[Nj_federation_alert] APP Topic of the Day by Hutch

[ap.maurosr at verizon.net]

Thanks to Hutch for making it clear that anglers, hunters, trappers and shooters recognize the mutual threat to their existence - animal rights extremists. 

Well said Jim.

United we stand, divided we fall.
Ant 

http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007711130435

TOPIC OF THE DAY
Animal rights
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 11/13/07
Group demands radical change

The treasurer of the New Jersey Animal Rights Alliance said in her Oct. 30 letter "GOP panders to hunter lobby" that fishermen shouldn't object to bills designed to redefine the state Fish and Game Council.

Am I missing something? When did animal rights activists start representing the interests of New Jersey's million-plus anglers?

The Press earlier this year quoted the letter writer as saying, "We do not have the right to use animals for any real or perceived need, whether it be food, clothing, entertainment or medical issues."

Her animal rights activism network is a political action committee that professes to have "forged alliances with animal rights activists throughout New Jersey, the United States and the world," calling themselves a "no-nonsense group" and "tight-knit and unmovable in our passion for doing what is right for the animals."

If A-3275 and companion S-2041 are approved so "recreation and food supply" is removed from the definition of New Jersey fish and game, this self-proclaimed "no-nonsense group" will continue to fight until no animals are hunted, fished, farmed, consumed or even kept as companions, and that's by their own published mission statements.

>From opposing hatchery raised trout to the family dog, this organization is what I and most others would call radical in their belief. They most certainly don't represent the best interests of hunters, anglers or anyone else I know.

Hunters and anglers in the United States spent $75 billion in 2006 — $41 billion on fishing, $23 billion on hunting and $11 billion on items used for both hunting and fishing, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. That money ultimately returns to wildlife conservation.

Contrary to the campaign rhetoric contained in the writer's letter, the hunters and anglers of this state are paying the bill for wildlife preservation in New Jersey, and we're collectively proud to do so.

Jim Hutchinson Jr.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

THE FISHERMAN MAGAZINE

POINT PLEASANT



Anthony P. Mauro, Sr.
Chairman, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance http://www.njoutdooralliance.org