Assembly Bill 1538, sponsored by Assemblyman John Burzichelli (Co-Chair, New Jersey Angling and Hunting Conservation Caucus) and Assemblywoman Alison Little McHose, passed out of the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee by a unanimous vote (5-0) on Monday, December 10. AB 1538 would authorize deer hunting with firearms on Sundays on private property only. Archery hunting on Sundays for deer on private property and on state wildlife management areas has been allowed since 2009.
Presently, New Jersey is one of only 11 states that limit hunting on Sundays. A study commissioned by the National Shooting Sports Foundation found that opening up Sunday hunting in New Jersey would have a positive economic impact of over $107 million and would support an addition 991 jobs, generating over $37.5 million in wages. Further, Sunday hunting would provide an essential opportunity for sportsmen and women to pass down this time-honored tradition to the next generation by giving hunters an additional weekend day in the field.
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?
