Options could include hunting,
contraception and reflectors
By: Laura Toto
Applications are being accepted to join the township’s deer control commission which will explore various deer population control options.
In December, Deputy Mayor John Gelardi and Committeewoman Sonya Anne Martin made a recommendation to the Township Committee to consider a deer control commission to make recommendations to the committee.
Options for the commission to investigate include reflectors, hunting on public land (open space) under controlled conditions, and birth control.
"I’m not in favor of sharpshooters," Mr. Gelardi said, then, refering to sharpshooters hired by Princeton Township, added, "There are too many people running around with rifles at night."
Mr. Gelardi will be the committee liaison to the deer control commission. There will also be at least two representatives from the township and representatives from the population.
Mr. Gelardi also said Montgomery has expressed interest and will consider making it a joint effort.
Mr. Gelardi said he does not want the commission to get into a debate between animals rights people and hunters. He also does not want the commission to be too large for fear they will not get things accomplished, or too small because it would not represent a real percent of the population of the township.
"I do not want to give the commission my views of things," Mr. Gelardi said.
Mr Gelardi wants the commission to ivestigate the alternatives and come up with recommendations, he said. New Jersey has a deer population of 178,000, according to state wildlife estimates. Deer can live up to 18 years and spend most of their lives within the same 1.5-sq. mile area where they are born.