43 Deer Killed In First Day Of Union County Hunt

Clark, NJ -- A total of 43 deer have been killed in a Union County-sanctioned hunt that is scheduled to end Feb. 12.

Most of the deer, 19, have been killed in Ash Brook Reservation (Clark, Scotch Plains) and Oak Ridge Park (Clark). Watchung Reservation (Berkeley Heights, Mountainside Scotch Plains, Springfield, Summit) with 10 deer killed.

Lenape and Nomahegan Parks (Cranford, Kenliworth, Springfield, Union, Westfield) has nine deer killed. Followed by Hawk Rise Sanctuary (Linden) with five deer killed.

None have been killed in Passaic River Park (Summit).

The hunt is being held in response to the overpopulation of deer that threatens the survival of the plant and animal communities that are important to the ecology of these parks, according to Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

The Union County Deer Management Program will operate on Mondays from Jan. 4 to Feb. 12. Hunters will be in the parks from 5:30 a.m. until after dark, but shooting may occur only during daylight hours.

Forty hunters wearing orange hats or vests will hunt the deer from elevated positions, at least 20 feet up in the trees, over baited sites. The marksmen have been chosen by the county from among experienced, licensed hunters.

The deer management program will be supervised by the Union County Police and the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. Anyone found hunting on any County park property outside the terms of this program will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Citizens observing any such illegal activity are urged to immediately contact the Union County Police at 908-654-9800.

For further information, go to the County’s website at http://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/wildlife-management/deer/ or contact the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at (908) 527-4900. Hunters interested in joining this program in a future year can get onto a mailing list for applications through the website.