NJ Legislature Supports Police Use of “Extra Lethal “Ammunition

AmmoLand Gun News

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- For more than thirty years NJ Firearms Law has all but banned Citizen use, ownership or possession of hollow point type ammunition, but with the obligatory exemption for Military and Police.

It is true that Citizens can in fact buy, and use hollow points under extremely limited and exceptionally narrowly tailored circumstances, but even most cops aren’t aware of them.

Ask nearly any anti-gun politician or spokesperson for an anti-gun group and the inevitable answer justifying the law is predicated on utter ignorance and unsupportable rhetoric. Opponents will invariably exclaim that hollow point bullets are “extra lethal “ and “they are designed solely to cause devastating wounds, inflicting un-necessary pain and trauma“ and they “pose a grave threat “ or other variations of the meme.

Yet there’s that pesky exemption for the Military and Police?

The only conclusion one can reach is that the Legislature approves of and supports the issuance and potential use of these “extra lethal” rounds of ammunition by Police Officers in the performance of their duties, essentially suggesting and overtly approving that it’s perfectly acceptable for an alleged criminal to be shot by a Police Officer with them if the situation calls for it.

This means, it is the stated policy of the NJ Legislature that a person engaged in a criminal act, but not having yet had a trial or having been convicted of such an act in a Court of Law, can suffer “ un-necessary pain and trauma “ and suffer “ devastating wounds “ if an Officer decides to shoot the suspect for whatever reason.

Now, let’s shed the harsh light of scientific facts on the issue.
A hollow point bullet is not designed “solely to cause devastating wounds “ its design and construction is engineered to have the bullet expand on impact with a surface, any surface; including concrete, steel, wood, fabric and yes, flesh. By expanding on impact, the surface area of the bullet increases and causes the kinetic energy stored in the bullet to be dispersed over a greater surface area, that’s it!

Remember I mentioned fabric amongst the list of surfaces that will cause a hollow point to expand when it impacts? What are Police issue Kevlar Bullet Resistant Vests made from? That’s right, fabric. In fact, when Police issue Body Armor is tested by both the manufacturer and the government agency responsible for certifying its effectiveness, it’s tested against hollow point bullets!

Police Body Armor is actually much more likely to be more effective at stopping a hollow point bullet then a “full metal jacket“ type of bullet, which is the height of irony. Because of the Legislature’s incredible ignorance of the subject and their apparent willingness to swallow the baseless lies and fear mongering of Anti gunners..

..they’ve unintentionally created a more potentially deadly situation for those they claim to be trying to protect, Police and innocent Citizens.

I have in my custody an internal Ballistics Test Report from the NJ State Police that conclusively proves that the use of full metal jacket ammunition in a defensive shooting situation is exponentially riskier in terms of the likelihood of over penetration and or “target pass through“ with the significant potential to injure innocent people well outside the area of the shooting.

A study performed by the NYPD found the same thing and validated the findings of the NJ State Police, that the use of full metal jacket style ammunition was much more likely to result in the unintended injury of innocent bystanders due to the ability of the round to strike its intended target, generally retain its shape and energy, pass through the target and continue on its path to strike something else.

As opposed to a hollow point bullet whose design ensures that upon impact it expands and deposits its energy in its original target, thereby becoming significantly less likely to hurt or kill an innocent bystander.

The New Jersey Legislature cannot have it both ways.
They can either admit that if they truly believe that hollow point style ammunition actually is “extra lethal“ and all the other assorted, overheated adjectives they use to describe them, and their approved use against criminals then certainly seems like a clear cut case of “extra judicious“ force.

Or they can simply admit they made a mistake, take responsibility for it and fix it by treating hollow point ammunition just like any other bullet.

More articles, commentary and information by Dan Robert available at That Every Man Be Armed.com

AmmoLand Gun News

Manasquan, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- The New Jersey Appellate Division decided two cases this week in support of fair treatment for those who received mental health care, but who no longer suffer from such disabilities in such a manner that would handicap them in the safe handling of firearms.

The law firm of Evan F. Nappen, Attorney at Law PC of Eatontown, New Jersey, (www.evannappen.com) represented both of these appellants.

Both cases were partially funded by the NRA’s Civil Rights Defense Fund.

IN RE M.L., PETITIONER FOR EXPUNGEMENT
Two years ago, M.L., a retired law enforcement officer with over 25 years of service, suffered from a bout of depression, from which he had significantly improved. He voluntarily admitted himself to a mental health facility and, thereafter, received outpatient treatment. He sought to have his voluntary commitment records expunged to relieve the stigma associated with his hospital stay and to help him gain employment as a security guard. M.L.’s treating doctor testified that M.L. was presently of sound mental health. Despite the above, the trial court denied the petition.

Louis P. Nappen, Esq., appeared on behalf of M.L. both at the trial court and on appeal. On appeal, Mr. Nappen argued that the Ocean County Trial Court erred in applying the wrong standard of review and in failing to conclude M.L. met all requirements for expungement under the statute. The Appellate Division agreed, finding that “the trial court’s opinion appeared to ignore the provisions of the statute” and that “the denial of expungement premised upon a possible future weapons application is erroneous.”

It was clear that the petitioner received unfair treatment from the trial judge, and on February 8, the Appellate Division ordered, “”We conclude the trial court’s review was deficient as it failed to comply with the requisites of the statute. Accordingly, we reverse the October 15, 2010 order and remand the matter for consideration by a different Law Division judge[.]“

When asked about the decision, Attorney Nappen stated, “Basically, the judge refused to apply the statute to the facts of the case, but instead promoted an anti-gun agenda. I am glad that the Appellate Division saw the unfairness of the situation.”

This decision is available at http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/opinions/a1499-10.pdf .

IN RE WEAPONS OF A.S.
Following a dismissed temporary restraining order (regarding which the wife’s allegation could not be proven), the State moved to forfeit A.S.’s firearms that were seized in accordance with the temporary order.  Firearms were not involved in any way in his wife’s allegations of domestic violence. A.S. has no criminal record or other absolute bars to firearm possession.

Despite the above, the prosecutor insisted on a mental health evaluation based on information provided by the wife that A.S had threatened and attempted suicide in the past. Appellant testified that he has suffered from chronic back pain since 1997, and he has also been diagnosed with depression. Appellant testified that he had been under the care of psychiatrists.

At the hearing, A.S. presented a doctor’s letter in response to the prosecutor’s demand that attested to A.S.’s present mental health stability. Despite the doctor’s letter, the trial court granted the State’s petition for forfeiture.

The defendant appeared pro se at the Sussex County Trial Court, but hired Evan F. Nappen, Attorney at Law, PC for the appeal. Louis P. Nappen, Esq., argued the appeal for the firm.

On February 6, the Appellate Division found that the appellant was misled at the trial court level. “He should not have been deprived of fair notice that the State would not accept [his doctor’s] letter as satisfying the statutory requirement.”

The Court stated, “Over appellant’s earlier objections, the court had granted two adjournments to the State to prepare its case. It should also have granted a continuance of the hearing to appellant to seek more evidence of his mental fitness.” Therefore, the Appellate Division reversed and remanded the matter to reopen the hearing and permit A.S. to present additional evidence of his fitness to possess his firearms.

This decision is available at http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/opinions/a3192-10.pdf .

The above decisions also mirror the Appellate Division decision in State v. Pyskaty, July 8, 2011, where the Court reversed a Monmouth County trial court that refused to consider a doctor’s written evaluation in support of the return of firearms and firearm rights. The Pyskaty case was argued by Richard V. Gilbert, Esq., also of the Nappen Firm, and is available at http://lawlibrary.rutgers.edu/courts/appellate/a3742-09.opn.html.

When asked about the A.S. and M.L. appeals, Attorney Nappen commented, “These victories do not just support firearm rights, but also civil rights for those who face unfair treatment by the courts or by the state as a result of seeking mental health treatment. The Appellate decisions send a message that judges should stop discouraging people from seeking mental health counseling at the fear of losing their personal reputations and firearm rights.”

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Senate Bill 1083, sponsored by Senator Bob Smith (D- Piscataway), would allow youth ages 10 and older and adults to hunt under an apprentice hunting license.

The apprentice license allows new hunters to try hunting under the mentor-ship of an experienced adult before completing a hunter education course.

A hearing for the bill has been scheduled for Thursday, February 9th at 10:00 a.m. in Committee Room 10 on the 3rd Floor of the State House Annex in Trenton. The bill is in the Senate Committee on Environment and Energy. New Jersey sportsmen and women should contact the members of the Committee today and ask them to support Senate Bill 1083. Tell them that apprentice hunting is vital to the future of our outdoor heritage.

“Families Afield has a nationwide track record of safely recruiting new hunters through apprentice hunting licenses,” said Jeremy Rine, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance in-house counsel and associate director of state services. “This try-before-you-buy concept helps to boost hunter recruitment and retention, while keeping our hunting heritage alive for the next generation.”

Apprentice hunting licenses have been a hallmark of the Families Afield initiative across the country. The Families Afield initiative was established by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, and the National Wild Turkey Federation to bring a new generation of sportsmen to the field. Along with the National Rifle Association and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, the coalition has worked to pass measures in 32 states with more than 600,000 apprentice or mentored hunting licenses sold since the program’s inception.
Companion legislation, House Bill 1544, is pending before the Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Take Action! New Jersey sportsmen should contact members of the Senate Environment and Energy Committee today and ask them to support Senate Bill 1083. Tell them apprentice hunting licenses have been shown across the country to be a safe and successful way to recruit new hunters.

Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

• Chairman Bob Smith (D- Piscataway) – Bill Sponsor
  Phone: (732) 752-0770 Email: senbsmith@njleg.org
• Vice Chair Senator Linda R. Greenstein (D- Plainsboro)
  Phone: (609) 395-9911 Email: sengreenstein@njleg.org
• Senator Christopher Bateman (R- Somerville)
  Phone: (908) 526-3600 Email: senbateman@njleg.org
• Senator Jennifer Beck (R- Red Bank)
  Phone: (732) 933-1591 Email: senbeck@njleg.org
• Senator Jim Whelan (D- Atlantic City)
  Phone: (609) 383-1388 Email: senwhelan@njleg.org

About:
The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. Visit www.ussportsmen.org.

ANJRPC Officers To Appear On WCBS-TV Report On Rising Gun Ownership

Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs

NY, NJ, CT --(Ammoland.com)- Tune in tonight to the 11pm news on WCBS-TV (Channel 2) to see their report covering the rising trend of gun ownership, entitled “Who’s Packing Heat?”

ANJRPC President Scott Bach and Treasurer Anthony Colandro (also of the Gun For Hire training facility) were interviewed for this story, along with an ANJRPC range member. Some of the footage was taken at Cherry Ridge Range.

“Ok so here is the deal. CBS is doing a gun special Monday night at 11:00 pm after the weather called “Packing Heat” GFH Radio and Bach as well as a few others we know are in it.

Best part is they are running promos every hour or so and they will be running them during the Superbowl, maybe we will run next to King Mike’s anti gun commercial! Nice!” says Anthony Colandro.

CBS promoted this story all weekend long. It’s scheduled to air sometime during the 11 pm news.

About Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs:The Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs, Inc. is the official NRA State Association in New Jersey. Our mission is to implement all of the programs and activities at the state level that the NRA does at the national level. This mission includes the following: To support and defend the constitutional rights of the people to keep and bear arms. To take immediate action against any legislation at the local, state and federal level that would infringe upon these rights. Visit: www.anjrpc.org

New Jersey Castle Doctrine Committee Volunteers Wanted

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- It is late at night in the dark of winter.

You pull into your driveway with your wife and family in the car.

You notice something is not right. You KNOW that light was not on when you left your home. Is that broken glass by the front door. Suddenly someone comes running out of your house with a gun in their hand.

What do you do? If you live in New Jersey, you can do nothing but experience the sheer TERROR of knowing that you and your family are at the mercy of some low-life animal.

OR

It’s the middle of the night, you think you hear something. You look out the window and you see someone breaking into your new car. Do you get your defensive handgun to protect yourself before going to your door. NOPE – not in New Jersey, unless you want to face a conviction for felony possession. Instead you can run to the phone and dial 911 as some (expletive deleted) career criminal drives away with $30,000.00 of your hard-earned money.

There are many other similar scenarios, all of which leave you, the law-abiding individual, to the whims of a potentially murderous dirt bag! The reason is that we who live and work in New Jersey are not protected by an adequate castle doctrine. This is a separate issue from being allowed to obtain a concealed carry permit. A Castle Doctrine is simply a body of laws which SHOULD be in place to protect our lives and loved ones when we are merely going about the daily routine of our lives, in our homes and vehicles.

I am not one to propose a problem without providing a solution. The solution is for us to form a DEDICATED sub-committee of the Legal/Legislative committee whose job it is to develop a comprehensive Castle Doctrine for New Jersey. Members will be able to glean the best ideas from those laws which are already in place in other states such as Pennsylvania, Virginia, Arizona and Florida. You don’t need a law degree to work on this committee. All that is required is a sincere belief and a desire to assist in the development and promotion of a comprehensive Castle Doctrine to protect our lives and loved ones.

It is my sincere belief that NOW IS THE TIME to begin working on this essential change to New Jersey’s Firearms Statutes. I personally refuse to believe we cannot achieve this goal. To those who say “Why not just go for the Holy Grail of CCW?”, all I can say is there are those we can convince to support a Castle Doctrine, who will NOT help us fight for CCW at THIS TIME. That is not to suggest that we will not go forward with plans to fight for CCW, but that may very well be decided in the courts.

A comprehensive Castle Doctrine is something *WE* can work toward RIGHT NOW!

If you agree, and would like to work on this committee, please contact legislation@nj2as.com. Please expect to be able to devote at LEAST one hour a week to this project. More is better.

Thank you,

About:
New Jersey Second Amendment Society – Our mission is to promote the free exercise of Second Amendment rights within the community and Legislature of New Jersey, to educate the community regarding the enjoyable, safe, and responsible use of firearms, and to engender a sense of camaraderie and fellowship among the members and their families. Visit: www.nj2as.com

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Hooked on Fishing not on Drugs (A638), a bill that the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance has made a priority to become law was unanimously approved by the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee last week.

NJOA (CF) council members present at the hearing and testifying in favor of the bill were New Jersey Outdoor Alliance, Jersey Coast Anglers Association, and New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs. Other groups also testified for the bill, including New Jersey Recreation and Parks Association.

