LETTER: Sunday hunting based on scientific need
While the recent editorial “Shoot down Sunday gun hunting” provided some relevant information about the importance of hunting to environmental health and game management, the conclusion to oppose the bill relied mostly on stereotypes and anecdotes. We believe Sunday hunting has merit based on facts.
The purpose of the bill is to provide the state of New Jersey the opportunity to make use of Sundays to harvest certain game animals that are determined to be in the best interest of the public, the environment, and management of game populations. The bill does not mandate Sunday hunting, but allows the state to use science and statistical analysis as the basis for determining what, if any, game animals need population management. Since the majority of hunters have only the weekend to hunt, and only Saturday allowed by law, the bill would double the opportunity for these hunters. The state and general public relies on hunters to provide the service of managing game populations.
There is an overabundance of deer, bear, geese, turkey, and coyote, and it is in the public’s interest that populations be properly managed. Deer caused 26,860 motor vehicle accidents in New Jersey in 2013, according to research by State Farm Insurance. There were also 2,785 confirmed cases and 981 probable cases of Lyme disease in New Jersey last year, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Also, both conservation and environmental groups complain that overgrazing by deer has caused the decline of hundreds of common species of plants and animals.
Regarding black bears, the population is growing at a rate faster than the number of hunters can harvest according to the Division of Fish and Wildlife. Bears are found in all 21 counties, with migration moving from the heavily populated counties in the northwest corner of the state to surrounding counties and even a few centrally located. Recently, a Rutgers student was mauled to death in a predatory bear attack, and another person was bitten. Bears have entered homes, have been found in swimming pools and under porches, have caused vehicle accidents, and even scattered a Main Street parade.
The overpopulation of Canada geese is both a public health concern and a cause of environmental damage. A few years back a flock impacted the engines of a US Airways flight 1549 and caused a rapid loss of thrust. The successful emergency landing in the Hudson River, and the safety of the passengers, was solely attributed to the exceptional ability of the pilot.
The editorial gave the impression that people wait until Sunday to enjoy the outdoors, but this is not supported by statistics. First, county and municipal parks determine whether there is hunting, not the state, and many have no hunting or limited hunting. Plus, an annual U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service survey (2011) showed New Jersey bird watchers each spent on average 90 days enjoying the outdoors, and wildlife watchers 10 days (away from their homes). Sundays don’t appear to be the only day people use to enjoy the outdoors. Also, firearm hunting occurs predominantly between the months of November through February.
Finally, a survey by Responsive Management (2003) showed that 66 percent of New Jerseyans support science-based hunting. Perhaps they understand that managing game populations is important for public safety, environmental health, and ecological balance. We hope that the other 34 percent will rely on facts to weigh the merits of Sunday hunting. If so, we think they’ll agree that the bill is good public policy.
Anthony P. Mauro, Sr
New Jersey Outdoor Alliance
While the recent editorial “Shoot down Sunday gun hunting” provided some relevant information about the importance of hunting to environmental health and game management, the conclusion to oppose the bill relied mostly on stereotypes and anecdotes. We believe Sunday hunting has merit based on facts.
The purpose of the bill is to provide the state of New Jersey the opportunity to make use of Sundays to harvest certain game animals that are determined to be in the best interest of the public, the environment, and management of game populations. The bill does not mandate Sunday hunting, but allows the state to use science and statistical analysis as the basis for determining what, if any, game animals need population management. Since the majority of hunters have only the weekend to hunt, and only Saturday allowed by law, the bill would double the opportunity for these hunters. The state and general public relies on hunters to provide the service of managing game populations.
There is an overabundance of deer, bear, geese, turkey, and coyote, and it is in the public’s interest that populations be properly managed. Deer caused 26,860 motor vehicle accidents in New Jersey in 2013, according to research by State Farm Insurance. There were also 2,785 confirmed cases and 981 probable cases of Lyme disease in New Jersey last year, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Also, both conservation and environmental groups complain that overgrazing by deer has caused the decline of hundreds of common species of plants and animals.
Regarding black bears, the population is growing at a rate faster than the number of hunters can harvest according to the Division of Fish and Wildlife. Bears are found in all 21 counties, with migration moving from the heavily populated counties in the northwest corner of the state to surrounding counties and even a few centrally located. Recently, a Rutgers student was mauled to death in a predatory bear attack, and another person was bitten. Bears have entered homes, have been found in swimming pools and under porches, have caused vehicle accidents, and even scattered a Main Street parade.
The overpopulation of Canada geese is both a public health concern and a cause of environmental damage. A few years back a flock impacted the engines of a US Airways flight 1549 and caused a rapid loss of thrust. The successful emergency landing in the Hudson River, and the safety of the passengers, was solely attributed to the exceptional ability of the pilot.
The editorial gave the impression that people wait until Sunday to enjoy the outdoors, but this is not supported by statistics. First, county and municipal parks determine whether there is hunting, not the state, and many have no hunting or limited hunting. Plus, an annual U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service survey (2011) showed New Jersey bird watchers each spent on average 90 days enjoying the outdoors, and wildlife watchers 10 days (away from their homes). Sundays don’t appear to be the only day people use to enjoy the outdoors. Also, firearm hunting occurs predominantly between the months of November through February.
Finally, a survey by Responsive Management (2003) showed that 66 percent of New Jerseyans support science-based hunting. Perhaps they understand that managing game populations is important for public safety, environmental health, and ecological balance. We hope that the other 34 percent will rely on facts to weigh the merits of Sunday hunting. If so, we think they’ll agree that the bill is good public policy.
Anthony P. Mauro, Sr
New Jersey Outdoor Alliance
