149 Deer Harvested In Hillsborough During 2025-26 Hunting Season

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — A total of 149 deer were harvested over 1,171 hunting days during the 2025-26 season in Hillsborough Township.

Wildlife Management Commission Chair Tom Ross gave a presentation on the prior season's results.

Of the deer harvested, 32 were killed by firearms and 117 by archery. Of the 149 deer, 98 were does, and 51 were bucks.

"The number of deer were down a little bit since last year. We had a banner year last year," said Ross.

Last year, the Township reported harvesting 170 deer.

Ross attributed the lower amount of deer harvested this year to "bad weather."

"I think the deer tend to move less, and the hunters tend to move even less when it's snowing. But I still think that's a pretty high number for us," said Ross.

Ross also reviewed deer-vehicle collision data tracked since 2004.

He said the total is now approaching 5,000, with 116 collisions reported last year.

Ross said those figures have been fairly steady in recent years.

He also said the reported total likely captures only part of the actual number.

"I think with that number, the 5,000 number, you're seeing about 50 percent of the numbers that actually get reported," Ross said.

He said he believes there are more cars that get hit by deer and are never reported.

"Unfortunately, a lot of activity out there regarding our deer and our vehicles," said Ross. "Good for the insurance companies, not so good for people in their vehicles."

The commission also reported participation in Hunters Helping the Hungry, a venison donation program.

Ross said 23 deer were donated last year, yielding about 900 pounds of venison.

He said the township has 70 hunters and charges a $100 permit fee, generating $7,000.

According to Ross, $1,955 was paid to "V. Roche and I Whitehouse" for processing, leaving about $5,000 for the town.

"Basically, you're looking at about 400 charities throughout the state that benefit from this," Ross said.

Committee members then discussed the drop in deer-vehicle collision numbers during the COVID period.

"I saw the numbers were very high previous to COVID," said Committeeman Robert Britting Jr. "COVID hit, they dropped."

He added that the numbers went "up a tiny bit" after COVID, but it stayed consistent.

"I think that it's a good thing relative to not going so high. It's staying at a much lower level than it was pre-COVID," said Britting.

Britting also asked Ross if whether reduced driving played a role during COVID to the lower number.

"That's definitely one of the components," Ross said.

He also pointed to traffic patterns, weather and construction patterns.

"So this tells me that the program is working number one. Number two, our police officers are probably doing a very nice job of keeping people going the speed limit as well, too. So, put all that stuff together, it's a much safer road environment for all these new drivers that we have out there," said Briting.

Ross noted that, "You're still running the gauntlet, as I say, in some areas, but it's a lot better than it used to be, for sure."

Looking ahead, Ross said the township will continue the Hunters Helping the Hungry program and continue inviting a Fish and Wildlife representative to speak to hunters during the August orientation session about safety and new regulations.

• Previous reporting: 170 Deer Harvested In Hillsborough During 2024-25 Hunting Season

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