Committee members:

• Albano, Nelson T. (D)
• Clifton, Robert D. (R)
• Wilson, Gilbert L. (D)
• Caride, Marlene (D)
• Dancer, Ronald S. (R)

Bill sponsors:

• Rumpf, Brian E. as Primary Sponsor
• Conaway, Herb, Jr. as Primary Sponsor
• Gove, DiAnne C. as Primary Sponsor
• Albano, Nelson T. as Primary Sponsor
• Wolfe, David W. as Co-Sponsor
• Diegnan, Patrick J., Jr. as Co-Sponsor
• McHose, Alison Littell as Co-Sponsor
• Moriarty, Paul D. as Co-Sponsor
• Chiusano, Gary R. as Co-Sponsor
• Rumana, Scott T. as Co-Sponsor
• Peterson, Erik as Co-Sponsor
• Burzichelli, John J. as Co-Sponsor

Bill A638 (HOFNOD) would establish a program within the Division of Fish and Wildlife to encourage children to avoid drug use. HOFNOD is a nationally recognized program developed by the Future Fisherman Foundation which has operated successfully in over a dozen states.

The program’s funding source would be the Drug Enforcement and Demand Reduction Fund (DEDRF) from which there would be a $200,000 appropriation to support the cost of implementing the program. This is a statutory account established to receive fines and penalties from convicted drug offenders that are used to support State authorized drug and alcohol abuse abatement programs.

Ed Markowski, President of NJOA (EP) and a long-time champion of the bill said, “HOFNOD is a uniquely designed approach to drug prevention among our youth. It is as effective with urban kids as it is with suburban and rural kids. HOFNOD consists of developing positive life skills while providing an appreciation of wildlife and the outdoors with the catalyst being the teaching of angling skills to school-aged children.”

The legislation is scheduled to be heard by Senate Environment and Energy Committee (S178) on Thursday, February 9, 2012. If approved, it would need to be passed by the full Assembly and full Senate to be sent to Governor Christie to be signed into law.

JOIN NJOA: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

About:
NJOA – The mission of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is to serve as a grassroots coalition of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen dedicated to environmental stewardship. We will champion the intrinsic value of natural resource conservation – including fishing, hunting and trapping, among opinion leaders and policy makers. We will support legislation, and those sponsoring legislation, that provides lasting ecological and social enrichment through sustainable use of the earths resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org

Gun for Hire Radio

Gun for Hire Radio

Belleville, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Episode 36: A cry from the statehouse: “Make it Stop!”

Jersey lawmakers duck and cover while phone lines melt and the honorable Senator Lautenberg reportedly turns to dust over the defeat of two proposed sweeping gun bans. Gun For Hire Radio Listeners, wiping senatorial dust off their shoulders, show no mercy.

What do you do when attacked by an 800-pound black bear in New Jersey? Jersey’s new Parks Commissioner spokesman, Jethro Bodine says, “rastle ‘em Granny!”

Gubernatorial helicopter seen hovering over soon defunct Hostess Bakery.

Could Home Invading Sh!tbags be surfing realtor listings and Google maps right now to peak inside your bedroom dresser draw?

Lesson’s learned while walking the dog… Anthony almost “puts a cap in the A$$” of a rogue deliveryman. Hearing the story, Sandy laughs so hard snot comes out of his nose.

CBS News is planning to air the Gun For Hire Radio expose’ “guess who’s packing heat” this Monday February 6th on 11-O’Clock News. Will it be a hatchet job? Tune in and see…

Thanks to our loyal listeners, for coming together to powerfully oppose yet another attack on our freedom. Please help to make the voice deafening.. Each one, Reach one… get someone else listening to Gun For Hire Radio… “The Voice of 1-Million New Jersey Gun Owners.” Together we can win our rights to be free again. Unity and activism is the key. Remember: if one of us is chained, none of us are free

Please pray for listener Andy Pinelli who is bravely confronting a serious health issue.

http://www.gunforhireradio.com/podcasts/GFH_Episode_36.mp3

Please Please, thank and patronize ours sponsors. Without them there would NO GFH Radio! http://gunforhireradio.com/featuredsponsors.html

About:
Gun For Hire, Firearm Training Center and NJSO were started to promote the positive aspects of safe and responsible firearms ownership. I believe if you are going to make the commitment to own a firearm, it is your duty to learn the safe and responsible handling that goes with its ownership. I am the Chief Range Safety Officer at the Bullet Hole Range. I have been giving private and group lessons in firearms instruction since 1992. “Firearms in self-defense are not a cure all but in trained hands they are the ultimate equalizer.” Visit: www.gunforhireradio.com

Authors Note. I originally wrote this article back on July 20th 2009 in the aftermath of a shootout between two criminals and the Police in which an Officer was wounded and eventually died from his wounds a few days later. Given the fact that NJ Assembly Bill A1013 was recently brought before the Law and Public Safety Committee and named in the fallen Officers honor, I thought it timely that I share what I found about one of the suspects involved.

AmmoLand Gun News

New Jersey, Dateline July 20th 2009 --(Ammoland.com)- Late last week there was a shootout in Jersey City NJ involving a convicted felon already under investigation for a previous armed robbery, and his girlfriend as an active accomplice.

When two plainclothes detectives approached the two suspects on the street in the early morning hours one of the suspects already barred by Federal Law from even touching a firearm, immediately pulled out a shotgun and opened fire on the Officers. This lead to a standoff, which culminated in a barricade situation in which the Jersey City Special Response Team stormed the apartment and a second gun battle ensued, resulting in the deaths of both suspects and the injury of five Jersey City Officers, including two critically.

In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Jersey City Police Chief Thomas Comey addressed the media at a press conference concerning the incident and the Officers condition in the Hospital parking lot. During that press conference Chief Comey, understandably shaken and upset, succumbed to his emotions and bellowed about the need to do something about getting the guns off the streets, that the firearm used is “only used for hunting man” and that in his view “the shotgun in question was an assault weapon, to be used only by the Military and Police”.

While one can certainly understand to a degree Chief Comey’s outburst given the circumstances, that is not an excuse to jettison ones professional demeanor and take up the absurd mantra of even more restrictions on law abiding citizens because of the actions of criminals that clearly show their unabashed willingness to flaunt the existing laws at every opportunity.

A quick check of the follow up article in the Star Ledger the next day shows that one of the Officers shot had already had a previous run in with one of the shooters. Officer Marc Dinardo, the most seriously wounded, had arrested the shooter and suspect Hassan Skakur back in 2002 for being a felon in possession of a firearm, a direct violation of both State and Federal Law.

• Skakur served a tad more then four years for that offense, which calls for a minimum and mandatory sentence of five years in Federal Prison. Link to the story here: http://tiny.cc/xrxkk
• Now contrast Skakur’s sentence with another NJ Criminal, also reported on by the Star Ledger, not quite a year ago. In that case Shawntrail Lee was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to fifteen years in Federal Prison! Mr Lee’s trial and conviction took place in Augusta Georgia. Link here: http://tiny.cc/4s9v5

The citizens of this state need to ask themselves why in a state claiming to be so ‘hard‘ on gun crime could sentence so lightly a known felon with an extensive rap sheet tried and convicted of illegal possession of a firearm punishing him with only a little more then 50 months in jail; but the same exact charge in Georgia, one of those States that Bryan Miller excoriates for its “weak gun laws” sentenced the violator with 15 years in the Federal Pen.

I deeply sympathize with the injured Officers and wish them all a full and speedy recovery. Frankly they did us all a favor as tax payers by disposing of a couple of sociopathic violent animals.

But the fact remains as long as the State Legislature, The Governor, the Attorney General’s Office and certain Law Enforcement Officials continue to parrot the bold face lies of the Anti gun crowd that seeks to put the gun in jail, rather than the criminal, these types of shootings will continue.

By refusing to thoroughly punish those who transgress the law, and posturing against firearms as a pretext for their failure of policy, yet more incidents will continue to take place in New Jersey’s “gun free killing zone”, while the rights of the law abiding will continue to be assailed as a sacrificial lamb on the alter of political correctness by spineless politicians who have no interest in anything other then their next campaign.

In a stunning twist even Paul Helmke , President of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence recently admitted to an Akron Ohio Newspaper that “guns don’t kill people, people do.” Something anyone with an once of common sense and the ability to engage in critical thinking and logic has known for years.

If Mr Helmke can acknowledge such an obvious and fundamental truth after years of denial, there’s still a slight hope the Leaders of New Jersey will reach the same conclusion. But the first step down that path is to stop hiding behind emotion and misrepresentation and admit the truth, we have a violent crime problem not because of the availability of guns, but because of the distinct lack of elected and appointed officials willing to uphold their oath of office and give voice to something we all know.

Lock up the criminals for a long time and leave the law abiding, freedom loving citizens alone!

Story link: MyFoxNY.com

More articles, commentary and information by Dan Roberts available at That Every Man Be Armed.com

National Animal Interest Alliance

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- New Jersey A2039 revises the definitions concerning types of animal abuse and raises the penalties so that many infractions become felonies.

This new law would impact all pet owners in New Jersey, which include approximately 1,993,000 households, representing about 5,340,000 individuals. See text of bill here.

This bill will be heard tomorrow in the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. Please watch for a special Alert tomorrow to send a message to that committee. See below to send a special message to your Assemblyperson now.

The vast majority of Americans take good care of their animals. In 2011 the American Pet Products Association estimated that $50.84 billion dollars were spent on pet care. The notion that our society is teeming with animal abusers is an exaggeration. This legislation is an overarching attempt to justify that assumption.

Some of the activities targeted by this bill include perfectly legitimate American Kennel Club events such as earthdog trials and hunt tests. The definition of “sexual contact” needs to be refined to ensure that normal animal husbandry practices and conformation events will not be negatively impacted.

The definition of “minimum care” is so vague it gives no guidance to animal owners at all. The language used is inappropriate for criminal law. Instead, it is tort language and doesn’t rise to the standard used for criminal law.

The new section on aggravated animal abuse includes, “purposely causes unnecessary bodily injury to an animal” and also, “knowingly causes unnecessary bodily injury to an animal.” There is disagreement among animal owners as to what is necessary or not. This could easily apply to normal animal husbandry practices such as cropping, docking, and dewclaw removal. The first charge carries a crime of the fourth degree, the second carries a crime of the third degree. Both are felonies.

Section 5 would make it a disorderly persons offense if you tied your dog to a parking meter while you went inside a shop to buy coffee and a newspaper.

In the same section, aggravated animal abuse is a failure to provide minimum care that causes the death of an animal, but extreme aggravated animal abuse is failure to provide minimum care and the animal lives. That is contrary to most other laws.

The penalties are over the top, with “person found guilty of a cruelty offense is subject to maximum fines, and subject to minimum fines of not less than:

• $10,000 when offense is crime of the first degree;
• $5,000 when offense is crime of the second degree;
• $3,000 when offense is crime of the third degree;
• $1,000 when offense is a crime of the fourth degree;
• $500 when offense is a disorderly persons fine.”

Crimes of the fourth, third and second degree include aggravated assault, sexual assault, property theft crimes, manslaughter and second degree homicide. Charges of animal abuse don’t equal similar charges of crimes against people and don’t belong in Title 2.

In every case, these penalties are for each individual animal. Once they have charged you with cruelty for your school of guppies, the fines and jail time will soon add up. The bill also calls for mental health treatment, with the cost to be borne by the violator. Law cannot require a court to order mental health counseling without an evaluation of the facts of the case and a determination by the court based on those facts.

Section 6 outlaws euthanasia practices accepted by the AVMA. It is inappropriate for the state to insert itself between a veterinarian and their client.

The bill provides all kinds of mechanisms for forfeiture and repayment of fees having to do with the care of the animal, but does not provide for the transfer of ownership and care to a non-custodial co-owner.

A2039 does nothing to increase the care for animals, or to protect them from harm. All it does is create a new class of criminals. New Jersey does not need more felons, nor do their prisons need more prisoners. Incarceration is expensive. Continued education in the proper care of pets would be money better spent.

Please send a message to your Assemblyperson about this bill.

Protect your pets! Join NAIA Trust today!

About:
The Mission of NAIA is to promote the welfare of animals, to strengthen the human-animal bond, and safeguard the rights of responsible animal owners and professionals through research, public education and sound public policy. Visit: www.naiaonline.org

NRA - ILA

Charlotte, NC --(Ammoland.com)- Thanks to the overwhelming number of phone calls and e-mails from dedicated NRA members, the New Jersey Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee decided to hold Assembly Bill 588 for further study.

While this fight is not over, this is a big win for gun owners in the Garden State. During Monday’s hearing, Assembly Bill 1013 passed in the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee with amendments that attempt to address gun owner concerns and has been referred to the Assembly Appropriations Committee where further amendments may occur.

Law-abiding gun owners can breathe a sigh of relief due to A588 being held for further study by the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee. Sponsored by Assemblyman L. Grace Spencer (D-29), A588 has been confused for police safety legislation aimed at armor-piercing ammunition (which is already prohibited under federal and state law).

This measure actually would have opened the door to a sweeping ammunition ban by an unelected public official by executive fiat. Common hunting, target, and self-defense ammunition would have been subject to ban by the Attorney General, along with BB’s, airgun pellets, and non-metallic ammunition like plastic airsoft pellets, if he determined that they pose a threat to the safety and well being of law enforcement.

Although A588 only mentions handgun ammunition, it is in fact not limited to handgun ammunition, and would have applied to all rifle ammunition for which a handgun is ever made. As an increasing number of gun manufacturers make handgun models that shoot rifle caliber ammunition, the line between “handgun” vs. “rifle” ammunition has become blurred, and the New Jersey State Police have already begun treating rifle ammunition in this category as if it were handgun ammunition for regulatory purposes. As long as a handgun exists that shoots a particular caliber of rifle ammunition, New Jersey treats that ammunition as if it were handgun ammunition.

The Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee did pass A1013 with amendments that attempt to address gun owner concerns. This legislation will now head to the New Jersey Assembly Committee on Appropriations. A1013, sponsored by Assemblyman Charles Mainor (D-31), would criminalize the use of a defaced or stolen firearm that is used to injure a police officer and enhances penalties for defacing a firearm. One provision of this police safety legislation significantly increases the penalties relating to “defaced” firearms.

Because of New Jersey’s longstanding poorly-crafted definition of “defaced” firearms, it is possible that refinishing a firearm, or long-term damage from rust or scratches from ordinary wear and tear, could be deemed “defacement” subjecting honest gun owners to lengthy prison sentences, even though identifying information on the firearm is still legible.

We would like to thank all of the NRA members who voiced their opposition to A588 and A1013. Please continue to check AmmoLand Shooting Sports News and www.NRAILA.org for more updates on A588 and A1013.

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit: www.nra.org

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- I am very happy and proud to announce the induction of three new LIFE MEMBERS into our Society.

Each of these members has made a significant contribution in service to our Society.

Please join me in congratulating Matt Sodano, Ryan McBeth and Ron Stanker as our newest life members. I hope to have the pleasure of introducing them to you at one of our upcoming meetings.

