There is a growing trend across the country to shift who has influence over how to guide fish and wildlife policy. In many states, the tactic used is to change the makeup of wildlife boards and commissions. New Jersey Assembly Bill A2005, and identical Senate Bill S471, are one of those attempts to change the New Jersey Fish and Game Council. If enacted, it would change the membership of the Council.

A2005/S471 makes several key changes to the structure of the Fish and Game Council. The most significant shifts include:

1. Cutting sportsmen representation in half - The bill would reduce the number of sportsmen representatives from six seats to three.
2. Adding animal welfare seats - The bill would create three seats for individuals recommended by animal welfare organizations in New Jersey.
3. Keeping the council the same size - The overall council would remain at 11 members, meaning these new seats would come directly from the current sportsmen allocation rather than expanding the body.

Under current law, the Fish and Game Council includes three farmer representatives, six sportsmen representatives, one member who chairs the Endangered and Nongame Species Advisory Committee, and one member knowledgeable in land use management and soil conservation practices. A2005/S471 would leave the farmer seats, endangered and nongame seat, and land use seat in place, but it would replace three sportsmen seats with three animal welfare seats.

The bill defines an "animal welfare organization" as a nonprofit organization established to promote animal welfare and exempt from federal taxation under section 501(c)(3), with a primary purpose focused on the protection, care, humane treatment, or advocacy of animals.

For hunters and anglers, that is a big issue. Sportsmen and women have long been part of the backbone of wildlife conservation in this country. They fund conservation through licenses, stamps, and excise taxes, and they bring field knowledge and practical experience to wildlife policy. Wildlife management should be based on science and the North American Model of Conservation. To protect our hunting heritage and ensure the future of wildlife populations based on science and not emotion, New Jersey sportsmen and women need to oppose this bill and keep decision-making in the hands of more representative body of stakeholders.

Any questions or concerns, reach out the the New Jersey Chapter of BHA by email newjersey @backcountryhunters.org.