Legislation introduced in New Jersey by Assembly Member Daniel Benson would ban wildlife contests where prizes are awarded. Assembly Bill 1365 has been referred to the New Jersey Assembly Committee on Agriculture where it awaits a hearing.
Take Action Today! New Jersey sportsmen should call their assembly members and ask them to OPPOSE Assembly Bill 1365. New Jersey members can contact their elected officials by using the Sportsmen’s Alliance Legislative Action Directory.
AB 1365 is part of a nationwide effort by animal-right groups to outlaw lawful hunting activities. The Sportsmen’s Alliance is working on similar legislation in other states, and coordinating efforts with local organizations to defeat these anti-hunting efforts.
Current New Jersey law allows organizing and participating in wildlife contests, such as hunt tests, field trials and even big buck contests. Unfortunately, the language in Assembly Bill 1365 would make it a crime for any person to organize, sponsor, promote, conduct, or participate in any competitive event that awards prizes for harvesting game. Even more alarming, this legislation would outlaw something as simple as a dinner wager among friends on who shoots the biggest buck or even a prize as small as a ribbon for whoever’s dog jumps the most rabbits.
Under AB 1365, any person or organization involved in a contest that takes or hunts wildlife for prizes will have committed a violation of the New Jersey disorderly persons offense. A disorderly persons offense is subject to a penalty of up to 6 months of imprisonment and a fine up to $1,000. Worse yet, anyone convicted of this new language would have their hunting license and privileges suspended for 5 years.
“No different than a fishing derby, competitions inject an added element of fun into hunting, and there’s not one thing wrong with that,” said Jacob Hupp, associate director of state services at the Sportsmen’s Alliance. “Contests help people train their dogs, encourage people to get involved in hunting, and help control population numbers of wildlife that can become a nuisance.”
About the Sportsmen’s Alliance: The Sportsmen’s Alliance protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