I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage all the subscribers on our mailing list who have not yet joined, to strongly consider doing so. We need your support and we need your voice. This is a critical time in the mission to restore and preserve the fundamental human right to keep and bear arms for legitimate purposes in New Jersey and throughout the nation. We are beginning to make some progress for the first time in years. In order to keep the momentum running in the right direction, we need as many people as possible standing with us in the fight to regain our rights. Please remember that this is an all volunteer Society. No one receives a salary for their time and effort. your fellow members all donate their time and talents, taking time away from their other responsibilities to help us make a difference. I know that you want to be a part of this great Society. Please join with us as soon as possible. Our goal is to reach at least 3000 members before the end of this year. With your help we can easily make this goal. THANK YOU.

For those of you who are interested, a link to the audio of the testimony before the NJ Assembly Law & Public Safety Committee on Monday January 30, 2012 is now available at the top of our media page at www.nj2as.com.

http://rmserver.njleg.state.nj.us/internet/2012/ALP/0130-0200PM-M0-1.wma

You can also access the video of the presentation by Evan Nappen on the same page. The introduction to the Evan Nappen event by yours truly can be found HERE. I hope that you enjoy all these links. We hope to have a link to the video of attorney David Jensen’s presentation up shortly.

If you would like to catch up on all of the press releases sent out on behalf of your society, there is a new link to the “Press Room” from the “MEDIA” button on our home page. I am looking forward to meeting a lot of the recent new members at the upcoming meeting with Alan Gura. We will be wrapping up the attorney series with ANJRPC Executive Director and NRA Board Member attorney Scott Bach in March. Scott is in an EXCELLENT position to summarize what all the recent activity in the RKBA movement means for the present and the future of our fundamental rights.

Beginning in the spring we plan some special surprises for our members when the New Jersey Second Amendment Society presents the “Media Personalities” series of presentations. Up until now all our meetings have been free and open to the public, due to significant increases in attendance, we may have to change that policy. There is a definite possibility that we may run some future meetings for members only, or we may have to charge non-members who wish to attend. Without giving anything away, *THIS* would be an EXCELLENT time for you and your friends and shooting buddies to become full fledged members if you have not already done so.

Please keep in touch with us on our Facebook Group, YouTube Account, Twitter @NJ2ASPREZ and our website at www.nj2as.com.

I look forward to seeing all of you at the upcoming meetings. Thank you,

“NOW IS THE TIME!!!”

About:
New Jersey Second Amendment Society – Our mission is to promote the free exercise of Second Amendment rights within the community and Legislature of New Jersey, to educate the community regarding the enjoyable, safe, and responsible use of firearms, and to engender a sense of camaraderie and fellowship among the members and their families. Visit: www.nj2as.com

NJ2AS looking over the wall in New Jersey....WOLVERINES!

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

Manahawkin, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- The New Jersey Second Amendment Society testified before the New Jersey Assembly Law & Public Safety Committee yesterday to weigh in on Assembly Bills A588 and A1013.

A588 was opposed because it proposed to give over-reaching authority to the New Jersey Attorney General to ban ammunition, including air soft pellets, at the whim of the Attorney General.

A1013 was opposed because it hinged on the poorly defined definition of ‘defaced’ in the New Jersey code, effectively making law-abiding citizens felons when in possession of older firearms that may have rust or normal wear making their markings unreadable.

The Committee tabled A588 and amended A1013 to address the concerns raised by NJ2AS and other Second Amendment groups that testified.

“We are very pleased with the way the Committee responded to their constituents’ today.” says Frank Jack Fiamingo, President of the New Jersey Second Amendment Society, “The Committee was inundated with phone calls, email and faxes opposing these bills as well as a strong showing at the hearing in Trenton by concerned citizens – and we feel they responded appropriately.”

Frank Jack Fiamingo can be reached for comment via email at President@nj2as.com or by phone at (732) 233-6506.

The New Jersey Second Amendment Society (http://www.NJ2AS.com) is a no compromise defender of the right to keep and bear arms formed to promote those rights protected under the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States within the legislature and the community.

About:
New Jersey Second Amendment Society – Our mission is to promote the free exercise of Second Amendment rights within the community and Legislature of New Jersey, to educate the community regarding the enjoyable, safe, and responsible use of firearms, and to engender a sense of camaraderie and fellowship among the members and their families. Visit: www.nj2as.com

New Jersey Second Amendment Society Supports Starbucks Pro Gun Policy - Feb 14th 2012 - ilovegunsandcoffee.com

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

Manahawkin, New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- The New Jersey Second Amendment Society announced it will be joining many national freedom and rights groups in supporting Starbucks on February 14th.

“While some organizations have chosen to boycott Starbucks for their policies,” says Frank Jack Fiamingo, President of the NJ2AS, “we choose to support those businesses that support freedom and individual choice rather than yielding to the desires of the few who would strip law abiding citizens of rights under the guise of safety.”

Fiamingo continues, “Unlike a number of large restaurant entities Starbucks has chosen to defer to local laws regarding the right to keep and bear arms on their premises. This support of the rights of the law abiding people patronizing Starbucks is to be commended.

We are pleased to see Starbucks take this common sense approach rather than cowering to the whims of the many anti freedom groups that choose to focus on the Second Amendment as their avenue for more intrusive and nanny state government and corporate policies.”

Frank Jack Fiamingo can be reached for comment via email at President@nj2as.com or by phone at (732) 233-6506.

The New Jersey Second Amendment Society (http://www.NJ2AS.com) is a no compromise defender of the right to keep and bear arms formed to promote those rights protected under the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States within the legislature and the community.

I love coffee and guns patches at http://ilovegunsandcoffee.com/

About:
New Jersey Second Amendment Society – Our mission is to promote the free exercise of Second Amendment rights within the community and Legislature of New Jersey, to educate the community regarding the enjoyable, safe, and responsible use of firearms, and to engender a sense of camaraderie and fellowship among the members and their families. Visit: www.nj2as.com

Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- After a massive outcry from the Second Amendment community against A588 (backdoor ammo ban) and A1013 (defacing firearms – unintended consequences), the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee “held” A588 and amended A1013 in response to gun owner concerns.

The effect of holding A588 is to send it back to the drawing board for further review and amendment, and this legislation that would have opened the door to a sweeping ammunition ban will not advance in its present form.

The amendments to A1013 are still under review, but it is very apparent from the actions of the Committee and the on-the-record statements made by its members that the Committee has heard honest gun owners loud and clear.

We will continue to monitor these bills and dozens of others that we are watching and provide early warning of threats to our Second Amendment rights.

And thank you for your calls, faxes and emails to the Committee members!

About Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs:
The Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs, Inc. is the official NRA State Association in New Jersey. Our mission is to implement all of the programs and activities at the state level that the NRA does at the national level. This mission includes the following: To support and defend the constitutional rights of the people to keep and bear arms. To take immediate action against any legislation at the local, state and federal level that would infringe upon these rights. Visit: www.anjrpc.org

Gun for Hire Radio

Gun for Hire Radio

Belleville, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- It is here! GFH Radio #35 In this episode Anthony and Sandy speak with Scott Bach and discuss Assembly Bill A588 which would enable the Attorney General to ban handgun and rifle ammunition by executive fiat.

http://gunforhireradio.com/podcasts/GFH_Episode_35.mp3

Please Please, thank and patronize ours sponsors. Without them there would NO GFH Radio! http://gunforhireradio.com/featuredsponsors.html

About:
Gun For Hire, Firearm Training Center and NJSO were started to promote the positive aspects of safe and responsible firearms ownership. I believe if you are going to make the commitment to own a firearm, it is your duty to learn the safe and responsible handling that goes with its ownership. I am the Chief Range Safety Officer at the Bullet Hole Range. I have been giving private and group lessons in firearms instruction since 1992. “Firearms in self-defense are not a cure all but in trained hands they are the ultimate equalizer.” Visit: www.gunforhireradio.com

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- As noted in a previous URGENT alert, The Assembly Law & Public Safety will be conducting a hearing on bill A588. P

lease read the following if you want to see what is wrong with this bill. If you agree that this bill should NOT be considered, and you are able to attend the hearing, PLEASE join me in Trenton on Monday afternoon. Here is the relevant information – The hearing will be held on Monday 1/30/2012 at 2:00 p.m. in Committee Room 16, 4th Floor, State House Annex in Trenton. I realize this is short notice but I only recently found out about the hearing.

The text enclosed between the STARS(***) and in BOLD is the offensive addition. The rest is the statutes as it currently is written:

N.J.S.2C:39-3 is amended to read as follows:…

…Dum-dum or body armor penetrating bullets.

(1) Any person, other than a law enforcement officer or persons engaged in activities pursuant to subsection f. of N.J.S.2C:39-6, who knowingly has in his possession any hollow nose or dum- dum bullet, or (2) any person, other than a collector of firearms or ammunition as curios or relics as defined in Title 18, United States Code, section 921 (a) (13) and has in his possession a valid Collector of Curios and Relics License issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, who knowingly has in his possession any body armor breaching or penetrating ammunition, which means: (a) ammunition primarily designed for use in a handgun, and (b) which is comprised of a bullet whose core or jacket, if the jacket is thicker than .025 of an inch, is made of tungsten carbide, or hard bronze, or other material which is harder than a rating of 72 or greater on the Rockwell B. Hardness Scale, and (c) is therefore capable of breaching or penetrating body armor,
************************************************************
or (3) any person, other than a law enforcement officer, who knowingly has in his possession handgun ammunition which (a) has a full metal jacket and an ogive with a steel penetrator tip followed by an aluminum core and is 1 therefore capable of breaching or penetrating body armor, or (b) after testing, the Attorney General determines poses a threat to the safety and well being of law enforcement officers because of the materials, be they metallic or nonmetallic, used in its composition or because its ogive, core or jacket are of a design, construction or formulation which makes it capable of breaching or penetrating body armor,
************************************************************
is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. For purposes of this section, a collector may possess not more than three examples of each distinctive variation of the ammunition described above. A distinctive variation includes a different head stamp, composition, design, or color…

There are SEVERAL things wrong with the statute in general and this addition in particular.

• FIRST – since it is becoming clearer by the day that New Jersey residents may be required to defend themselves from such acts as gang violence and home invasions, there is NO reason that law-abiding individuals should be prohibited from possessing the EXACT SAME firearms and ammunition used by the police. If a gang member wants to invade your home and is wearing a bullet proof vest – you have EVERY LEGITIMATE REASON in the WORLD to have firearms and ammunition capable of piercing a vest!
• SECOND – The Attorney General should NOT be given the BROAD power to determine what is and what is not acceptable for a law-abiding individual to possess. The law-abiding are not the problem as *THEY* will not shoot at a police officer and criminals will not abide by this law and will have easy access to this ammunition in the majority of the states where it is considered completely legal for lawful firearms owner to possess it.

This is simply another example of FEEL-GOOD legislation that does ABSOLUTELY *NOTHING* to protect the police *OR* the public, but which *DOES* infringe on a law-abiding individual’s right to keep and bear arms for legitimate purposes.

About:
New Jersey Second Amendment Society – Our mission is to promote the free exercise of Second Amendment rights within the community and Legislature of New Jersey, to educate the community regarding the enjoyable, safe, and responsible use of firearms, and to engender a sense of camaraderie and fellowship among the members and their families. Visit: www.nj2as.com

SS109AP Green Tip Bullets

AmmoLand Gun News

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)-  On Friday afternoon January 27th, news broke on various social networks that four Northern New Jersey autocratic Assembly members snuck two new sweeping and completely unnecessary anti-gun bills onto the calendar of the Law and Public Safety Committee for Monday January 30th.

Assembly Bill A588 concerns a new ammunition ban, cleverly disguised and marketed for the protection of Law Enforcement, but granting unprecedented powers to an unelected official, in the form of the State Attorney General; to unilaterally ban any ammunition, of any type or construction, including incredibly enough, benign plastic “BB’s “of the type used by Airsoft Toys, if the Attorney General deems them a “threat to the safety or welfare of Law Enforcement “.

When reached for comments over the rationale and reasoning for such an onerous proposal, an aide to one of the sponsors claimed the bill was only concerned with banning a particular type of round, the FN 5.7 caliber SS109AP Armor Piercing one, fired from the FN Pistol, due to its concerns that the round in question can penetrate multiple layers of Kevlar Bullet Resistant Vests most commonly issued to Police Officers. Ignore for the moment the blatant and almost certainly Un Constitutional vesting of near omnipotent regulatory powers in an unelected and unaccountable Official in favor of focusing on the concerns over the ammunition specifically referenced in the Statement and the language of the proposed legislation in general.

The Statement portion of the proposal, which briefly explains the sponsors reasoning, appears on its face to target only the SS109AP 5.7 round.

A round which is already restricted by both NJ State and Federal Law to Law Enforcement and Military personnel.

This is readily apparent from the description of the type of round in question, with the AP initials standing for, quite obviously, its designation as an Armor Piercing round. Essentially this means that the sponsors of this legislation are arguing to make an already prohibited round “more illegal “ then it already is. How this is a logical conclusion on the parts of the various Assemblypersons is anyone’s guess. More troubling is the intentionally over broad language found in the proposal that would potentially make possession of virtually any round of ammunition by a law abiding citizen a criminal offense at the whim of the Attorney General.

There are any number of common and ubiquitous rifle rounds that are used in target competitions, hunting and numerous other completely legal activities that are fully capable of penetrating standard Police Issue body armor. And as more manufacturers continue to develop and market handguns that fire a rifle caliber bullet, the threat becomes obvious. The language of the proposed legislation would most certainly grant the ability to outlaw those rounds by fiat, merely by a finding by the Attorney General that they “pose a threat to the safety and welfare of Law Enforcement Officers”. As AirSoft toys are not considered firearms under NJ law, despite the best efforts of ideological hoplophobes in the Legislature, it’s a mystery why AirSoft “BB’s” are included in the language.

At a future date the AG could conceivably issue an opinion and finding that because an AirSoft pellet might cause a red mark or “shoot someone’s eye out” that they meet the criteria of posing a threat to the safety and welfare of Law Enforcement and must therefore be banned.

Assembly Bill A1013 concerns “defaced firearms “ and is once again written so poorly as to criminalize the ownership use or possession of any firearm whose factory finish has been degraded by use, age or rust, or replaced, changed or enhanced with the application of numerous firearms finishing products such as “bluing “ chemicals or DuraCoat products. Anonymous sources that spoke to the primary sponsor of A1013 on Friday, Assemblyman and Law and Public Safety Committee Chairman Charles Mainor; told this journalist that

Assemblyman Mainor ‘s intent with A1013 was solely to deal with the criminal use of defaced firearms, meaning ones that had their serial numbers obliterated by criminals in order to frustrate any potential law enforcement investigation.

