Bill
AJR 164
Designates the fourth Saturday in September as New Jersey Hunting and Fishing Day, prompting a governor proclamation and coordinating a free fishing day to boost conservation.
Overview
AJR 164 is a joint resolution introduced in the New Jersey Assembly on April 4, 2024. It designates the fourth Saturday of September each year as “New Jersey Hunting and Fishing Day” to recognize the benefits of hunting and fishing and to promote wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation.
What AJR 164 Would Do
- Designation: The fourth Saturday of September each year would be named “New Jersey Hunting and Fishing Day.”
- Governor’s Proclamation: The Governor may annually issue a proclamation urging public officials and New Jersey residents to observe the day with appropriate programs and activities.
- Publicizing and Coordinate Free Day: The Division of Fish and Wildlife (within the Department of Environmental Protection) would publicize the day each year and coordinate at least one of the State’s free fishing days (as authorized by statute) to occur on or near that day.
- Effective Date: The joint resolution takes effect immediately.
Context and Rationale (as provided in the bill)
- The measure frames hunting and fishing as core elements of the American recreation landscape, connecting people with the outdoors and supporting healthy living and environmental stewardship.
- It cites national and state activity levels (e.g., historic national hunting/fishing participation and New Jersey-specific activity) and notes economic and conservation benefits tied to hunting and fishing licensing and excise taxes.
- It highlights public access to hunting lands, diverse habitats, and strong fishing opportunities along New Jersey’s coastline, bays, and inland waters.
- The resolution emphasizes family participation, educational value for children, potential stress relief, and conservation funding generated by hunting/fishing activities.
Who Is Affected
- General public and households that participate in hunting, fishing, or outdoor recreation.
- State agencies: Governor’s Office for proclamations; Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife for publicity and coordination.
- Public lands and wildlife conservation programs funded in part by hunting/fishing revenues.
Procedural and Timeline Aspects
- Status: Introduced in the Assembly and referred to the Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee.
- Related Legislation: Companion bill SJR 63 in the Senate.
- Enactment: As a joint resolution, the action is ceremonial/non-binding, aimed at designation, proclamation, and publicity rather than establishing new statutory requirements. It would take effect immediately upon passage.
Notes
- The bill references National Hunting and Fishing Day (established 1972) and ties New Jersey’s observance to broader conservation and recreational goals.
- If enacted, the state would align at least one of its free fishing days with New Jersey Hunting and Fishing Day each year.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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