Seven Hunters to Remove 60 Deer from Ash Brook Reservation

About 186 deer are living in the Ash Brook Reservation this winter, which is more than nine times the healthy population for deer density in an area that takes up just over one square mile.

To eliminate the over-population, which has affected nearby homes, parks and the Ash Brook Golf Course, the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal has organized a hunt.

Today, seven members of the Oak Ridge Sportsmanship Association will begin a hunt to remove at least 60 white tailed deer from the reservation by Feb. 11. The Ash Brook Reservation encompasses about 667 acres or 1.04 square miles in Clark and Scotch Plains.

Dan Bernier, Director of the Division of Parks and Planning for Union County told the Scotch Plains Council at a that in order for the natural forest vegetation on the reservation to thrive, forest ecologists recommend that the deer density be no more than 20 per square mile. 

A spotlight count conducted by Union County in April of 2011 found an overwintering population for the 2011-2012 winter season of about 186 deer. Although as many as 151 deer could be removed during the early winter hunt, Bernier explained to the council that given the amount of hunters and time available, the goal is to remove 60 deer from the reservation. Removing 60 deer would mean that the deer density would be 35 per square mile.

Eliminating the overpopulation of deer would minimize the impact on the Ash Brook Golf Course as well as the amount of deer that travel into the surrounding parks and residential areas, damaging landscaping that appears as attractive food sources. Union County Parks also notes that this would also help manage the risk of deer-related motor vehicle accidents and lessen the occurrence of Lyme disease. However, the council noted that as of now, vehicle accidents and Lyme disease have not had a significant effect on residents.

During the Dec. 6 meeting, the Scotch Plains Council expressed their frustration with the lack of progress in deer management and the continued presence of deer in residential neighborhoods.

The Deer Management program in Scotch Plains began in 2005. Between 2006 and 2009, 241 deer were removed by a wildlife contractor. Every year after that, the deer population was managed by organizations that volunteered their time and skill. Bernier explained that one reason for the lack of progress over the past few years is that because of the heavy snow fall last year, the Cranford Rod and Gun Club was only able to remove eight deer in 2010 and 22 in 2011.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders selected the Oak Ridge Sportsman Association to conduct this year's hunt. Union County will pay for any bait required for the program as well as the fees for butchering all deer carcasses not kept by hunters. The venison will be donated to The Community FoodBank of New Jersey to help those in need. All other costs including ammunition and permits must be paid by Oak Ridge.

In New Jersey, it is illegal to operate a firearm within 450 feet of a residential area. Participation in this hunt is limited to the seven chosen members of the Oak Ridge Sportsmen’s Association. The county notes that anyone else found hunting on the property will be prosecuted. If you observe illegal activity at any time, call the Union County Police at (908) 654-9800. Shooting will occur during daylight hours every day except Sunday, weather permitting. Stay out of heavily wooded areas and keep pets on a leash.

Despite Bernier’s detailed presentation, the Scotch Plains Town Council continued to express their concern that the deer problem in Scotch Plains would go unsolved for yet another deer.

At the Dec. 6 meeting, Councilman Glover stated that “for every step forward, we’re taking two back… you could remove eight deer from my backyard on any given day.”

Bernier advocated the use of chemical deterrents and removing landscaping that seems to attract deer. He also recommended that the council explore purchasing reflectors for roadways that seem to be overpopulated in order to protect motorists, but warned that the township would be responsible for maintaining the reflectors.

“Deer have become acclimated to life in suburbia and they like it better, spending more and more time in residential areas. Alternative solutions include using landscaping that does not attract deer, or chemical deterrents found at gardening center,” he stated.