Once again, this is an act that is already a Federal Level Felony, so it remains unclear why a new law making it “more illegal “ is felt necessary.

Word from my sources is that Assemblyman Mainor intends to have the overly broad language stricken from the proposal.

In an effort to be fair in my capacity as an independent journalist, I contacted the offices of each of the sponsors of both A588 and A1013, seeking on the record comments of their reasoning and explaining that I was under a 48 hour deadline. While the various aides or spokespersons were unfailingly polite and promised to get back to me either with a statement from the sponsors or to request the sponsors contact me directly to get their opinions from the horse’s mouth as it were, not one of them actually did.

I will also be following up with the NJ State Police Public Information Officer as soon as possible to get their position on these matters, specifically A588 and whether or not there is even a concern among Law Enforcement over the already banned SS109AP round, or if this is as a solution looking for a problem that doesn’t exist. My own belief, one shared by anyone familiar with the 30 year history of draconian firearms laws is that A588 is a thinly veiled effort to perform an end run around Second Amendment rights in NJ, effectively neutering them beyond all recognition. It has long been argued by various Pro Gun Control groups, their enablers in the Legislature and their sycophants in the media that; if they cant accomplish an outright gun ban, they would pursue the next best course, efforts to ban ammunition, which if successful would render law abiding citizens firearms as useful and effective as a paperweight.

So why are certain Legislator’s pursuing this course?

Simple, they are ideological purists, smug in their sense that they know better than everyone else, and will do whatever they can, and we the Citizens allow, to force their views on others via the force of law. It’s far easier for them to blame an inanimate object and its accessories, to slander and demonize a politically incorrect segment of society and to cater to voters who get their knowledge of firearms from Hollywood. It’s about power and control, about crass political expediency and nothing more. Legislators like the sponsors of A588 count on people’s ignorance and apathy, they use deceit and misrepresentation, aided and abetted by a complicit media to ram through policies they know won’t have any meaningful effect on criminals, in favor of punishing innocent people and running roughshod over the Second Amendment.

For twenty plus years we have witnessed, ever more onerous Feel Good Anti-Gun Legislation in NJ, so that politicians can claim to be “doing something “ about violent crime, forgetting or more likely not caring the least about the fact that criminals by their very definition are predisposed to not follow the law to begin with. These policies don’t work, haven’t worked and in fact can’t work. What will pay noticeable dividends in reducing violent crime is cracking down hard on criminals that commit violent acts while possessing a firearm, including stiff, minimum mandatory sentences that will not be plea bargained away so a Prosecutor can notch another guilty plea in his or her file.

In the interim, I urge anyone reading this to contact the sponsors of both A588 and A1013, plus the members of the Law and Public Safety Committee and politely but vociferously voice your steadfast opposition to these proposals and your commitment to do everything possible to ensure their defeat in addition to any future similar legislation and those in office that come up with it, while ignoring going after criminal misuse of firearms. Even better, if at all possible given the short notice; make every effort to journey to Trenton tomorrow, Monday January 30th and voice your opposition and resolve in person during the public comment portion of the Law and Public Safety Committee hearing to be held at 2 pm.

More information for anyone planning or able to attend tomorrow’s Committee Hearing can be found by joining the Facebook Page of the New Jersey Second Amendment Society which is spearheading, in conjunction with the Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs, opposition to these proposals. http://tiny.cc/NJ2AS

These are the four sponsors of A588 (Ammunition Ban Bill)

• Assemblywoman L. Grace Spencer 29th Legislative District
  Newark NJ Office Number (973) 624-1730
• Assemblyman Albert Coutinho 29th Legislative District
  Newark NJ Office Number (973) 589-0713
• Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan Jr 18th Legislative District
  South Plainfield NJ Office Number (908) 757-1677
• Assemblywoman Annette Quijano 20th Legislative District
  Union NJ Office Number (908) 624-0880

These are the members of the Law and Public Safety Committee

Law and Public Safety Committee

• Mainor, Charles – Chair 31st Legislative District Office Number (201) 536-7851
• Wilson, Gilbert L. – Vice-Chair 5th Legislative District Office Number (856) 547-4800 (Audubon)
• Albano, Nelson T. 1st Legislative District Office Number (856) 696-7109 (Vineland)
• Benson, Daniel R. 14th Legislative District Office Number (609) 631-0198
• Connors, Sean 33rd Legislative District no number listed
• Cryan, Joseph 20th Legislative District Office Number (908) 624-0880
• Kean, Sean T. 30th Legislative District Office Number (732) 974-0400
• McGuckin, Gregory P. 10th Legislative District Office Number (732) 974-0400
• Peterson, Erik 23rd Legislative District Office Number (908) 238-0251
• Rible, David P. 30th Legislative District Office Number (732) 974-1719
• Watson Coleman, Bonnie 15th Legislative District Office Number (609) 292-0500

More articles and information by Dan Roberts available at That Every Man Be Armed.com

Licensing A Protected Fundamental Right

AmmoLand Gun News

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- In a front page article in this past Thursday’s Gloucester County Times, Gov Christie, speaking to an audience in Voorhee’s regarding his recent proposal of a 10 percent across the board tax cut, acknowledged ” the fact is, there’s alot of waste in government to be ferreted out over time “.

Of course he’s right about this, and everyone knows it. It is certainly admirable to look under every rock and examine every State program to find and identify area’s where the State can be more fiscally prudent with the Taxpayers money, especially in the most heavily taxed and expensive to live in State in the Country.

So, in the spirit of saving money, here is a suggestion for the Governor. Take the lead on calling for the elimination of NJ’s ridiculous Firearms ID Card requirement and the mandate that the NJ State Police Firearms Unit needlessly duplicate, as a ” point of contact “ the Federal Level Background Check that is required to be performed and passed anytime a Citizen wishes to purchase a firearm at a licensed dealer.

The background check is something that is already done, at the Federal Level, via the National Instant Check System, for every prospective purchaser. So what purpose could it possibly serve to have the exact same check done at the State Level first ??

Answer. None, none what-so-ever.

The information available on someone’s background and suitability to purchase a firearm is identical at both the State and Federal Level.

Since the Fed’s have access to the State Criminal History Records, any prohibiting record is going to be found by the Federal Instant Check System just as easily and readily as it would at the State Level.

• How many millions of dollar’s of tax payer money is wasted annually on this pointless process?
• How many millions in equipment set up, maintenance and upgrades to the computer system?
• How many millions in the form of salary and benefits for the Troopers or civilian personnel?
• How many Troopers could be re assigned to patrol duties or other divisions that would actually help fight real crime, instead of insisting on maintaining a system that appears to be designed and utilized solely for the task of making purchasing or owning a gun in NJ as difficult as possible.

I submitted an OPRA ( Open Public Records Act ) request roughly a year ago seeking information on the line item in the budget for the NJ State Police on exactly how much money is spent annually perpetuating this archaic system and additionally how many Troopers were assigned to such tasks. My request was denied on the grounds of ” not being specific enough “ and that some of the information I was seeking pertaining to the Troopers positions was deemed ” sensitive “. I wasn’t terribly surprised by the denial, as OPRA is just one more system that is described as being a “ good thing ” but is deliberately engineered and implemented to make it as difficult as possible for Citizens to hold the Govt accountable for their policies.

Currently, there is a proposal for a bill circulating in Harrisburg in our neighbor to the west of us to eliminate Pennsylvania’s similar system of running a background check at both the State and Federal Levels, for the exact same reasons I’m writing about regarding New Jersey’s.

Its a pointless waste of taxpayer dollars that, in these times of extreme economic hardship for Citizen and government alike, could be better spent in any number of better ways.

Activists in Pennsylvania discovered that the dual system of using the State as a portal to the Federal Level background check had wasted 91 Million dollars of taxpayer money since its inception, performing a task that the Feds already offer to do for FREE! Now, clearly I recognize that Pennsylvania is a much larger State then NJ, with a far higher number of gun owners and prospective purchasers compared to NJ. But if PA wasted 91 million dollars on the same type of system we have in NJ, it is a reasonable conclusion that NJ is most certainly wasting 10′s of millions doing the same thing.

Ten(s) of millions of tax payer dollars may not, by itself, be a staggering sum in the State Budget, but as anyone that saves their pocket change at the end of the day can attest, the little stuff adds up to a pretty nice sum when it’s totaled with savings in other area’s. Trimming 10′s of millions of expenditure’s from anywhere they aren’t absolutely necessary rapidly starts approaching 100 million dollars saved, and that’s hardly an amount to sneeze at.

There’s another angle to consider in eliminating the NJ FID Card. In a 1965 case Lamont v Post Master General concerning the 1st Amendment, the Court ruled that the requirement of a license or “permit” to exercise a protected, fundamental right was UN Constitutional. Stating in part “the First Amendment prevents the Government from registering purchasers of magazines and newspapers, even if such material is communist political propaganda”

In light of the recent Heller and McDonald cases affirming that Second Amendment Rights are in fact a “protected, fundamental right” , NJ’s FID Card scheme would appear to be on thin legal ground. It seems to me a compelling argument could be made that the NJ FID Card scheme could certainly be described as ” registering ” gun owners or potential owners.

How many more millions will be wasted fighting Court battles that the State will almost certainly lose regarding Second Amendment issue’s ?

I’ll have more later about what I have uncovered regarding the establishment of the FID Card debate care of a close friend that went to the State Archives and forwarded everything he had to me to tear apart. For now , lets just concentrate on making the argument for its elimination on the fiscally prudent grounds the Governor claims to support whole heatedly.

More articles and information by Dan Roberts available at That Every Man Be Armed.com

NJ Assembly Committee To Consider Ammo Ban In The Name Of Police Safety

Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Common hunting, target, and self-defense ammunition would be subject to ban under A588, along with BB’s, airgun pellets, and plastic airsoft pellets!

Additional legislation being considered (A1013) could land gun owners in jail for refinished or damaged firearms that might be deemed “defaced”

On Monday, January 30 at 2:00 p.m. the New Jersey Assembly Law & Public Safety Committee is scheduled to consider A588, legislation that would enable the Attorney General to ban all handgun and most rifle ammunition if he unilaterally determines that it “poses a threat to the safety and well being of law enforcement officers.”

Cleverly disguised as police safety legislation aimed at armor piercing ammunition (which is already prohibited under federal and state law), the measure actually opens the door to a sweeping ammunition ban by an unelected public official by executive fiat. Common hunting, target, and self-defense ammunition would be subject to ban, along with BB’s, airgun pellets, and non-metallic ammunition like plastic airsoft pellets, if the Attorney General decides that they pose a threat to the safety and well being of law enforcement.

Although the bill only mentions handgun ammunition, it is in fact not limited to handgun ammunition, and would apply to all rifle ammunition for which a handgun if ever made. As an increasing number of gun manufacturers make handgun models that shoot rifle caliber ammunition, the line between “handgun” vs. “rifle” ammunition has become blurred, and the New Jersey State Police have already begun treating rifle ammunition in this category as if it were handgun ammunition for regulatory purposes.

So long as a handgun exists that shoots a particular caliber of rifle ammunition, New Jersey treats that ammunition as if it were handgun ammunition.

The Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee is also scheduled to consider A1013 on Monday. One provision of this police safety legislation significantly increases the penalties relating to “defaced” firearms. Because of New Jersey’s longstanding poorly crafted definition of “defaced” firearms, it is possible that refinishing a firearm, or long-term damage from rust or scratches from ordinary wear and tear, could be deemed “defacement” subjecting honest gun owners to lengthy prison sentences, even though identifying information on the firearm is still legible.

• PLEASE IMMEDIATELY CONTACT MEMBERS OF THE ASSEMBLY LAW & PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE!
• TELL THEM TO VOTE “NO” ON A588 – BACKDOOR AMMUNITION BAN!
• TELL THEM TO VOTE “NO” OR AMEND A1013 TO PROTECT HONEST GUN OWNERS FROM SEVERE UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES!

MEMBERS OF THE NEW JERSEY ASSEMBLY LAW & PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE:

• Charles Mainor (Chair) (D31)
  AsmMainor@njleg.org
  Phone: 201-536-7851
  Fax: 201-536-7854
• Gilbert L. Wilson (Vice Chair) (D5)
  AsmWilson@njleg.org
  Phone: 856-547-4800
  Fax: 856-547-5496
• Nelson T. Albano (D1)
  AsmAlbano@njleg.org
  Phone: 609-465-0700
  Fax: 609-465-4578
• Daniel R. Benson (D14)
  AsmBenson@njleg.org
  Phone: 609-631-0198
  Fax: 609-631-0324
• Sean Connors (D33)
  AsmConnors@njleg.org
• Joseph Cryan (D20)
  AsmCryan@njleg.org
  Phone: 908-624-0880
  Fax: 908-624-0587
• Sean T. Kean (R30)
  AsmKean@njleg.org
  Phone: 732-974-0400
  Fax: 732-974-2564
• Gregory P. McGuckin (R10)
  AsmMcGuckin@njleg.org
  Phone: 732-974-0400
  Fax: 732-840-9757
• Erik Peterson (R23)
  AsmPeterson@njleg.org
  Phone: 908-238-0251
  Fax: 908-238-0256
• David P. Rible (R30)
  AsmRible@njleg.org
  Phone: 732-974-1719
  Fax: 732-974-3615
• Bonnie Watson Coleman (D15)
  AswWatsonColeman@njleg.org
  Phone: 609-292-0500
  Fax: 609-633-2179

Please Re-Elect Scott Bach & Bob Viden To The NRA Board Of Directors

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- Bob Viden and Scott Bach are up for re-election to the NRA Board of Directors.

It is critical to keep Bob and Scott on the NRA Board to ensure that New Jersey has the strongest possible representation at NRA Headquarters.

Your support is vitally needed in the upcoming election. Ballots for voting members will be in the February, 2012 issue of your NRA magazine. See below for more info on Bob & Scott.

If you have not already received your ballot to vote for your choice for NRA Board Members, you will shortly. I would like you to strongly consider both Scott Back and Bob Viden for these positions. It is extremely important that New Jersey maintain its position of having two members from NJ on the NRA Board.

I have known Scott Back since I founded the NJ2AS and he has been continually supportive of our efforts. I wholeheartedly endorse Scott and Bob for re-election to the Board. I hope that you will join with me in voting for our New Jersey representation on the NRA.

