Season records show 150 deer harvested at NWS Earle Courtesy of "THE COMPASS" bi-monthly publication of NWS Earle MWR Posted:03/16/10
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Monmouth County, NJ - PWD Environmental Division reported 150 deer were harvested at NWS Earle and recorded at the NWS Earle deer check station since last fall. The report was made at the close of the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus Virginianus) hunting season until next September.
Deer hunting by archery, muzzleloader and shotgun ended Jan. 30, although each type of hunting had different starting dates, in accordance with hunting regulations set by the NJ Division of Fish and Game. Those regulations must be followed even on federal installations, but can be more restrictive.
According to Ginny Arban of the Environmental Division, 122 hunters were registered this season, which is controlled by the Station Instruction and required to comply with security and explosive safety regulations on Station. Additionally, the waterfront area became an "archery only" hunting area (no firearms), providing opportunity for folks wanting to avoid firearms hunters in a controlled area.
The harvest was decreased this year, down from 243 in 2008-2009, due in part to fewer hunters and additional archery-only areas being designated. Feedback from hunters in the field indicates herd numbers are down from 2004 when 531 deer were harvested and the State required taking of an antlerless deer prior to taking a buck. This earn-a-buck program has generally been phased out in the State due to the overall success of the program in reducing the herd in hunting areas.
Wildlife Biologists from the NJ Dept of Fish and Wildlife will be working with the Environmental Division this month conducting deer population surveys in order to collect data necessary to assess future management objectives. Successful hunting seasons help thin the herds, reduce vehicle collisions, control destruction of habitat through over-browsing and prevent wildlife from dying painful deaths through starvation. Reducing the deer herd also controls tick populations and subsequently, incidences of tick-borne illness including Lyme disease. The goal is to maintain healthy deer populations at a density level tolerable to all New Jersey residents, and to maximize the recreations and economic benefits derived from this renewable natural resource.
The Environmental Division expressed thanks to all who participated in this year's program.
