DEER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
On June 22, 2009 the Monmouth County Board of Recreation Commissioners approved the Monmouth County Park System's "Deer Management Annual Report (April 2009)". The report, prepared by Park System staff, contains information regarding the administration of the 2008/2009 program, its effectiveness, and the plan for the 2009/2010 season.
The Deer Management Plan has been implemented in select areas of fifteen county parks. These parks fall within two categories. Category 1 parks are those that, within the areas designated for hunting, are largely undeveloped with limited public use. Category 1parks are open for bow only hunting during the 2009/2010 hunting seasons established by the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife. In keeping with common practice in NJ State Parks and elsewhere, park trails will remain open during the established bow hunting dates. Included in Category 1 parks are Big Brook Park, Charleston Springs Golf Course, Crosswicks Creek Greenway, Holmdel Park (Ramanessin Section), Howell Park Golf Course, Huber Woods Park, Manasquan Reservoir (Bear Swamp Tract), Shark River Park, Tatum Park, Turkey Swamp Park, and 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 on select days for limited times when public visitation is at its lowest, typically December and January. Category 2 parks include Clayton Park, Hartshorne Woods Park, and Thompson Park
The Board of Recreation Commissioners recognizes 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.
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2009/2010 Areas Open for Deer Hunting
2009 Deer Management Annual Report
2009-10 Supplemental Rules & Regs.
2009-10 Maps (revised) Areas Open for Hunting