DEER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
On April 21, 2008, the Monmouth County Board of Recreation Commissioners approved the Monmouth County Park System's "Deer Management Annual Report (April 2008)". The report, prepared by Park System staff, contains information regarding the administration of the 2007/2008 program, its effectiveness, and the plan for the 2008/2009 season. On May 19th, the Board will hear changes to the supplemental rules and regulations governing deer hunting on county park lands. Click here to view the proposed supplemental rules and regulations.
The Deer Management Program has been implemented in parks that fall into two categories. Category 1 parks are those that, within the portions designated for hunting, are largely undeveloped with limited public use. The Park System staff recommended that Category 1 parks be open for bow hunting only during the 2008/2009 hunting seasons established by the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife. In keeping with common practice in NJ State Parks and elsewhere, the staff also recommended that trails remain open during the established bow hunting dates. Included in Category 1 are Big Brook Park, Charleston Springs Golf Course, Crosswicks Creek Greenway, Howell Park Golf Course, Huber Woods Park, Manasquan Reservoir (Bear Swamp Tract), Shark River Park , Tatum Park, Turkey Swamp Park, and the Yellow Brook Tract.
Category 2 parks are those with regular public visitation that are closed to outdoor public use during the time when the park is open for hunting. These areas are open for limited times when public visitation is at its lowest, typically December and January. Category 2 parks include Clayton Park, Hartshorne Woods Park, the Ramanessin Section of Holmdel Park, and Thompson Park.
The Board of Recreation Commissioners recognize that the hunting program, instituted in 2004, is the most efficient and effective means currently available for reducing the population of white-tailed deer at designated county park locations. The Board and staff will continue to pursue the implementation of other, non-lethal management methods of the white-tailed deer when suitable options become available.
As a conservation and recreation agency, the Park System acquires and manages land both for resource protection and recreation opportunities. Responsible land stewardship and resource protection require that wildlife and its habitat be managed for the benefit of all animals and plants. When the dominance or behavior of a particular species threatens the well being of others, active intervention is required. The growth and density of the State's deer population and its consumption of native plant materials that are vital to a healthy forest and as food and shelter to birds and small mammals constitute a problem requiring active intervention.
Questions and comments about the program should be directed to the Park System by telephone at 732-842-4000, ext. 4237; by electronic mail at wildlife@monmouthcountyparks.com; or by mail at Monmouth County Park System, ATTN: Public Information Office, 805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738.
Additional information:
Park Locations | FAQ - Deer Management | FAQ - Forest Health
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