Contact: Joe Mullin, New England States Senior Coordinator
On January 27, the New Jersey Assembly Agriculture Committee convened for a hearing to discuss, among several topics, Assembly Bill 3897 (AB 3897) – a proposed $5 increase for the state’s Waterfowl Stamp. Following a brief conversation and moment for public comment, the Committee voted to unanimously support the proposed Stamp fee increase.
AB 3897 would raise the annual fee for the New Jersey Waterfowl Stamp from $5 to $10 for “persons possessing a valid New Jersey resident’s firearm hunting or bow and arrow license,” while increasing the fee from $10 to $15 for those without said license.
Revenue from this Stamp plays a crucial role in conserving New Jersey’s waterfowl and their habitat. As the Division of Fish and Wildlife explains, “The Waterfowl Stamp Act of 1984 requires that the monies from the New Jersey stamps be earmarked for the, ‘. . . acquisition . . . improvement, and enhancement of waterfowl habitat and wetlands . . . and access for public use of waterfowl habitat areas.’ Stamp Account revenues cannot be used by the general state treasury or for administrative costs within the Division of Fish and Wildlife.”
In recognizing the financial significance that AB 3897 poses for the state’s waterfowl management efforts, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) will continue to support the fee increase for the New Jersey Waterfowl Stamp. CSF also applauds the New Jersey Assembly Agriculture Committee for its unanimous vote in favor of this bill. Updates will be forthcoming as they are made available.
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
