Green Jersey

Deer hunt called “a huge success”

Above: A white-tailed deer

Officials yesterday reported 213 deer were killed during a controversial 8.5-day deer hunt in the South Mountain Reservation last month.

The hunt had been criticized by some animal rights activists and residents, largely because of its location: very close to very populated areas. But things went fine, officials said. Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. called the hunt “a huge success” and said it will continue for years to come. (The goal is to eventually bring a deer population of 300 to 400 down to about 60.) White-tailed deer are known to destroy vegetation, cause car accidents and carry ticks that can cause Lyme disease.

Also from the Associated Press, via the Courier Post:

Officials today also announced a $900,000 effort to replant the reservation with plants and bushes. Fenced-in areas will be created to keep deer out, and plants, brushes and wildflowers will be planted there in order to regrow forest undergrowth chewed down by deer.