New Jersey Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife

Wildlife Management at Risk

Bill #A 2549 Needs the Support of New Jersey's Sportsmen and Women
Read the text of Bill #A 2549

Your representatives on the New Jersey Fish and Game Council encourage all sportsmen and women to contact their State Assemblyperson to express support for bill #A 2549. If you are not familiar with your local legislator, call 609-292-4840 for their names and addresses or use the "Locator" on the NJ League of Women Voters' page.

The Current Funding Proposal

To ensure the Division's future through the year 2002 and quite likely beyond, a recommendation to restructure license fees known as Bill #A 2549 has been introduced into the Assembly. The funding initiative, a financial solution developed through the cooperative efforts of the Fish and Game Council and the New Jersey Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, would require a one-time only license fee increase generating $2.6 million if implemented.

Most importantly, the proposal allows youth (under age 16) an opportunity to hunt and fish for free, with the exception of purchasing deer and turkey permits which will cost only $12 each, or less than half the cost for an adult. The proposal was designed with families in mind, by making it easier for adults and children to hunt and fish together. By paying a little extra, adult sportsmen and women can help ensure the future of hunting and fishing traditions in the Garden State, as well as strengthen family unity.

Why Should Sportsmen and Women Support the Funding Proposal?

The future of many Division programs is at risk. Without professional biologists to collect data and develop management programs, necessary support staff, and an adequate law enforcement staff to enforce laws and regulations, every program offered by the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife will be impacted. New Jersey's outdoor enthusiasts can expect shorter seasons, smaller bag limits, and less recreational opportunities. To ensure that there are stable fish and wildlife populations and wildlife-oriented recreation for our children and grandchildren to enjoy, we must adequately fund the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife. The wildlife of the state belongs to all of us. We are collectively responsible for protecting it, and part of that responsibility is being willing to pay for it.

Who Benefits?

Families - New license fees reduce the cost for adults and youngsters to fish or hunt together since children under the age of 16 will be able to hunt and fish for free.
All Around Sportsmen and Women - Residents who firearm hunt, bow and arrow hunt and freshwater fish benefit with the special all-around license by saving over the cost of purchasing each license separately.
Fall Trout Anglers & Quail Hunters - The Fall Trout Stocking Program would be reinstated beginning next fall and the Quail Stocking Program would be restored to its former capacity.
Boaters & Anglers - The Division would develop approximately 12 boat ramps and fishing access sites. In addition, six urban fishing access sites would be developed.
Pheasant & Quail Hunters With Families - The funding plan also reduces the cost for adults and youngsters to hunt for pheasant and quail together since youths under the age of 16 are not required to purchase a stamp. The number of birds raised would be increased to traditional levels so that more areas could be stocked.
Woodcock Hunters - Hunters would no longer need to purchase a woodcock stamp.
Warmwater Anglers - The Division would implement its warmwater fisheries plan to provide increased production of stocked fish such as bass, walleye, tiger musky and many other species. Currently, the agency is utilizing Green Acre's funding to update the Hackettstown Fish Hatchery for the production of warmwater fish. However, without sufficient license funding, all warmwater fisheries plan initiatives will be in jeopardy.
All Outdoor Enthusiasts - As the state continues to acquire more lands for public use, the Division will continue to manage them for the benefit of both wildlife and people.
Urban Anglers - This year alone, the Division will stock more than 10,000 bluegill sunfish and channel catfish at 50 youth fishing derbies. This extremely popular program would be expanded with additional resources.

1999 Proposed Schedule of Fees for Hunting & Fishing Licenses

License or Stamp Total Cost	License or Stamp Total Cost
Resident Fishing $22.25	Non-Res. Youth Firearm Hunting Free*
Senior Fishing (Ages 65-69) $12.25	Resident Bow & Arrow Hunting $31.25
Resident Youth Fishing Free*	Sr. Bow & Arrow Hunting (Age 65+) $16.25
Resident Trout Stamp $10.50	Res. Youth Bow & Arrow Hunting Free*
Non-Resident Fishing $33.75	Non-Res. Bow & Arrow Hunting $135.25
Non-Res. Youth Fishing Free*	Non-Res. Youth Bow & Arrow Hunt Free*
Non-Res. 7-Day Vac. Fishing $19.25	Pheasant & Quail Stamp $40.00
Non-Res. 2-Day Fishing $8.75	Youth Pheasant & Quail Stamp Free*
Non-Res. Trout Stamp $20.00	Resident Waterfowl Stamp $5.00
All-Around Sportsman $72.00	Non-Res. Waterfowl Stamp $10.00
Resident Firearm Hunting $27.25	Resident Trapping $32.25
Senior Firearm Hunting (Age 65+) $15.25	Resident Youth Trapping Free*
Resident Youth Firearm Hunting Free*	Turkey Permits $21.00
Non-Res. Firearm Hunting $135.25	Deer Permits $28.00
Non-Res. 2-day Hunting $36.25	Youth Deer & Turkey Permits $12.00

*NOTE: Free youth hunting licenses (under age 16) will be issued by the Division only. Youth fishing licenses are not required.