NJ DEPARTMENT of ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Natural and Historic Resources
Division of Fish and Wildlife

Notice of Rule Proposal
Game Code N.J.A.C. 7:25-5

PUBLIC NOTICE
Take notice that the Fish and Game Council is proposing amendments.  A statement of the substance of the proposal follows: The proposed 2020-21 Game Code, N.J.A.C. 7:25-5, provides when, under what circumstances, in what location, by what means, and what amounts and numbers, game-birds, game animals and fur-bearing animals may be pursued, taken, killed or had in possession. Since the early 1900s, the Game Code has provided a system for the protection, propagation, increase, control and conservation of game birds, game animals, and fur-bearing animals in this State and for their use and development for public recreation and food supply. Biennial revisions of season dates, bag limits and other regulations based on scientific investigation and research ensures the greatest likelihood of success in reaching these goals.

The proposal is scheduled to be published in the New Jersey Register dated October 5, 2020.  A copy of the proposal is available from:  DEP website https://www.nj.gov/dep/rules/proposals/20201005a.pdf ; LexisNexis free public access to the New Jersey Register, www.lexisnexis.com/njoal).

In light of the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the need to restrict unnecessary travel and adopt/adhere to social distancing practices, the public hearing will no longer be held live in Trenton.  Rather, the hearing will be conducted virtually via the Department’s video conferencing software (Go To Webinar) on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at 2 p.m.  A link to the virtual public hearing will be provided on the Department’s DFW website at  https://www.njfishandwildlife.com/2020/gamecode_proposal20.htm  The hearing will remain open until 4:00 PM or until all testimony has been heard, whichever comes first.

Written comments may be submitted electronically by December 4, 2020 at http://www.nj.gov/dep/rules/comments; or
In hard copy to:

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
2020 Game Code Comments
Division of Fish and Wildlife
Mail Code 501-03
PO Box 420
Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0420