31 Deer Killed in Second Day Of Union County Hunt

Summit, NJ -- A total of 31 more deer were killed in the second day of the Union County-sanctioned hunt, on Jan. 11, that is scheduled to end Feb. 12.

The first day of the hunt, held on Jan. 4, had a total of 43 deer killed, the second day brings the total to 74 in the six-day long hunt.

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.

Out of the 74 deer harvested, 25 were killed in the Watchung Reservation (Berkeley Heights, Mountainside Scotch Plains, Springfield, Summit); 26 killed in Ash Brook Reservation (Clark, Scotch Plains) and Oak Ridge Park (Clark); 17 killed in Lenape and Nomahegan Parks (Cranford, Kenliworth, Springfield, Union, Westfield); and six killed in Hawk Rise Sanctuary (Linden).

No deer have been killed in Passaic River Park (Summit).

Hunting for 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.

Breakdown of deer killed on Jan. 4:

• Ash Brook Reservation and Oak Ridge Park - 19
• Watchung Reservation - 10
• Lenape and Nomahegan Parks - 9
• Hawk Rise Sanctuary, Linden - 5
• Passaic River Park, Summit - 0

Breakdown of deer killed on Jan. 11:

• Watchung Reservation - 15
• Lenape and Nomahegan Parks - 8
• Ash Brook Reservation and Oak Ridge Park - 7
• Hawk Rise Sanctuary, Linden - 1
• Passaic River Park, Summit - 0

The deer management program is being 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.