A letter was printed a week or so ago saying Hunters didn't pay their fair share of taxes, and tried to use federal excess taxes as an example. Here is my reply printed on 8/05.
Hunters, anglers pay fair share
August 5, 2008
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To the Editor:
In a recent letter, Barbara Metzler of Brookside claims hunters are not paying their fair share. She points out correctly that under the federal Pittman-Robinson Act, (which returns tax monies to the states for wildlife management) all outdoor sporting equipment has an excess tax, paid by target shooters, and archers even if they do not hunt. Metzler, a well know animal rights activist, fails to mention how these monies are returned. The distribution of monies under Pittman-Robinson is based on the sales of hunting and
fishing licenses in each state. So even if you are buying a firearm for competition shooting, no tax monies come back to
New Jersey, so I guess hunters and anglers are paying their fair share. Metzler makes it sound as if hunters and anglers are second hand citizens; in fact we pay property
taxes, sales taxes and yes, excess taxes just like everyone else. In fact, as a voting group we have more members, extended family members and likeminded friends then does the New Jersey Education Association.
Also in her letter, she refers to Green Acres bonds, and makes it sound like all lands purchased go to hunters. This is utter nonsense. Those lands that have become Wildlife Management Areas are open to all citizens of the state and are used by hikers, bird watchers, boaters, and horseback riders, besides hunters and anglers.
Frederick Ege
Mansfield