For further information please visit www.bobslittlesportshop.com/nrainfo.html and www.bachbio.com

About:
New Jersey Second Amendment Society – Our mission is to promote the free exercise of Second Amendment rights within the community and Legislature of New Jersey, to educate the community regarding the enjoyable, safe, and responsible use of firearms, and to engender a sense of camaraderie and fellowship among the members and their families. Visit: www.nj2as.com

Gun Rights Examiner David Codrea

USA --(Ammoland.com)- Close call may reveal home invader-favoring ‘loophole’ in Garden State’s ‘castle doctrine’ law

I gave a partial recount of my speech to the Philadelphia Tea Party Patriots of Central Montgomery County as a supplement to my January 9 Gun Rights Examiner column. One of the pleasant experiences of the evening I mentioned:

“I’d also like to give a quick shout out to Sandy Berardi of Gun For Hire Radio. He had a table set up to cover the event and I spent a fun hour that went by all too quickly with him and with Kevin Fialkowski of RedEye Defensive Solutions.”

I’ve been corresponding with Berardi since the event, and he shared a story with me that deserves wider cognizance. He sent an email out on the 16th to Fialkowski and me announcing the archiving of our interview and relating a scary story:

“Sorry for the short notice guys. We had another show planned for tonight, but it never took place. I actually suffered a home invasion on Friday evening and could not leave my home on Saturday to do the remote broadcast we had planned. It’s a long story that, thank God, might have been much worse given a slight turn in events. My wife Diane actually walked into the house as scumbags were ripping my gun safe out of the wall and they fled– thank God, leaving her unharmed– but rattled. No guns were taken. Anyway, hence the short notice on the airing of the episode. We’ve been dealing with all the cleanup and re-securing… they kicked in the front door shattering the entire door frame and deadbolt locks. Chaos has hit the Jersey ‘countryside.’ Lord knows what this summer will be like. Likely a long hot summer. Please let your networks know to be extra safe. We’ll be talking about the incident on next week’s show. It’s a good teaching opportunity. Be safe.”

Intrigued, I expressed relief that Diane was physically unharmed, and then sent him some follow-up questions…

Continue reading on Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/gun-rights-in-national/gun-for-hire-radio-host-takes-nj-anti-gun-laws-personally-as-we-all-should

About David Codrea:
David Codrea is a long-time gun rights advocate who defiantly challenges the folly of citizen disarmament. He is a field editor for GUNS Magazine, and a blogger at The War on Guns: Notes from the Resistance. Read more at http://www.DavidCodrea.com.

American Bob Cat

New Jersey Fish and Game

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Although bobcats are considered a game species, they are currently classified as “Endangered” in New Jersey and are therefore managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Endangered and Nongame Species Program.

There is no open hunting or trapping season for bobcat, and it is illegal to intentionally take, kill or attempt to take or kill one in the State.

Bobcats legally harvested in other U.S. states or Canadian provinces may be possessed provided the pelt is affixed with a CITES tag from the state or province of harvest.

Bobcats thrive in a variety of habitats with high prey abundance and dense understory vegetation, including hardwood forests, mixed forests, brush, swamps and farmland habitats). Forest edges and rocky ledges and outcrops are also important terrain features. Bobcats seem to use the convenience of woods roads and established paths in forests to aid travel.

Bobcats are widely distributed across New Jersey, but are mainly found in the northwestern counties of Sussex, Warren, Passaic and Morris. They are scarce in the central and southern counties of the state. Trappers should make every reasonable effort to avoid taking bobcats, and should know what to do if a bobcat is accidentally captured.

Back feet often follow in the front foot tracks of bobcats. Bobcat track trails tend to “wander” compared with the more straight-line patterns of wild canids (foxes and coyotes). Bobcats travel and hunt with a deliberate and methodical walking pattern, rarely bounding unless chasing prey. Bobcat tracks are approximately 1½ – 2½ inches long and 1 3/8 – 2½ inches wide in dirt and up to 2½ inches long and 2¾ inches wide in snow. Bobcats have 4 toe pads on the front and hind feet. Claw marks typically do not show in tracks as they do with canids.
Coyote/Bobcat Track Comparison

Information to Help Avoid Bobcat Captures

• Wherever a bobcat track is identified, cable restraint sets should not be made in close proximity.
• Every year a growing number New Jersey trappers discover to their extreme discomfort that a bobcat is in one of their restraints, and that making sets on or near existing bobcat sign is a real problem as bobcats will repeatedly use the same travel patterns within their territories.
• Bobcats tend to use areas where cottontail rabbits are abundant. Trail sets that are effective for wild canids (fox and coyote) can be expected to capture bobcats as cats will follow canine trails, particularly those in open fields.
• Lures and baits that appeal to one species appeal to others as well. Visible baits of any kind, especially rabbits or parts of rabbits, should not be used if any bobcats frequent the area. Sight-attractants such as bird wings, feathers, pieces of fur, should not be used near the traps if bobcat may be present.
• The use of tainted rather than fresh meat baits provides significant attraction to coyotes and foxes but tends not to attract bobcat.

Reducing Mortality and Injuries to Incidentally Captured Bobcats

If you find a bobcat (alive or dead) in one of your sets, call: 877-WARN-DEP (877-927-6337). The dispatcher will notify the appropriate Endangered and Nongame Species zoologist. The dispatcher will record the trapper’s name and phone number. The zoologist will then immediately contact the trapper to meet with him/her and release/remove the bobcat from the cable restraint.

It is very important that a live bobcat be released as soon as possible to prevent further injury or death to the animal that might result from a prolonged time spent in the trap device. Every trapper should have and carry a catchpole and wire cutters as part of their basic trapline equipment to allow safe release of any unintended animal captures. Trappers are also advised to have a piece of heavy canvas (or carpet) large enough to cover a bobcat and a pair of heavy duty leather gloves.

How to Release a Snared Bobcat

• Approach any trapped bobcat slowly to avoid causing them to move about excessively. Never attempt to render a bobcat unconscious with a blow to the nose or head or by any other means. Life threatening injury to the bobcat may result.
• A bobcat will allow the catchpole loop to be placed over its head, but it can be expected to react when the loop is tightened. Tighten the catchpole loop only sufficiently to hold the bobcat securely without preventing its ability to breathe. If a catchpole is not available, an alternative method to release bobcat is to cut a strong forked stick to allow the pinning of the bobcat’s neck and shoulder to the ground while the snare is removed.
• It is important to keep the head of the bobcat pinned down to the ground. Quickly place a foot, with light pressure only, on the hindquarters to restrain the rear legs. Always be aware a bobcat may try to lash out at you with claws extended on any paw.
• Once the bobcat is immobilized, the canvas/carpet can be placed over the prone animal to quiet it as the cable restraint is cut off or removed quickly.
• The catchpole loop should only then be relaxed and removed to allow the animal freedom to escape. Important! – Special care should always be taken when releasing a bobcat. They are very capable of injuring the trapper with their teeth or claws.

New Jersey Apprentice Hunting Bills Reintroducedon

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Senate Bill 1083, sponsored by Senator Bob Smith (D- Piscataway), and Assembly Bill 1544, sponsored by Assemblyman John J Burzichelli (D- Paulsboro), would allow youth ages 10 and older and adults to hunt under an apprentice hunting license.

The license would allow new hunters to try hunting under the mentorship of an experienced adult before completing a hunter education course.

“Apprentice hunting licenses have been a cornerstone of the Families Afield program and our efforts to boost hunter recruitment across the country,” said Jeremy Rine, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance in-house counsel and associate director of state services. “The try-before-you-buy concept has a proven track record of safely recruiting new hunters. New Jersey sportsmen are encouraged to contact their state assembly person and their state senator and ask them to support the future of hunting by passing these bills.”

Research has shown that not only is apprentice hunting successful at safely recruiting new hunters but that apprentice hunters are some of the safest in the woods.

The Families Afield initiative was established by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, and the National Wild Turkey Federation to bring a new generation of sportsmen to the field. Along with the National Rifle Association and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, the coalition has worked to pass measures in 32 states with more than 600,000 apprentice or mentored hunting licenses sold since the program’s inception.

Take Action! New Jersey sportsmen should contact their state assembly person and senator and ask them to support Senate Bill 1083 and House Bill 1544. Tell them apprentice hunting licenses have been shown across the country to be a safe and successful way to recruit new hunters.

To find your state senator’s contact information, use the USSA Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org/lac.

About:
The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. Visit www.ussportsmen.org.

SAF & ANJRPC Will Appeal New Jersey Right-To-Carry Ruling

Second Amendment Foundation

BELLEVUE, WA --(Ammoland.com)- The Second Amendment Foundation and Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs will appeal a federal judge’s ruling Friday that “the Second Amendment does not include a general right to carry handguns outside the home.”

Federal Judge William H. Walls, a Clinton appointee, dismissed a case filed by both organizations challenging New Jersey’s handgun carry laws, which have all but eliminated the right to self-defense with a firearm outside the home.

“The Second Amendment Foundation and ANJRPC are prepared to take this case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, where SAF has already won a landmark case defending the rights of gun owners,” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan Gottlieb.

In upholding the New Jersey law, which effectively denies the right to carry a firearm for self-defense outside the home, Judge Walls wrote “the protection of citizens from potentially lethal force is compelling.”

“The judge has it backwards,” said ANJRPC President Scott Bach. “If he really cared about protecting citizens from lethal force, he wouldn’t be interfering with their constitutional right to defend themselves against violent criminals. Ironically, the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly held that the police owe no duty to protect individual citizens, so you’re on your own when you step outside your home. This decision wrongly demonizes those who want to take responsibility for their own safety and turns all but a privileged few into helpless victims.”

Particularly disturbing to Gottlieb was Judge Walls’ comment, “The Supreme Court has found limitations on the scope of a constitutional right outside the home in the First Amendment context, recognizing a right to privately possess obscene materials in the home but allowing the states broad power to regulate obscenity outside the home.”

“He appears to suggest the right to keep and bear arms is an obscenity,” Gottlieb said. “I wonder how that view might square with Thomas Jefferson or James Madison.”

Judge Walls’ decision sets the stage for appeals which could bring this case to the U.S. Supreme Court as early as next year. The case was filed in late 2010 by ANJRPC, SAF and six individual plaintiffs, challenging New Jersey’s “justifiable need” standard for issuance of handgun carry permits, which is nearly an impossible standard to meet.

Plaintiffs believe that requiring a showing of “need” to exercise a fundamental right is unconstitutional.

The Second Amendment Foundation (www.saf.org) is the nation’s oldest and largest tax-exempt education, research, publishing and legal action group focusing on the Constitutional right and heritage to privately own and possess firearms. Founded in 1974, The Foundation has grown to more than 650,000 members and supporters and conducts many programs designed to better inform the public about the consequences of gun control. In addition to the landmark McDonald v. Chicago Supreme Court Case, SAF has previously funded successful firearms-related suits against the cities of Los Angeles; New Haven, CT; New Orleans; Chicago and San Francisco on behalf of American gun owners, a lawsuit against the cities suing gun makers and numerous amicus briefs holding the Second Amendment as an individual right.

New Jersey Democrats in 2009 Celebrating the Bill Signing for One Gun a Month Legislation

NRA - ILA

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Last Tuesday, the first day of the 215th session of the New Jersey Legislature, Assembly Bill 857 was introduced.

Introduced by Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose (R-24), A 857 would repeal New Jersey’s law which allows residents to purchase only one handgun per month.

Current law states, “A dealer shall not knowingly deliver more than one handgun to any person within any 30-day period.”

Supporters of gun rationing claim that this law is needed to prevent criminals from buying large quantities of handguns for illegal resale.

The following are three reasons why gun rationing should be repealed:

1. Criminals do not buy firearms from licensed firearm dealers (FFL’s), who are required to clear a purchaser through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
2. Firearm dealers are required to report to the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) and state or local law enforcement officials any person who buys more than one handgun in a five-day period.
3. Under the federal law, interstate handgun sales have been prohibited since 1968.

New Jersey’s gun rationing law only affects law-abiding gun owners and does nothing to prevent criminals from breaking a law they violate anyway.

No action is needed on your part at this time, but please continue to check www.NRAILA.org, your e-mail and AmmoLand Shooting Sports News for more updates on this important issue.

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit: www.nra.org

Eastern coyotes differ from their western counterparts with a larger average size and various color phases, including blonde and black.

New Jersey Fish and Game

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Three species of the family Canidae, or dog family are found in New Jersey.

They are the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), the gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) and the coyote (Canis latrans).

All three of these animals can be found nearly anywhere in the state and all three are valuable furbearers listed as game animals with a regulated season.

The red fox is the most common of the three canids and one of the most sought after species. Generally, the red fox harvest ranks third behind muskrat and raccoon in total numbers caught and in total fur value. The total harvest of gray foxes has decreased over the last 30 years perhaps due to increased competition from coyotes and red fox. During the early 1980s the gray fox harvest was nearly equivalent to that of the red fox. For example, in 1980-81 the red fox harvest was an estimated 6,315 animals while the gray fox harvest was an estimated 5,894.

The 2010-2011 estimated trapper harvest of red fox in New Jersey was 3,534 red foxes with an estimated total value of $49,723 and an average price per pelt of $14.07. For gray fox, the estimated harvest was 134 gray foxes with an estimated total value of $3,676 and an average price per pelt of $27.43. The coyote harvest is known rather than estimated due to mandatory reporting. There were 171 coyotes harvested by trappers in 2010-11 with an estimated total fur value of $3,443 and an average price per pelt of $20.16. Recent changes in trapping regulations have enabled trappers to harvest significantly more coyotes compared to previous years (see Table below).

These canids, like raccoon and opossum, may also be taken by hunters. During the 2009-10 hunting seasons for fox and coyote, hunters in New Jersey took an estimated 1,280 red foxes, 783 gray foxes and 96 coyotes.

Nearly all of the coyotes that are shot by hunters in New Jersey since 1997 were killed incidentally to hunting deer as the seasons for foxes and coyotes have run concurrently with deer seasons since October of 1997. Mandatory harvest reports show that less than 7% of all the coyotes harvested by hunters were killed during the special permit coyote and/or fox season.

Only 3 reports are recorded for coyotes that were harvested as incidentally taken while hunting small game.

NJ Coyote Mortalities

New Jersey Furbearer Facts – The Coyote

Background
Historic records show the coyote is not native to New Jersey. The coyote extended its range north and east across Canada from the mid-west. It is theorized that the species may have bred with gray wolves, emerged into the New England states and has extended its range south through New Jersey. Contrary to popular opinion, the Division of Fish and Wildlife has never imported coyotes for any reason at any time.

Biologists maintain that eastern coyotes are not first generation crosses of dogs and coyotes or “coy-dogs”, but rather a definite coyote strain although with more variations in fur color and a larger body size than their western counterpart. In New Jersey, adult males generally weigh between 35 and 40 pounds, with a few animals reaching the 45 to 50 pound range. Females generally weigh about 5 pounds less, in the 30 to 35 pound range. Color variations range from the typical “western coyote” gray-tan to a fox-like red to almost black. The coyote is a German Shepherd-appearing animal when seen from a distance, but when viewed up-close its thinner muzzle and the fox-like “brush” tail are distinctive.

