the Outdoor Alliance says it will "enhance and protect New Jersey's outdoor heritage" and "unite and mobilize outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen to further the practice of scientific management of fish and wildlife." The PAC says it "will guard against legal and legislative assaults on hunting, fishing, and trapping."

It takes money to fight a culture war and, unlike the many other sportsmen organizations in the state, the Outdoor Alliance, being a PAC, is allowed to raise money to contribute to political campaigns.

"The N.J.O.A. will support those legislators, and the advancement of legislation, that endorse or promote the outdoor experience," says the PAC's Web site (www.njoutdooralliance.org).

Fred Aun may be reached at

outdoors@starledger.com ]]>