For the past several months, I've been reading opinions regarding proposed changes to the New Jersey Fish and Game Council. These pro and con letters, mostly against hunting, are in reference to allowing nonhunters, fishermen and farmers to sit on the Fish and Game Council. Seek specialist
Please tell me what sense this makes? If you required surgery, would you consult your banker for a second opinion? Given the high costs of insurance and medical care you may need to, but I would rather seek advice from a medical specialist.
The argument has recently been made that hunters never use the words conservation and ecology, suggesting outdoorsmen and women don't really care about Mother Earth. I wonder if the fellow who said this actually spends much time in the woods or on the waters, at least what's left of open land in our state. Talk to farmers and you'll soon know how sacred they hold the ground. The very people this person seeks to chastise have forever spearheaded the need for wildlife conservation and sound ecological practices.
Theodore Roosevelt, a hunter, established many national parks during his tenure. Fishermen and hunters wish to ensure all species are around to enjoy for all generations. Farmers seek to ensure the land they hold sacred remains tilled, sown and harvested for all time.
Take a look around and you'll see that for the past 30 plus years our Garden State has been growing residential developments best. Loss of suitable hunting land and construction practices combined with an inordinate number of either non- or anti-hunters have produced a dramatic increase of whitetail deer. This beautiful native species was nearly wiped out in New Jersey by the end of the 19th century. Back from brink
The majority of the human population viewed deer as pests, destroying crops and gardens. Only through the foresight and dedication of a small percentage of sportsmen was the species brought back from the brink. Out of this was born the Fish and Game Council to protect wildlife and create a balance between ecology and economy.
Due to a reversal of demographics, the pendulum now swings opposite. Deer are once again viewed as a nuisance by those who've had their vehicles damaged, insurance companies paying for repairs and by law enforcement officials who deal with the aftermath of such collisions.
Geese, now yearlong residents, are overtaking parks and ballfields and deer are stripping expensive landscaping. The few farmers left have had their primary source of income devastated by these wonderful creatures, which I love and enjoy watching, along with many others.
Fifty years ago, deer only existed in small pockets of hardwoods in Marlton, Medford and Mount Laurel. There weren't sufficient areas of cover to support them on the working farmland of the time. Farm families went to the Pinelands to hunt deer. Perfect mix
However, as construction grew and farming decreased, the perfect mix of food, cover, water and suitable habitat allowed whitetail populations to explode. This phenomenon was occurring statewide as the Division of Fish and Wildlife scrambled to stem the tide.
Our human population also exploded and changed from stewards of the rural land to a citified public who viewed farmers and outdoors folk as uneducated, backward, backwoods fools who knew nothing. In Princeton Township, Mercer County, the new population decided to put an end to hunting. Those who wish to do the same should instead do some unbiased research to see the devastating results of Princeton's decision. Chances are none of you will, as it's far too easy to follow blind guides than educate yourselves to truth.
In the meantime, show enough common-sense and leave the stewardship of land, fish and wildlife to the dedicated, realistic and educated men and women of our state who should make up the New Jersey Fish and Game Council -- farmers, fishermen and hunters.
The writer lives in Marlton.