In the last 30 years or so sightings of coyotes have increased throughout New Jersey. This increase is due to the coyote’s ability to co-exist successfully with man, and to of the ability of coyotes to adapt to varied habitat types and food sources. Coyotes have been documented in all 21 New Jersey counties and 392 New Jersey municipalities.

Additional information on the history of the coyote in the northeastern United States is available in: Eastern Coyote- What is it? Where did it come from? by Dr. Roland Kays, Curator of Mammals, New York State Museum.

History-

• • In 1939 the first record of a coyote in New Jersey was documented near Lambertville, Hunterdon County. From 1939 through 1975 there are records for nine specimens from New Jersey.
• • In 1975, the Division’s Bureau of Wildlife Management recommended that the Eastern Coyote be officially recognized as a resident species and given game animal status. The coyote was listed as a game animal with a closed season in the 1975-76 Game Code.
• • In 1980, the Division’s Bureau of Wildlife Management recommended that the coyote be listed as a furbearer species. This allowed coyotes to be taken by trappers during the regular trapping season, which ran from November 15 to March 15. There was no daily or season limit imposed.
• • On October 27, 1985 it became unlawful for a New Jersey trapper to use a leghold trap. After that date only cable restraints or box traps could be used to trap coyotes. Trappers were required to report all coyotes taken to a Division Law Enforcement office within 24 hours.
• • In 1986, it became lawful for a farmer to kill a coyote on his farm when the coyote was found damaging livestock or crops. Farmers were required to report all coyotes taken to a Division Law Enforcement office within 24 hours.
• • The Fish and Game Council authorized winter coyote hunting seasons by permit beginning in 1997 (except for 2001 when no permit was required). Coyote hunters were allowed to take two coyotes per day. Weapons allowed included shotgun, bow and muzzleloading rifle. Shotgun hunters were required to use either #2 or #4 fine shot. Bow and muzzleloader weapon and missile requirements were similar to deer hunting requirements. Special coyote hunting permits were required in order to monitor and evaluate the season. A $2.00 application processing fee was charged per permit. Permits were available through the mail and over the counter.

Some Tips on the Handling of Fox and Coyote Pelts

• • Always, always be careful when choosing trap set locations! Try to choose locations that are free of burrs, conifers (pitch) or wire fences.
• • Dirt and especially blood in the fur should also be cleaned immediately at the site of capture.
• • Trap sets should be checked on a regular basis to minimize the possibility of fur damage.
• • Be careful not to pull guard hairs if the fur is frozen to the ground or tangled in shrubs or trees. In below freezing temperatures, wet fur on metal such as in the bed of a pickup truck can also damage the fur.
• • Freshly killed animals should not be piled on top of each other. Maintain an air space around each animal so the body has a chance to cool as quickly as possible. This is important with any species of game animal or furbearer.
• • Fox and coyote should be skinned as soon as possible to avoid decomposition, or taint. If animals cannot be skinned soon, hang them up by the hind legs. This will slow the belly taint process.
• • Tainting and hair slippage is one of the main reasons for pelts being downgraded. Whether the taint is small or large, the skin is rotting. This decomposition cannot be reversed. • Other than on the belly, the greatest potential for hair slip is around the ears. Any portions of the pelt that remain damp/wet will cause hair to slip.
• • The tailbone must always be pulled and the tail split completely to the end for it to properly dry. Try not to lose or rip off any portion of the tail.
• • After pelting, leave the pelt leather-out until it has noticeably cooled, then turn fur-out until boarding.
• • Sprinkle borax in and around the ear and any portion of the damp pelt as well as the skinned tail to hasten drying. Borax is a preservative used extensively in the fur trade. Salt should not be used because it attracts moisture. If the fur grader sees that the fur is slipping around the ear, they often assume slippage will occur during dressing and the grader will automatically downgrade the pelt.
• • Placing fur in fur bags will greatly reduce the chance of damaging the fur.
• • With the exception of gray foxes and some coyotes, there is very little in the way of fat/flesh to remove.

Skinning Foxes and Coyotes: What to leave on or off?

• • Paws cut off? Claws on or off? Front legs cut off at the elbow? All these are acceptable. Cutting the legs too high may cause some problems, but usually doesn’t result in a downgraded pelt.

Stretching/Boarding-

• • Concerns with stretching/boarding include using boards that are too wide and pulling too hard on the hind legs when pinning them.
• • Use wooden boards if at all possible. They are far superior than wire stretchers for maximizing pelt size and the appearance of pelts.
• • Correct board measurements are very important. Whether split or solid boards, be sure the boards are not overly wide.
• • Coyote and Fox are always placed on the stretcher leather side out, and dried until the head is nearly dry, then turned fur out and put back onto the board until thoroughly dry. Pay close attention to the drying pelts especially the ears. It may take some experience to perfect the timing of when to turn the pelt.
• • The front legs can remain inside the pelt, when turning, provided they are thoroughly dried (as per the NAFA Fur Handling Manual). Leaving the legs inside the pelt greatly reduces the chance of the front legs tearing while turning the pelt.
• • When the pelt has been removed from the board, wipe any excess grease from the leather side and brush the fur to best appearance.
• • Pelts should be always stored in a cool location and where damage by small rodents can be minimized.

Accidental knife cuts occasionally happen and the only way to avoid them is by paying closer attention during pelting. When grading foxes and coyotes please note that snares, tainting, bullet holes, knife cuts and failure to clean the fur are the major reasons for downgrading. To maximize fur values always clean dirt and dried mud or blood from the pelt and sew knife cuts or bullet holes to keep the pelt from being graded into a slightly damaged or damaged category.

Please Remember to Report Your Coyotes!

Coyotes harvested by any method must be reported to a New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife Regional Law Enforcement office within 24 hours.

Regional NJ Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement Office phone numbers:

• Northern Region Office 908-735-8240
• Central Region Office 609-259-2120
• Southern Region Office 856-629-0555

Please report any fisher or bobcat captures – Call: 877-WARNDEP (877-927-6337)

The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife is a professional, environmental agency dedicated to the protection, management and wise use of the state’s fish and wildlife resources.

NJ2AS Operation Establish Compliance Records First Victory for NJ Gun Owners

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

Manahawkin, New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- The New Jersey Second Amendment Society (NJ2AS) has recorded its first substantial victory in Operation Establish Compliance with the reversal of Egg Harbor Township’s policy of requiring the signing of an unlimited release of information and liability waiver as a condition of processing firearms permit applications.

Operation Establish Compliance is the ongoing effort to force Municipal Police Departments to issue firearms permits in accordance with the law.

NJ2AS was only days away from filing a lawsuit challenging the additional form when Drew Parker, who serves on the Egg Harbor Township Zoning Board and is a member of NJ2AS, brought the issue to the attention of the Township Committee. The Committee immediately conducted a thorough investigation, led by Joe Cafero, ultimately concluding that the form was in use, and was, in fact, an illegal additional requirement. The Committee then acted quickly to stop the use of the form.

“The NJ2AS Board of Directors, Staff and all of our members applaud the actions of the Egg Harbor Township’s Township Committee and the cooperation of their Chief of Police.”, said Frank Fiamingo, President and co-founder of NJ2AS.

“We are grateful that they did the right thing, and in doing so, have avoided a costly lawsuit for both parties. It is encouraging to see such effective and responsible leadership at the local level. That’s the whole point of having a Second Amendment Society. So we can work together to resolve problems.”

NJ2AS has now shifted focus to another town with similar requirements.

“Our current, ongoing lawsuit, NJ2AS v. NJSP, seeking access to the New Jersey State Police Firearms Applicant Investigation Guide, has shown that we are willing to go to the mat.”, Frank Fiamingo went on to say.

“We will do whatever it takes to eliminate these illegal practices. As usual, we will provide updates to our efforts in Operation Establish Compliance as soon as they become available. Anyone can sign up for our free email alert system at NJ2AS.com.”

The New Jersey Second Amendment Society (www.NJ2AS.com) is the most relevant pro-gun-owner organization in New Jersey with thousands of members and supporters throughout the State, emphasizing education of the community and legislature, safety and skills training and properly distinguishing between criminals and the law-abiding in legislation and administrative practices.

About:
New Jersey Second Amendment Society – Our mission is to promote the free exercise of Second Amendment rights within the community and Legislature of New Jersey, to educate the community regarding the enjoyable, safe, and responsible use of firearms, and to engender a sense of camaraderie and fellowship among the members and their families. Visit: www.nj2as.com

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- HAPPY NEW YEAR! ~ First of all I would like to wish each and every one of you and your loved ones Peace, Joy, Love, Liberty, Health and Happiness now and in the years to come.

Happy New Year everyone!

MEETING REMINDER!
Remember to attend the presentation by attorney David Jensen on January 11, 2012 at Gun For Hire Training Facilities on 75 Rutgers Street in Belleville, NJ. As you probably already know, David has been retained by the SAF and the ANJRPC as the lead attorney in the case against the state of New Jersey seeking to challenge the “justifiable need” clause contained in the current CCW licensing procedures. This is the most significant litigation impacting RKBA in NJ. The New Jersey Second Amendment Society was responsible for recruiting two plaintiffs for the case (one primary and one alternate). PLEASE REGISTER for this FREE event at www.nj2as.com under “EVENTS”. The meeting begins at 7:30 pm.

We will also be running the popular Non-resident CCW licensing program prior to the meeting beginning at 6:00 pm. For details and to register visit us at www.nj2as.com.

SUCCESS AND CITIZEN ACTIVISM!
The New Jersey Second Amendment Society has enjoyed some very positive press in the last few months. Our efforts have been mentioned in various Newspapers, online blogs and websites. Recently, Paul Mulshine of the Star Ledger wrote a very positive blog entry about our successful efforts to encourage Egg Harbor Township to eliminate forms that we considered to be an additional requirement not allowed under current NJ firearms statutes. As you can see from the article above, one of our members, Mr. drew Parker, played a significant role in bringing about this success.

THE NJ2AS ISSUES A CHALLENGE!
I would like to challenge you to follow Drew’s example as a “citizen activist” and challenge YOUR towns and municipalities to adhere to the guidelines dictated by NJ firearms statutes and the NJ Division of State Police Firearm Applicant Investigation Guide.

According to the recent decision handed down by NJ Superior Court Judge Douglas Hurd and accepted by the attorney for the state, NJ towns and municipalities are indeed required to follow the admonitions not to require any additional forms beyond the standard Criminal Background and Mental Health forms required by the state. They may not arbitrarily delay the processing of applications or require anything beyond verification of employment. However, it is up to us as citizens to remind them that they are bound by these statutes and guidelines when they fail to properly follow them. With Operation Establish Compliance, the NJ2AS is positioning itself to step in wherever it makes strategic sense to challenge a non-compliant locality.

Please inform us if you are willing to be a plaintiff in a situation where a locality commits a serious breach of the proper procedures. We will evaluate your situation and try to assist you if at all possible.

RESEARCH ASSISTANTS NEEDED!
The NJ2AS is in the process of initiating a number of new projects which will require your assistance. We need individuals who are willing and able to do some online research. No special skills are needed and this is something you can do as you have time. We need to gather information on past events involving technical infractions of the firearms statutes by otherwise law-abiding individuals. Greg Revell, Joseph Pelleteri and Brian Aitken come to mind as examples. We believe that there may be many other examples that involve “plea deals” and other determinations that we are unaware of. If you are interested in participating in this effort, please email Bob Barush at legislation@nj2as.com.

MEMBERSHIP AND MEETING COMMITTEE MEMBERS NEEDED!
We need several people who are willing to help us setup for our monthly meetings. This can involve anything from assisting people with sign in and membership applications, to setting up chairs and helping to accept and record membership fees and donations. We will also need people to help with recruitment. Please contact John Willett at membership@nj2as.com if you are interested in helping this committee.

POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE!
The NJ2AS intends to become more involved in the furthering our mission through political action in 2012. This is not about campaigning for any particular party or ideology. It doesn’t matter if you lean liberal or conservative. This committee will be dedicated to furthering RKBA in NJ. It will be up to the committee (with board approval) to decide how best to accomplish this goal. I will be assigning this responsibility to a committee head in the near future. If you are interested in working on this committee, please email PAC@nj2as.com.-

THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT!
In closing, I can tell you that your Society has a VERY aggressive agenda planned for the New Year. I am extremely confident that with YOUR help we will not only accomplish our goals, but we will exceed them. I am looking for and expecting a great deal of member participation this year. I know many of you have been anxious to help. It is important that we have the structure in place to support all our activities. In that regard, I would like the membership to make their recommendations for a candidate to assume the responsibilities of Vice President of the NJ2AS. This position will primarily be responsible for organizing and monitoring the various committee heads. It will take someone with good organizational and communication skills who can help keep the various committees on track and support their efforts.

I am looking forward to a VERY bright future for our Society this year and in the years to come. Let’s all work together to make RKBA in NJ a REALITY!

About:
New Jersey Second Amendment Society – Our mission is to promote the free exercise of Second Amendment rights within the community and Legislature of New Jersey, to educate the community regarding the enjoyable, safe, and responsible use of firearms, and to engender a sense of camaraderie and fellowship among the members and their families. Visit: www.nj2as.com

Garden State Outdoor Sportsmens Show

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Attend our free seminars and meet the experts (see dates and times below)

1. Animal rights extremism in New Jersey. Learn how extremist elements are working to take away your freedoms to fish and hunt in New Jersey and what you can do to stop them. Plus, discover the link between conservation, the environment and your ability to enjoy the outdoors. Presented by Anthony P. Mauro, Sr., Chairman, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance. Mr. Mauro is also a writer and author on the subject of conservation.
2. Hunter harassment. Understand your freedoms to fish and hunt in New Jersey and how you can legally respond to those attempting to illegally restrict you. Presented by Ed Markowski. Mr. Markowski is President, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance (EP) and Deputy Chief of Law Enforcement Division Fish and Wildlife (RET).
3. The New Jersey Anglers and Hunters Conservation Caucus. Have you ever wondered if policy makers and legislators are listening to you in Trenton? You’ll learn who they are and how they are listening. Presented by Tom Connors. Mr. Connors is Legislative Liaison, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.
4. Also available to answer questions. Leonard Wolgast, PhD, Officer, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance. Dr. Wolgast is professor emeritus of wildlife ecology and management, Rutgers University. He is a former member of the New Jersey Fish and Game Council, and contributor to the development of New Jersey’s Comprehensive Black Bear Management Plan.

SEMINAR INFO: Day/Date/Time/Place

• Friday, January 13,2012: 4:00 PM Main Ballroom
• Sunday, January 15,2012: 1:00 PM Main Ballroom

Be sure to stop by the NJOA Booth #724 and say hello!

