Deer Cull 2017: Hunts Set For South Mountain, Hilltop Reservations

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The annual Essex County deer cull – now in its 10th year – will take place for 2017 on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from Jan. 17 to Feb. 16.

According to officials, the annual hunt aims to “revitalize the forest ecology by reducing the number of deer” on county-maintained land.

During the hunt, “experienced and qualified volunteer marksmen” station themselves in trees at least 20 feet above the ground and only take shots at a downward angle, officials said.

• See related article: Essex County Deer Cull Results For 2016: South Mountain, Hilltop Reservations

For 2017, the county will conduct the deer cull at South Mountain Reservation (located in Maplewood, Millburn and West Orange) and Hilltop Reservation (located in Cedar Grove, North Caldwell and Verona).

The program will not be held in Eagle Rock Reservation (West Orange, Montclair and Verona).

This year, for the first time, make-up days have been scheduled in case the program is cancelled because of inclement weather. If there are no cancellations, then the program will not be held on the make-up days, officials stated.

• The hunt will take place in South Mountain Reservation on Jan. 17 and 19. Make-up days are Jan. 24 and Jan. 26.
• The hunt will take place in Hilltop Reservation on Jan. 31, Feb. 7, Feb. 2 and Feb. 9. Make-up days are Feb. 14 and 16.

When the program is held, South Mountain Reservation, Hilltop Reservation and all parking areas and walking paths inside the two reservations will be closed to the public. Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, Essex County Codey Arena, the Essex County Park-N-Ride facility and McLoone’s Boathouse Restaurant in the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex in West Orange and all County roads through the reservations will remain open.

Since 2008, a total of 2,013 deer (1,254 deer and 759 unborn deer) have been culled from county property, officials said.

“Controlling the population by removing deer from South Mountain and Hilltop has proven to be very successful in helping to preserve the forest habitat and maintain our reservations as viable resources for recreation and open space,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo said. “This is just one facet of our comprehensive Deer Management Program that also includes creating seed banks to accelerate the re-growth of the forests and installing reflectors and lights to enhance traffic safety by keeping deer from entering the roadway.”

Photo: NJ DEP / Craig Lemon

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