Due to Monday’s and today’s snow storms, the final day of the 2014 Union County Deer Management Program has been re-scheduled to Friday, February 7.
Hunters will be in Lenape Park, Nomahegan Park, Passaic River Park, Watchung Reservation, the Ash Brook Reservation and the Hawk Rise Sanctuary from 5:00 a.m. until after dark on Friday, February 7, but shooting may occur only during daylight hours.
Thirty-eight marksmen have been chosen by the County from among experienced, licensed hunters. More than half of the hunters have previously participated in Union County’s program; all are serving on a voluntary basis. The hunters will be wearing orange hats or vests and will hunt the deer from elevated positions, at least 20 feet up in the trees, over baited sites.
The hunters may keep any deer carcasses that they harvest. About half of the deer will be processed at a State-approved butcher and the venison will be donated to the needy and homeless through the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.
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 Union 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.
The public should note that these parks will not be closed 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. Patrons also are urged to keep pets restrained on a leash.
For further information, go to the Union County website at www.ucnj.org/deer or contact the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at (908) 789-3682.