The Bergen County and Sussex County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs have made major contributions of $4,000 each to the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance to help stop anti-hunting legislation and to expand hunting opportunities in New Jersey.

"Bergen and Sussex County Federations know the importance of stopping the misguided half-truths perpetuated by animal rights groups against sportsmen," said Frank Dara, board chairman of the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs. "I challenge the other county federations to step up with a contribution to protect our heritage for future generations."

Other organizations have already met the challenge. The United Bowhunters of New Jersey, the Hunterdon County Federation, New Jersey Fur Harvesters, Croton Rod and Gun and the Bergen Bowmen have provided funds that will help protect New Jersey sportsmen.

"Senate Bill 1219 and Assembly Bill 479, the bear moratorium bills, would give away almost $100,000 of taxpayer money to the Humane Society of the United States to find alternatives to hunting," explained Tony Celebrezze, director of field operations with the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance. "Further, the bills would tie the hands of the Division of Fish and Wildlife by preventing any type of bear season for 5 years. The quick response of New Jersey sportsmen has helped keep these bills bottled up."

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal rights group with a income of over $65 million, annually. Despite its name, it does not run any animal shelters in the country.

Now the focus is on Senate Bill 62. It is the Sunday hunting bill that would give New Jersey sportsmen the same opportunities as sportsmen in 41 other states by allowing bowhunters to hunt deer on Sunday. This expanded hunt will help to reign in the exploding deer population while providing more money to properly manage wildlife for all citizens of New Jersey. It will also give sportsmen the chance to show New Jersey citizens that Sunday hunting poses no threats to others enjoying wildlife.