The New Jersey Senate passed Senate Bill 802, which was one of the first approvals needed to authorize Sunday deer hunting with a bow on private property and state run wildlife management areas. Currently, Sunday hunting is not permitted in New Jersey. The measure was approved in late October.

The bill now moves to the New Jersey Assembly for further action.

While the Senate cleared SB 802 by a solid 32-6 vote and was supported by key senators, a similar bill has languished in the state assembly for months without a vote, the United States Sportsman’s Alliance says. This raises questions about whether SB 802 will succeed in moving any further.

"Some sportsmen have been reluctant to support the bill due to it not including any provisions allowing the use of firearms. While the USSA would much prefer those provisions be included, sometimes, it is necessary to lay a foundation that can be built on for the future," says USSA Vice President for Government Affairs, Rob Sexton.

Sportsmen in New Jersey are urged to contact their assemblyperson and urge them to support SB 802.