Deer Hunt Coming To Schooley's Mountain This Fall

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Deer hunting will be allowed in Schooley's Mountain Park on several weekends this fall, in an effort to control the local deer population.

The north portion of the park will be open to bow hunting Sept. 14 through Oct. 25 for fall bow; Oct. 26-Dec. 31 for permit bow (not including Christmas Day); and Jan. 1 to Feb. 15 for winter bow. The south portion of the park will be open for to bow hunting Sept. 16 through Oct. 25 for fall bow; Oct. 28-Dec. 31 for permit bow (not including Christmas Day); and Jan. 1 to Feb. 14 for winter bow. Saturday hunting will not be allowed on the south portion.

The annual population management hunt is used as a way to help quell the threat to biodiversity posed to local flora and fauna by the white tailed deer. Controlled hunts take place around the county during the hunts.

"This is not a recreational hunt. This controlled management program is being conducted to help reduce and maintain white tailed deer populations at levels that will allow for the re-establishment of native plant communities within the park system that have been severely damaged by deer over-browsing," Washington Township stressed on their website.

You can find more information on the county program on the park's website.