Second Day of Deer Hunt In Summit Today

Summit, NJ -- The second day of the Union County deer hunt will continue today in parks in Summit, among six other parks.

The first day of the hunt, held on Jan. 4, yielded a total of 43 deer killed.

Most of the deer, 19, were 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) had nine deer killed. Followed by Hawk Rise Sanctuary (Linden) with five deer killed.

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

The Union County Department of Parks and Recreation annual Deer Management Program will operate in:

• Watchung Reservation (Berkeley Heights, Mountainside Scotch Plains, Springfield, Summit),
• Passaic River Park (Summit portion),
• Ash Brook Reservation (Clark, Scotch Plains),
• Lenape Park and Nomahegan Park (Cranford, Kenliworth, Springfield, Union, Westfield),
• Oak Ridge Park (Clark),
• and the Hawk Rise Sanctuary (Linden).

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 deer hunt will operate on Mondays from Jan. 4 to Feb. 12. When there is a holiday on a Monday (Dr. M.L. King Day), the program moves to Wednesday. In the event of inclement weather on any other Monday, the hunting activity will be moved to Wednesday that week. If Wednesday brings inclement weather, the hunting will be moved to Friday. Hunters will be in the parks from 5:30 a.m. until after dark, but shooting may occur only during daylight hours.

Parks will remain open during the deer management program; however, portions of some roadways inside the park may be closed for short periods if necessary. Park patrons are urged to stay on the marked hiking, walking and bridle trails. Park users also are urged to adhere to the county ordinance that requires that pets be restrained on a leash.

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.