New Jersey Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife

For more information contact:
Tony Petrongolo at 609-984-1401

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP's) Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife recently adjusted the hours of its hunter training range at the Black River Wildlife Management Area in Chester Township, Morris County.

"The Black River range is an extremely popular practice area for hunters in this part of the state," said Division Director Bob McDowell. "In an effort to lessen the amount of noise experienced by residents living near this busy range, hours were reduced during the summer."

The range is currently closed on weekends until September 5, as well as on the Christmas and Easter holidays. Operating hours are 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. during the summer and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the rest of the year. Hunter education classes will continue to be held and will not be affected by the new hours.

"Due to the high demand for shooting ranges statewide, the Division will continue to explore alternative sites throughout the Garden State and particularly in this region," McDowell added.

In addition and as part of a cooperative agreement with DEP's Responsible Party Site Remediation Program, the Division will begin a study of the range in early June.

The Black River range is located on Rt. 513 (Dover-Chester Road) in Chester.