Bills would tamper with fish, wildlife council
Legislative bills A-3275 and S-2041 exemplify the worst kind of bad legislation. These bills are designed to destroy the New Jersey Fish and Game Council.

The bills would exclude knowledgeable fish and wildlife experts and sportspersons from the council and replace them with political appointees.

Such maneuvering would deprive New Jersey citizens of the benefits of sound, science-based fish and wildlife management programs.

A key provision would strip the council of its authority and responsibility to manage recreation and food source aspects of the state's fish and wildlife resources.

If passed into law, the provisions contained in such legislation would enable animal rights extremists to infiltrate the council and push to end hunting and fishing in New Jersey, thus destroying an important part of our cultural heritage and a vital aspect of the state economy.

Our hunting and fishing rights are not up for grabs and they are not open to debate or negotiation, nor are they something to be legislated away through slick maneuvering to satisfy a political agenda.

The combined efforts of the New Jersey Fish and Game Council and the Division of Fish and Wildlife have produced comprehensive management and conservation programs that serve as models for other states. There is no need to change the council.

These bills should be withdrawn and all legislators and voters should vote accordingly.

Joseph M. Boa New Jersey State Federation

of Sportsmen's Clubs Monmouth County Chapter

Tinton Falls