Deer Hunting Protest Planned In Mahwah This Week

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Animal advocates will hold a demonstration on Route 17 on Saturday to protest ongoing deer hunts in Mahwah and Saddle River.

Over the summer, the borough of Saddle River voted to allow bowhunters to decrease the population of deer and coyotes in a planned "cull" in the fall.

Since then, a statewide group called the Animal Protection League has amassed 800 signatures on a petition to stop that hunt.

In Mahwah

More recently, the group said that Mahwah Mayor Jim Wysocki has issued bowhunting permits for various plots of town-owned land in Mahwah.

They said, "Deer hunting is actively taking place behind the firehouse on Rozanski Lane, the Masonicus [neighborhood] and [near] Seacor Farms."

As a result, the group is planning a new protest for this weekend in Mahwah.

A spokesperson for Mayor Jim Wysocki said permits have been issued for two areas of town-owned land.

Approvals for bowhunting been issued for two areas, the spokesperson said: an 11-acre Masonicus area behind the Company 3 Fire House, and the McBride Property on McArthur Boulevard, which covers approximately 30 acres.

Permission had been granted in accordance with the Municipal Code regarding hunting and firearms (Volume 1 Chapter 3, 3-7 through 3-7.5), linked here.

The code prohibits hunting near occupied dwellings in many areas, and lays out permitting information.

The animal group plans to hold its demonstration in the grassy area in front of 395 Route 17 North, formerly Boston Market, from 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. Saturday They say attendees can park in the former Boston Market lot.

"This is an extremely densely populated area surrounded by condominiums and businesses," they said of the Masonicus area. "There is a walking path through this wooded area. Bow hunters will be killing deer while residents are walking their dogs. Mayor Wysocki has given out permits to
hunt deer without the approval of the council or residents. No vote was taken. No public input."

They also said 38 deer have already been killed by arrows during Saddle River's hunt this year.

"Tell them to shut down their inhumane bow slaughter deer hunt," they said.

They directed supporters to their video here: http://keepsaddleriversafe.com

See prior reporting on the local "culls" and their history here.