New Jersey’s hunters and landowners are facing a serious threat to their rights with the introduction of S778 and A1404— two bills that would require landowners to provide notice to, and obtain written permission from, their neighbors in order to hunt on their own property.
These bills undermine private property rights, disrupt wildlife management, and create unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles for hunters and landowners alike. The language of both bills is clear: if passed, S778/A1404 would force New Jersey landowners to seek permission from adjacent property owners before engaging in hunting activities on their own land. This means that even if you own and maintain land for hunting, you could be prevented from hunting unless your neighbor agrees to allow it.
This legislation directly challenges the rights of landowners to manage and enjoy their property. Requiring permission from neighbors adds an unnecessary layer of oversight and regulation to something that should be within the landowner’s control. New Jersey hunters and landowners already operate under a system of regulations that ensure ethical hunting and safe practices.
Additionally, By forcing landowners to obtain permission from their neighbors to hunt, these bills set the stage for disagreements and disputes. Hunting plays a critical role in wildlife conservation and is critical to managing deer populations, especially in areas with overabundant herds. By limiting hunting access on private property, these bills could disrupt deer management programs and harm efforts to maintain healthy wildlife populations.
While the bills are still under consideration, it’s important to stay informed about how they may impact hunting and land management in New Jersey.
We will continue to monitor this situation closely and keep you updated on any further developments.