HILLSBOROUGH: Hunting program to enter 10th year

Township allows hunting on land it owns

By Gene Robbins, Managing Editor
Hunting on township-owned land will continue for its 10th year, starting in the fall and running to February, after yet another season of no complaints and no safety problems.
The Township Committee passed a resolution adopting a wildlife management plan for the 2014-15 season at the June meeting. Hunters can use bows or firearms.
The township allows hunting on 20 areas it owns or controls as a way to reduce the deer herd and lessen motor vehicles accidents, improve public health and preserve vegetation.
From surveys returned by last year’s hunters, 72 of the 90 deer taken on public property were does, a positive aspect from a deer management perspective, said Robert Matros of the township Wildlife Commission.
Seventeen of the 90 deer, netting a total of 800 pounds of venison, were donated and processed for the Hunters Helping the Hungry program. Processing costs were paid for by hunting permit fees.
According to state figures, 689 deer were killed in Hillsborough last year.
This year’s permit application deadline is 4 p.m. next Friday, July 18, in the township clerk’s office. A mandatory safety meeting will held Thursday, Aug. 21, at 7 p.m. in the municipal building. The permit fee of $75 will be collected at that meeting.
Among the township rules:
Hunters must harvest at least one deer or risk going back into the lottery for a spot next year.
No hunting on Sundays.
Target practice on township property is prohibited.
Hunters can’t have a loaded firearm within 450 feet, or a nocked arrow within 150 feet, of a building, without permission from the owner.
Permits are for deer and coyote hunting only.
Hunting is only permitted from elevated tree stands, at least 10 feet high, with a safety harness.
Hunters are also report the types of wildlife (pheasant, rabbit, foxes, black bear, raccoon, bald eagle, American woodcock, quail) they see in the field. It specifically asks hunters if they see any coyotes, and if they shot at any.