Learn more by visiting: http://www.gsoss.com/

JOIN NJOA: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

About:
NJOA – The mission of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is to serve as a grassroots coalition of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen dedicated to environmental stewardship. We will champion the intrinsic value of natural resource conservation – including fishing, hunting and trapping, among opinion leaders and policy makers. We will support legislation, and those sponsoring legislation, that provides lasting ecological and social enrichment through sustainable use of the earths resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- For those of us who enjoy fishing, hunting, and the pursuit of other outdoors interests the health of forests is key to our enjoyment.

Forests help to stabilize the climate, regulate the water cycle by absorbing and redistributing rainwater to every species living within its range, aid in proving clean water, provide habitats for life to flourish, and carbon sequestration in forests and wood products helps to offset sources of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.

The New Jersey Outdoor Alliance supports bills S1954/A4358 because they assist in providing active stewardship of our forest resources.

The following press release from the New Jersey Farm Bureau demonstrates that conservationists are in good company.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NJ FARM BUREAU

FORESTRY BILLS BY SEN. SMITH AND ASSEM. MCKEON HAVE STRONG SUPPORT AND MOVE THE STATE TOWARD ACTIVE STEWARDSHIP OF STATE FOREST RESOURCES

TRENTON, NJ (December 21, 2011) — By requiring the development of stewardship plans for state lands and then implementing them, the state will be taking major steps that will result in the long term sustainability of our forest resources. This is why groups like New Jersey Farm Bureau, The New Jersey Forestry Association, The New Jersey Society of American Foresters, New Jersey Tree Farm program, The New Jersey Outdoor Alliance and New Jersey Audubon along with noted professors and researchers on forestry, forest health and ecology (*see below) are working together in supporting this legislation (S-1954, A-4358).

Since the early 1980′s, the state of New Jersey has not actively managed its publicly-owned forest resources. With outbreaks in northern counties of Asian Longhorned Beetle and the emerging infestations of Southern Pine Beetle in Pinelands counties, it has become clear there needs to be more active management of the state’s forests. The proposed legislation accomplishes that through mandating the development of forest stewardship plans on public lands and by authorizing the Division of Parks and Forestry to work with the private sector to implement the plans. This public/private partnership of land management already exists in neighboring states to the betterment of their forest resources.

In developing stewardship plans in accordance with the legislation, the state must consider imperiled species and other wildlife including deer damage and reforestation goals, freshwater wetlands and streams, soils (including highly erodible soils and steep slopes), recreation and aesthetic considerations, exotic invasive plant species, forest fire fuel loads, historic resources, and carbon sequestration. The bill also requires that the state hold a public hearing on each of the plans before they are put out to bid for a contract to implement the plan. This will ensure that all interested parties would understand the goals, purposes and the work to be done on a given plan.

With these requirements and safeguards in place, the time is now to prevent further degradation of our state forest lands and start using the private sector as a partner in accomplishing the goals of sound, science-based stewardship of our public resources.

*
Steven W. Kallesser, CF
Douglas Tavella, SAF
Kris Hasbrouck, SAF
Heather J. Gracie-Petty, CF

Michael LaMana, CF, RCA, CTE
Charles J. Newlon, CF
Brian Widener, SAF
Robert R. Williams, SAF, RPF

New Jersey Farm Bureau
New Jersey Forestry Association
New Jersey Outdoor Alliance
New Jersey Tree Farm Program

James E. Applegate, Ph.D. (Professor Emeritus of Natural Resources, Rutgers University)
Christian Bethmann (retired superintendent, NJ State Park Service)
Richard M. Conley, President, NJ Forestry Association
James C. Finley, Ph.D. (Professor of Forest Resources, Pennsylvania State University)
James R. Grace, Ph.D. (M.K. Goddard Professor of Forestry, Pennsylvania State University;
retired Director, PA Bureau of Forestry)
Frank Hennion, SAF (retired NJ Forest Service)
Jane E. Huffman, Ph.D. (Professor of Biology, East Stroudsburg University)
Michael Jacobsen, Ph.D. (Assoc. Professor of Forest Resources, Pennsylvania State University)
John Keator (retired superintendent, NJ State Park Service)
Roger R. Locandro, Ph.D. (Emeritus Professor/Dean of Agriculture and Natural Resources,
Rutgers University)
Anthony P. Mauro, Sr., Chairman, NJ Outdoor Alliance
Douglas E. Roscoe, Ph.D. (wildlife pathologist)
Ronald Sheay, SAF (retired NJ Forest Service)
Dennis Slate, Ph.D. (wildlife ecology & management)
David L. Smart, Ph.D. (retired USDA NRCS State Resource Conservationist)
Kim C. Steiner, Ph.D. (Professor of Forest Biology, Pennsylvania State University)
Leonard Wolgast, Ph.D. (Professor Emeritus of Wildlife Ecology & Mgt., Rutgers University)

Paul J. Barrett, CF, CTE
George J. Boesze, CF
William Brash, SAF, CTE
E. Joseph Bruschetta, SAF
Anthony Cangemi
Lynda Cangemi
Mary Grace Cangemi
Tracy R. Cate
Margaret Conroy
Don Donnelly, SAF
G. Michael Fee, SAF
Dennis Galway, CF, CTE
Duke Grimes, CF, CTE
Christina Harrigan, CF
Thomas J. Hirshblond
Lori Jenssen
West J. Kandle, III
Brian R. Kieffer
Gary Lovallo, CF, CTE
Mark Moore
Seth Partridge, SAF
John E. Perry, CF
Thomas Respet, Jr., SAF
Matthew J. Simons, CTE
Timothy J. Slavin, SAF
Richard Spielman
F. Lloyd Staats
Ken Taafe, CF
Eugene Ventimiglia
John P. Zylstra, CF

##########

JOIN NJOA: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

About:
NJOA – The mission of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is to serve as a grassroots coalition of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen dedicated to environmental stewardship. We will champion the intrinsic value of natural resource conservation – including fishing, hunting and trapping, among opinion leaders and policy makers. We will support legislation, and those sponsoring legislation, that provides lasting ecological and social enrichment through sustainable use of the earths resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org

New Jersey Fish and Game

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- The Division of Fish and Wildlife is advising hunters who purchased 2011 Shotgun or 2011 Muzzleloader deer permits on or after December 14, 2011 to review their permits and if necessary, follow the instructions provided in the following information.

Due to automated licensing system changes necessary to begin issuing 2012 hunting and fishing licenses, 2011 Shotgun and 2011 Muzzleloader deer permits purchased on or after December 14, 2011 at license agent locations with Verifone machines were printed and will continue to be printed with only one transportation tag for all zones, including zones where two antlerless deer at a time may be taken (Zones 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 36, 41, 42, 48, 49, 50 and 51).

Permits issued by agents with internet based systems were not affected and will continue to be issued with the appropriate number of transportation tags.

Hunters who harvest two antlerless deer at a time in zones where it is legal, but were issued a permit having only one transportation tag, are instructed to record both deer on the one transportation tag.

That transportation tag should then be attached to either deer and both deer should be transported at the same time to a check station. Check stations will check both deer normally by completing a data form for each deer and by issuing a metal seal and supplemental transportation tag for each deer.

If a hunter with an affected permit checks only one deer from a zone where two antlerless deer at a time may be taken, the check station will only issue one supplemental transportation tag to the hunter. If that hunter harvests two antlerless deer at a time on a later date, they should use the supplemental transportation tag for one deer and a homemade transportation tag for the second deer.

New Jersey Fish and Game

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife is advising bowhunters that deer harvested during the 2012 Winter Bow Season must be reported using the new Automated Game Check System (AGCS) instead of being brought to a deer check station.

Using the AGCS, hunters will report their deer over the telephone or online.

2012 Bow Licenses now come with a Harvest Report Stub (which includes a Harvest Number) instead of a Transportation Tag.

Once successful hunters retrieve their kill they are to complete the stub with the exception of the “Confirmation Number” – this number will be provided when the deer is reported via the AGCS. When reporting deer hunters will provide additional information (date, zone, etc.) about their deer.

More information, including images of the new Harvest Report Stub, is available at http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/deercheck_agcs.htm .

All bow hunters are encouraged to review this information before heading to their hunting location.

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- Whether you celebrate Christmas, Chanukah, another holiday or no holiday, I want to take this opportunity to wish you all, the Beauty of Nature, the Joy of Family and Friends, the Peace that Love brings and the Happiness of Sharing all of those Blessings with those who are important to you.

The one thing we all share in common is our humanity. Whatever else we do at this time of year, perhaps one of the most important is to reflect on what it means to be a member of this AMAZING species. The mind of man has no limits other than the ones it inflicts upon itself. Perhaps our greatest challenge is to use the gift of our minds to improve our lives and those of our family and friends. If enough of our fellow humans embrace this challenge, we truly could have Peace on Earth.

Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and all the best of the season and the years to come to you and your families.

Matching Pledges
Please allow me to once again thank our sponsor ArmsNAmmo for putting up a $500.00 matching pledge. We still have until the January 11, 2012 meeting to meet this challenge. Please don’t forget to mention “matching Pledge” on your donation in the comments section of PayPal or on the memo portion of your check. Thank you to those who have already donated. We will need every dollar we receive in order to fund Operation Establish Compliance, our activities, upcoming events and continuing obligations. Remember, as a non-profit organization, we rely upon your generosity to further our mission

Speaking of the January meeting, the SAF/ANJRPC lawsuit challenging New Jersey’s “justifiable need” clause is perhaps the most significant litigation directly impacting upon the right to discreetly carry a defensive handgun for self-defense and defense of one’s family. I know that every single member is going to want to show up in support of David Jensen and hear what he has to say about the future of this litigation.

Second Amendment Attorney David Jensen to Speak at NJ2AS

This event will be held on Wednesday evening January 11, 2012 at the Gun for Hire Firearms Training Center on 75 Rutgers Street in Belleville, NJ. The meeting begins at 7:30 PM. Be sure to have your questions ready for David’s Q&A session. This is usually the best part of these events. Remember to invite your family, friends and neighbors. Please register for this FREE event on our website at www.nj2as.com under events. We will also be running our Non-resident CCW program for those who may be interested.

I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage you to write your thoughtful letters to the editor regarding the fundamental right to keep and bear arms for legitimate purposes in New Jersey and throughout the Nation. You may have noticed lately that there have been a number of positive articles about our rights. Paul Mulshine and others have written several articles that question the way our RKBA is being handled by the authorities.

Firearms ownership is becoming more and more accepted in our state. We need to keep this momentum going. Remember, always stay positive and that discretion is the better part of valor. Let’s concentrate on all of the positive reasons there are to own firearms and to learn to safely and properly handle them for all legitimate purposes. This includes hunting and competitive shooting as well as for self-defense.

About:
New Jersey Second Amendment Society – Our mission is to promote the free exercise of Second Amendment rights within the community and Legislature of New Jersey, to educate the community regarding the enjoyable, safe, and responsible use of firearms, and to engender a sense of camaraderie and fellowship among the members and their families. Visit: www.nj2as.com

More Than 100 Bald Eagle Nests Now In New Jersey

New Jersey Fish and Game

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- The dramatic recovery of the American bald eagle has reached a milestone in New Jersey, with more than 100 pairs now nesting in the Garden State, according to a newly released analysis of the species’ population.

The survey by the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Endangered and Nongame Species Program counted 102 pairs of actively nesting eagles, plus 11 more pairs in the process of establishing nesting territories.

The survey documented a record 22 new nests, of which 16 are in southern New Jersey, four in northern New Jersey and two in central New Jersey.

To learn more about this milestone, view the NJDEP news release at http://www.nj.gov/dep/newsrel/2011/11_0141.htm ; for more information on eagles in New Jersey, including the 2011 Eagle Report, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/ensp/raptor_info.htm on the division’s website.

Photo by Chris Wyman Photography Highland Lakes, NJ Fish & Wildlife worker Linda Morschauser is dwarfed by the heaviest and perhaps largest black bear ever recorded in New Jersey. At the Franklin check-in station on Friday, the final official live weight estimate for the bruin was 829.5 pounds. The bear was taken in the woods about 1/2-mile from Jefferson High School. / Chris Wyman

AmmoLand Gun News

JEFFERSON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)-A Morris County deer hunter who shot one of the biggest black bears taken in North America was disappointed.

“I would have traded getting two bucks instead of the bear,” said Bruce Headley, 62, of Weldon Road, Milton. Headley’s 829-pound live weight black bear was one of fewer than a dozen over 800 pounds in 35 states and most of Canada.

Bruce and his family prefer venison, but he missed a shot at a buck on opening day of bear and deer season, Dec. 5, at the 150-acre property that has been in his family for nine generations. It abuts the 3,200-acre Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, Morris County’s biggest park.

Headley had seen the big bruin in his backyard in late September “under a yellow delicious apple tree shoving apples into its mouth,” about half a mile from Jefferson High School. He wasn’t hunting for it, but was one of 7,294 other hunters who bought $2 bear hunting permits.

The next time he saw the giant bear was at 11:15 a.m. Dec. 9 while at his deer stand in the woods where he’d been since before daybreak, about three-eighths of a mile behind his house.

Neighbor John Pessagno, hunting about 350 yards away, called him on his cellphone after 11 a.m. to tell him five does had passed and were heading toward him. Headley saw only one doe come and bed down nearby.

“I was looking to see if a buck might be coming when I saw the bear coming up an old tote road,” Headley said. “I waited till he came to a clearing about 45 yards away, and when he did, I shot at him; I knew I hit it at least three times.”

After the bruin went 50 yards and dropped in a rocky, small ravine, Headley called neighbor Gordon Galfo, who drove over with his four-wheeler, then got Adam, Headley’s 21-year-old son, and Passagno, to help.

They chainsawed a path to the bear, used a “come-along” — a hand-operated crank with a cable — and pulled the bear up on a heavy-duty plastic rescue sled. They next picked it up with a front-end loader and put it onto Galfo’s pickup truck for the drive to the Franklin bear checking station.

It took them about three hours to get the bear out, including getting the equipment and help and clearing the path.

“It took longer to get organized than to get it out,” said Headley, who has hunted since he bought his first license at age 14.

He donated the big bear to the Division of Fish and Wildlife, which hopes to have it mounted and displayed at the Pequest Natural Resource Education Center, so others can see the biggest bear ever taken in New Jersey.

“If the hunter wants to donate the bear and the conservation groups are willing to cover the cost of having it mounted, I think the Pequest Natural Resource Education Center would be a great location,” said Division of Fish and Wildlife Director David Chanda.

“It would be a nice compliment to our conservation education programs,” he added. “After all, the black bear represents a truly remarkable success story.

