A Call for Unity Among New Jersey Conservationists
By: Anthony Pensabene
There are moments in life when parents discover that the most meaningful lessons come not from experience alone, but from their children. One such lesson came to me from my son, Dominick, who—together with his wife, Jen, and their two children—has lived by a simple yet powerful motto: Better Together. At its core, the idea is straightforward: when individuals unite around common goals, combining their talents, perspectives, and commitment, the likelihood of success increases substantially.
That lesson offers an important parallel for today’s conservationist community in New Jersey. Sportsmen and women, hunters, anglers, and trappers, are, collectively, outdoor stewards and front-line conservationists. They are strongest when they work better together, in solidarity, toward shared conservation objectives.
I joined the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance (NJOA) a little over a year ago. During that time, two well-respected New Jersey State legislators, both supportive of hunting? shared a candid observation: “You don’t have the numbers you once had.” Translated plainly, the message was clear. The hunting community does not represent the same share of the population it once did. That reality is undeniable – and it is also frequently misunderstood.
The numbers deserve context. In 1970, more than 200,000 hunting licenses were sold in New Jersey. Today, that number stands at approximately 80,000. While this reflects a significant decline over time, it also represents 80,000 engaged, licensed, law-abiding citizens who participate in one of the most regulated conservation activities in the state. In any legislative environment, a proven, organized constituency of that size is not trivial, nor easily dismissed. Lawmakers routinely engage with advocacy groups far smaller than this, particularly when those groups are informed, motivated, and persistent.
Moreover, hunters do not stand alone. Nearly 800,000 New Jersey residents, almost ten percent of the state’s population, participate in recreational fishing, and many are deeply invested in clean water, habitat protection, and science-based wildlife management. Together, hunters, anglers, and trappers represent a broad and credible conservation community with a shared stake in the responsible stewardship of New Jersey’s natural resources.
Several factors have contributed to declining hunting participation. New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the country, with roughly 1,200 residents per square mile. It is also among the most heavily regulated states with respect to firearms policy. These realities create practical challenges for lawful, regulated activities under Title 23. But they do not diminish the relevance of hunters as conservationists, nor do they reduce the importance of maintaining a strong, informed voice for regulated wildlife management.
The landscape is changing – and conservation advocacy must evolve with it.
In response, the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance has begun an internal restructuring and rebranding effort aimed at launching its first statewide advocacy initiative, Conservation First and Foremost, in early 2026. This initiative will be advanced through the newly created New Jersey Outdoor Alliance – United Conservationist Foundation, Inc.
The Foundation reflects a broadened mission—one that brings together hunters, anglers, trappers, conservation-minded citizens, and partners who may never hunt or fish, yet share a common interest in healthy ecosystems and responsible wildlife management. It also seeks engagement with organizations and private partners capable of delivering measurable, science-based conservation outcomes across New Jersey. This evolution recognizes that lasting environmental stewardship is achieved through collaboration among public agencies, engaged citizens, and responsible partners aligned around shared goals.
So, what comes next?
For individuals seeking camaraderie, purpose, and meaningful opportunities to contribute as conservationists, New Jersey offers a wealth of world-class sporting organizations. Without intending to overlook any, consider encouraging friends and family to engage with groups aligned to their interests. Archers may find a home with the United Bowhunters of New Jersey. Those looking to defend the freedom to hunt and promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. Go no further than contacting the Garden State Chapter of Safari Club Intl. Women interested in mentored and wide ranging educational outdoor experiences should explore the New Jersey chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Women in the Outdoors program. Surf anglers can connect through the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association. Ocean anglers and boaters may look to the Jersey Coast Anglers Association, while trappers can engage with the New Jersey Fur Harvesters Association. Please don’t hesitate reaching out to our friends at New Jersey Ducks Unlimited, New Jersey Bass Federation, New Jersey Waterfowlers Association and the Round Valley Trout Association. Those mentioned herein and many many more New Jersey based, world class sporting organizations play a vital role in education, advocacy, and conservation.
For statewide sporting organizations and clubs seeking broader influence, unity is equally important. Organizations interested in collaboration may consider the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, which is legislatively mandated as the exclusive entity to nominate six sportspersons to the New Jersey Fish and Game Council. Those seeking a coordinated advocacy presence in Trenton—focused on conservation and environmental policy through regulated hunting, fishing, and trapping—should take a close look at the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance – United Conservationist Foundation, Inc.
The message is simple and timely. Our strength lies not in standing apart, but in standing together. Conservation success in New Jersey depends on unity, cooperation, and a shared commitment to science-based stewardship.
Better together is no longer just a motto – it is a necessity.