Community Based Deer Management

DIVISION: Fish and Wildlife
GENERAL PHONE NUMBER: (908) 735-7040
FAX NUMBER: (908) 735-5689
WEB SITE

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

Though traditional hunting programs continue to successfully control deer populations throughout most of the state, they are difficult to implement in the urban and suburban areas. Under the Community Based Deer Management Program, the division will cooperate with municipalities, airports and county boards of agriculture to develop and implement alternative options for use in suburban environments where traditional hunting programs are not an option or where hunting programs alone cannot achieve the desired level of deer reduction. Alternative control options include shooting (outside of season dates, bag limit and other regulations), live capture-euthanize, experimental programs that may include contraception, and other non-traditional options. All costs associated with the alternative options are borne by the municipality, airport or county board of agriculture. The division provides technical assistance in the development of the program and the permit application process.

MONETARY ASSISTANCE PROVIDED:

None

PERMITTING RESPONSIBILITIES:

Municipalities, airports and county boards of agriculture must submit an application for a Community Based Deer Management Permit. This application is reviewed by the division and the Fish and Game Council. The applicant must demonstrate that the deer population has caused a significant number of deer-vehicle accidents and/or a significant amount of damage to vegetation. The municipality must submit a municipal resolution endorsing the application. The applicant must identify the organization that will implement the deer control, describe the methods that will be used to notify the public, describe the precautions that will be taken to ensure the safety of the public, and document written consent to access private property, if necessary. The permit is free, but the applicant bears the cost of the program and the cost of providing the deer meat to the venison donation program. Once approved, the permit is issued by the division.

PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE:

None