“Especially when you consider that they were all but wiped out by the industrial revolution in the early 1900s, and now as a result of tremendous habitat and management programs developed by professional wildlife biologists, black bears have been sighted in all 21 counties and will forever remain a part of New Jersey’s landscape.”

Bear Biologist Kelcey Burguess of the Division brought it to Wildlife Preservations in Woodland Park, formerly West Paterson, the studio of famed taxidermist George Dante, whose work is on display worldwide.

Dante’s clients include permanent and traveling exhibits of the Museum of Natural History, the Bronx Zoo, and dozens of museums and zoos. The New Jersey Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs has offered to pay for Dante’s work on the bear.

The day before Headley brought his bear the Franklin checking station off Route 23 — driving past anti-hunting demonstrators who shouted and made [rude] gestures at successful hunters — John Noon of Sussex had brought in 776-pound bear he shot in Stokes State Forest. That bear was a record until Headley’s bear was weighed.

Hunters killed 469 bears in this year’s hunt that coincided with the six-day December firearms deer hunt, fewer than the 592 killed during the 2010 bear hunt, because fog, heavy rain and warm weather reduced the harvest this season. About 800 cubs are usually born every January.

Hunters had to bring their bears to one of five check-in stations where biologists extracted a bear’s tooth to age the animal, took a DNA sample, weighed and measured the bears and determined the location of where the bear was shot.

The division is preparing on a comprehensive report on this year’s season, which again included bears known to have caused damage and other problems. New Jersey’s bears annually cause tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage by breaking into homes, killing pets and livestock, damaging crops and preventing many homeowners from feeding birds or leaving barbecue grilles or garbage outdoors.

For this year’s successful bear season, 7,502 hunters bought 9,082 permits and had a 6-percent success rate, harvesting 140 male bears; 329 females. Of these, 19 percent had been handled during year by biologists: 311 in Sussex; Warren, 98; Passaic, 25; Morris, 33; Bergen, 1, and Hunterdon, 1.

The largest bear shot during the 2010 hunt had an estimated live weight of more than 750 pounds (651 pounds when field dressed) and was taken in Montville Township, near the Boonton border.
Heavyweight Contenders

Garden State adult male American black bears (Ursus americanus) weigh on average 400 pounds. Males are called boars; females, called sows, average 175. Headley’s bear was a boar. Cubs are born in January and most weigh an average of 80 pounds by their first December. Sows aggressively chase their cubs when the reach ages of 16-18 months, so they can breed again.

Pennsylvania’s state record bear, estimated at 879 lbs., was shot in 2010 in Pike County, but weighed 700 lbs. on June 7, 2009, when it was caught, tagged, weighed and released by N.J. bear research biologists off Old Mine Road, in Hardwick Township, Warren County. Six bears heavier than 800 pounds have been shot by hunters in Pennsylvania since 1992.

The U.S. record wild black bear, shot in North Carolina in November 1998, had fattened by eating discards near a pig farm. It weighed 880 lbs. A 805-pound black bear was killed by a hunter in Manitoba, the province where one that was 856.5 lbs was killed when struck by a vehicle on a road near Winnipeg in 2001.

New York’s record black bear, shot in Franklin County in the Adirondacks in 1975, weighed 750 lbs.

Bears can grow as big as 900 in captivity if they’re overfed, which is what happened to the wild one that roamed last year in Pike County, Pa., and had been fed by workers at the Fernwood Resort. The Monroe County hunter who shot it with a crossbow said he didn’t know that.

2011 Black Bear Season Harvest Data

(Below is is preliminary harvest information and subject to revision.)

Black Bear Harvest by Bear Hunting Area

Bear Harvest by Check-in Station

Jim Stabile

About Jim Stabile:
Jim has been writing about the outdoors since 1961 and is a current contributor to Gannett Sunday Papers. Jim was an editor at Outdoor Life Magazine in NYC and the editor of Michigan Out of Doors Magazine. He is currently an Officer in the New York Metropolitan Outdoor Press Association and still an active hunter, enjoying success in his 61st year of deer hunting.

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- MATCHING FUNDS: First, I would like once again to thank Ron Stanker for his generous matching fund pledge. I am happy to say that thanks to everyone who donated, we were able to meet the challenge and the entire $500.00 was matched and received.

We have been offered an additional $500.00 matching pledge from our newest sponsor “Arms –n-Ammo”. They have given us until the January 11, 2012 meeting to match their pledge. Once again, I ask you to be as generous as you can be in helping us to reach this goal. Also please consider this sponsor when making your next purchase. Remember to tell them you heard about them from the NJ2AS.

NEWS AND PRESS:
A lot has transpired since the last President’s letter. We have had two positive treatments in the New Jersey Press. The Atlantic City Press published replies from two of our members to a recent editorial they ran on HR 822 – We have a right to protect ourselves / Gun rights the same as civil rights: http://tiny.cc/k2wt7, and journalist Paul Mulshine printed the following article in the 12/8/2011 edition of the NJ Star Ledger: http://tiny.cc/60hmr

Your Society is beginning to be heard on a regular basis. I encourage you to keep writing letters to the editor and to comment on blog postings. The more we participate in these arenas, the better the chance we will continue to be heard. I would especially like to ask you all to try and get on the next “Ask the Governor” program on NJ101.5.

If you are successful, I hope that you would ask the following question:

Governor Christie, why don’t you issue an Executive Order to the Attorney General specifying that “self-defense” can be accepted as a “justifiable need” to obtain a permit to discreetly carry a defensive handgun to protect one’s life and the lives of their loved ones?

I suggest that the question be asked with as close to these words as possible since it is clear and concise and doesn’t leave that much room for maneuvering.

LITIGATION:
If you attended our most recent meeting, you are aware that Superior Court Judge Douglas Hurd ruled against us in our bid to gain access to the” NJ division of State Police Applicant Investigation Guide”.

We have decided to file an appeal and we will keep you informed of the progress. Rather than being a defeat, we view this as a challenge to redouble our efforts to free New Jersey residents from the increasingly restrictive regulations that infringe on our right to keep and bear arms for legitimate purposes. One very important byproduct of this litigation is the official establishment of “the guide” as a “Standard Operating Procedure Manual”. If this is indeed the case, then individual police departments do *NOT* have the latitude to vary from the dictates of these instructions. This guide can no longer legitimately be used as an excuse to delay processing, or to introduce forms that are not specified in the state regulations. We are in the process of formulating a strategy to use this information to our advantage. I have often been told, “When life sends you lemons, turn it into lemonade”. That is exactly what we intend to do.

I ask you all to use this experience to intensify your commitment to making the RKBA the norm in New Jersey.

Please keep in mind that we are still looking for additional plaintiffs in Atlantic County for our ongoing Operation Establish Compliance campaign; if you are interested or if you know someone who is, please contact us at legislation@nj2as.com. We have retained an attorney and plan to move forward once we have all the plaintiffs in place. It is always a good idea to have multiple plaintiffs for a case such as this. If you feel that you application has been delayed for an inordinate amount of time, or if you have been instructed to fill out forms other than the mental health check and criminal background check, we would like to speak with you.

MEETINGS:
On a more positive note, we held a VERY successful event with attorney Evan Nappen. Evan gave a terrific presentation and followed it up with an exhaustive Q&A session. Everyone in attendance was extremely impressed with Evan and this event. Sandy Berardi and Anthony Colandro of Gun for Hire Radio were on hand to capture interviews with Evan and your President. The result is available on the “MEDIA” page of our www.nj2as.com.

Evan Nappen’s appearance was the first of a series of exciting events we have scheduled for the next few months. On January 11, 2012, attorney David Jensen will bring us up to date on the “Muller” case which, as you all know, is challenging New Jersey’s “justifiable need” clause in order to obtain a permit to discreetly carry a defensive handgun. The current law puts every NJ resident at risk as soon as they leave their front door by preventing them from defending their life and that of their loved ones from anyone who might try to do they serious harm.

Then on February 29, 2012, attorney Alan Gura will address the group. Alan’s successful arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court in the Heller and McDonald cases have given new hope to those who respect the fundamental right to keep and bear arms (RKBA) for legitimate purposes. Alan is truly the Standard Bearer for the RKBA on the National scene.

Alan Gura to Speak at NJ2AS Meeting

We are pleased and honored to be able to bring such important speakers to inform and educate both our members and the community at large. Please be sure to invite your friends and neighbors to register to see these dynamic speakers. How often do you get to hear from attorneys who argue such important cases at such a high level? These events are currently FREE and open to anyone interested in Freedom and constitutional protections. I hope as many of you as possible will register for these events. Seating is limited so please register as early as possible so you won’t be disappointed. Details of these events can be seen online at our website www.nj2as.com under “EVENTS”.

About:
New Jersey Second Amendment Society – Our mission is to promote the free exercise of Second Amendment rights within the community and Legislature of New Jersey, to educate the community regarding the enjoyable, safe, and responsible use of firearms, and to engender a sense of camaraderie and fellowship among the members and their families. Visit: www.nj2as.com

NJ2AS Weighs in on Governor Christie’s Broken Promise to Gun Owners

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

Manahawkin, New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- The New Jersey Second Amendment Society’s (www.nj2as.com) President Frank Jack Fiamingo was interviewed by Paul Mulshine of The Star Ledger today about Governor Chris Christie’s broken promise regarding gun law enforcement in an article titled ‘Broken promise could be smoking gun for Christie’s critics’ (http://tinyurl.com/8yute2s).

“Chris Christie entered politics in the 1990s as an advocate of gun control,” Mulshine says. “Ever since, he’s been walking back from that position, or at least far enough back to get through a Republican primary election.”

“There are very few towns where you can expect to get your permit in 30 days,” Fiamingo says in reference to Governor Christie promising to enforce gun laws on the government. “We’re not complaining about the towns that take 40 days. We’re complaining about the ones that go six months or even a year.”

Frank Jack Fiamingo can be reached for comment via email at President@nj2as.com or by phone at (732) 233-6506.

The New Jersey Second Amendment Society (www.NJ2AS.com) is a no compromise defender of the right to keep and bear arms formed to promote those rights protected under the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States within the legislature and the community.

Anti-Hunting BEAR Group Receives Pants on Fire Liar Award

AmmoLand Gun News

New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- Today, December 8th 2011, the New Jersey Star Ledger News Paper featured a story calling out a small group of radical New Jersey Animal Rights activist for a blatantly lying to show support for their cause.

The BEAR Group, who’s website continued to claim that they have the support of 99% of New Jersey residents, received the papers “Pants On Fire” award for lying.

From the article:

“Our ruling

A black bear advocacy group claimed on its website that 99 percent of New Jersey voters oppose hunting.

That number is way off. The organization acknowledges it’s wrong, but late in the afternoon on Dec. 7, more than a day after PolitiFact New Jersey initially contacted the group, the statement was still on the website — even after Jones said a webmaster would be notified to change it.

The statement drops to the ridiculous level for that reason, earning a Pants on Fire!”

Read the story here: http://tiny.cc/by8i1

BERSA BP Concealed Carry 9mm Pistol

Eagle Imports

Wanamassa, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Eagle Imports, Inc., importers of the popular Bersa line of firearms, is proud to announce the availability of Bersa’s first striker-fired, polymer pistol for the concealed carry market.

The Bersa BP CC 9mm is an ergonomically designed pistol, manufactured to the highest standards, using state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and materials.

The lightweight, compact 9mm features a low profile, slide design that offers an increased line-of-sight, as well as, greater control during firing.

Everything featured on the new Bersa BP CC 9mm is about reliability, durability and safety.

Shot after shot, the Bersa BP CC 9mm delivers accuracy with every pull of the short, reset DAO-action trigger and a micro-polished barrel bore with sharp, deep rifling. Accurate and reliable, the Bersa BP CC also features an ambidextrous mag release with an 8 + 1 magazine capacity. Safety features include a loaded chamber indicator, integral locking system and automatic firing pin safety. A 3-dot sight system and Picatinny rail are standard features on this cutting-edge concealed carry pistol.

Bersa BP CC 9mm Specifications:

• Model: BP9CC
• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: Short reset DAO
• Capacity: 8+1
• Barrel Length: 3.3”
• Weight: 21.5 oz.
• Length: 6.35”
• Height: 4.8”
• Width: .94”
• Frame Material: Hi Impact Polymer
• Slide Material: Stainless Steel
• Sights: Front-Interchangeable SIG SAUER type
• Rear – Interchangeable GLOCK type
• Finish: Matte Black or Duotone
• MSRP: $429.00 Matte Black
• $440.00 Duotone

Bersa Arms 2011 Catalog
Like all of Bersa’s exceptional products, a Lifetime Service Contract comes with every Bersa BP CC 9mm. See it to believe it at Bersa. Visit Eagle Imports, Inc. and Bersa at SHOT Show, January 17 – 20, 2012 at the Sands Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada. Booth 2610. or Visit: www.bersa.com

National Animal Interest Alliance

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- A bill with vague language, unenforceable, and burdensome.

New Jersey bill A1083/S1182 has passed the Assembly and now moves to the full Senate for a vote. The next Senate quorum is scheduled for December 8. Immediate communication to your State Senator is critical to stop this overly vague, burdensome bill from becoming law. See bill here.

The New Jersey Senate Economic Growth Committee statement is here.

This bill would make it easier to convict someone of animal cruelty than it would to convict them of cruelty to a child.

The language of the bill is vague in defining “minimum care.” Too much is left to the eye of the beholder, who may have little or no knowledge about animal husbandry which is appropriate to the individual situation.

This bill would be complaint driven, which allows for innocent individuals to be targeted by nasty neighbors [or animal rights groups] and who would then have to defend themselves against cruelty accusations.

Compare the language in the bill with existing law regarding children.

9:6-1. Cruelty to a child shall consist in any of the following acts: (a) inflicting unnecessarily severe corporal punishment upon a child; (b) inflicting upon a child unnecessary suffering or pain, either mental or physical; (c) habitually tormenting, vexing or afflicting a child; (d) any willful act of ommission or commision whereby unnecessary pain and suffering, whether mental or physical, is caused or permitted to be inflicted on a child; (e) or exposing a child to unnecessary hardship, fatigue or mental or physical strains that may tend to injure the healthy or physical or moral well-being of such child.

Neglect of a child shall consist in any of the following acts, by anyone having the custody or control of the child: (a) willfully failing to provide proper and sufficient food, clothing, maintenance, regular school education as required by law, medical attendance or surgical treatment, and a clean and proper home, or (b) failure to do or permit to be done any act necessary for the child’s physical or moral well-being.

Please send a message to your State Senator about A1083/ S1182.

Protect your pets…Join NAIA Trust today!

About:
The Mission of NAIA is to promote the welfare of animals, to strengthen the human-animal bond, and safeguard the rights of responsible animal owners and professionals through research, public education and sound public policy. Visit: www.naiaonline.org