47 Deer Killed In First Day Of Union County Hunt

UNION COUNTY, NJ — A total of 47 deer were killed on the first day of the 2018 Union County Deer Management Program on Monday.

The majority of the deer were killed in the Watchung Reservation with 21 dead.

Here is the full list of the number of deer harvested from each park:

• Passaic River Park, Summit - 1
• Lenape Park - 7
• Nomahegan Park - 3
• Ash Brook Reservation - 8
• Oak Ridge Park - 4
• Hawk Rise Sanctuary, Linden - 3

Despite the 14 degree temperature and three inches of snow on the ground, all 40 hunters certified for this program participated from the 5:30 a.m. meeting time until the last deer was processed for shipment to the butcher at 8 p.m, according to Sebastian Delia, Union County spokesman.

Due to the Dr. Martin Luther King holiday, the Union County Deer Management Program is scheduled to have its second day of operation on Wednesday, Jan. 17, rather than next Monday.

The program operates in the Watchung Reservation, the Summit portion of Passaic River Park, Ash Brook Reservation, Lenape Park, Nomahegan Park, Oak Ridge Park and the Hawk Rise Sanctuary.

The parks remain open during the hunt; 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. Park users also are urged to adhere to the county ordinance that requires that pets be restrained on a leash.

For further information, go to the County's website at here or contact the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900. Hunters interested in joining this program in a future year can get onto a mailing list for applications through the website.

(Image by Krahulic via Pixabay)

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