Call to Action
Below is a copy of the Resolution of the New York-New Jersey
Trail Conference, opposing the proposed repeal of the Sunday hunting
ban in New Jersey (S810).
Our opposition pertains only to State park and forest lands; we
would support extending deer hunting to Sundays in state-owned
wildlife management areas and private lands, subject to municipal
approval.
The reason for our distinction of lands is straightforward: most
public hiking trails are located in state parks and forests lands.
Most trails are not located in wildlife management areas, so
encounters between hunters and hikers are less likely.
Hikers, like other citizens and taxpayers, are concerned about the
growing deer population in the suburban areas, and we empathize with
the agricultural community’s problem of deer predation on cash
crops.
This resolution was sent to all 120 NJ state senators and assembly
representatives, urging them to vote according to the distinction we
resolved.
If this issue is important to you and your fellow club members, the
Trail Conference urges you to contact your individual state senator
and assembly representatives to express your position on this
proposed law.
If you need assistance in locating your state elected
representatives, contact the Trail Conference’s New Jersey Field
Representative, Larry Wheelock, at (973) 823-9999 office, or visit the
NJ Legislature website, www.njleg.state.nj.us/html/legsearc.htm
Anne Lutkenhouse
Projects Director
Resolution Opposing the Proposed Repeal of the
Sunday Hunting Ban in New Jersey’s State Parks and Forests
RE: S810
The New York - New Jersey Trail Conference - a volunteer
organization which is a coalition of 88 hiking and outdoor clubs, and
10,000 individual members - submits the following resolution in
opposition to the proposed repeal of the Sunday hunting ban in New
Jersey's state parks and forests.
WHEREAS, It is well documented that the deer population in New Jersey
is increasing, causing damages to natural resources, crops, and
automobiles and sometimes causing personal injury; and
WHEREAS, New Jersey's deer hunting season lasts almost four months -
1/3 of the year; and
WHEREAS, New Jersey residents currently have only one day each week
during the long hunting season to enjoy their public open spaces in
peace and tranquility, without the threat of injury from firearms;
and
WHEREAS, Trail Conference volunteers maintain about 450 miles of
public hiking trails in New Jersey under cooperative agreements with
State, federal and county park agencies and private landowners. We,
and the NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection’s Division of Parks and
Forestry, depend on these volunteers to perform this valued public
service. Sundays, during that part of the year when deer hunting
occurs, gives our volunteers a "safe" day to do their work
on trails in state parks and forests.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,
That the Trail Conference opposes the proposed repeal of the Sunday
hunting ban in state parks and forests. The Trail Conference would
accept allowing deer hunting on Sundays on State-owned wildlife
management areas and private lands, upon municipal approval.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,
That the State of New Jersey should continue to explore other ways of
reducing the deer population in a manner that does not compromise the
non-hunting public's access to state lands.
Approved by the Board of Directors of the New York-New Jersey Trail
Conference, April 18, 2000.
Attested to by the Board Secretary
____________________________
Daniel D. Chazin
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