I n 2010, a bill was passed in the state Legislature that lowered the safety zone for crossbow hunting from 450 feet to 150 feet from an occupied dwelling. The 150-foot and 450-foot parameters are distance from an “occupied dwelling,” not a property line, a barn, a garden shed, a child’s swing set or a playhouse.
Additionally, some hunting-permitted properties border major highways where school buses and commuter traffic are evident every day. And in a town like mine, where 1-acre residential lots abut larger parcels, hunting is now allowed on as little as 5 acres. I believe it is a tragedy out to happen.
Most citizens agree the proliferation of the white-tailed deer population in New Jersey is causing unsafe conditions on our roads and the destruction of private property.
Public officials, under pressure from their constituents to address the deer problem, turn to the state Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife (FGW) for assistance.
However, many residents have become concerned with FGW involvement and its obvious support by the hunters’ lobby.
Hunting is being promoted by FGW as the most effective deer management strategy and the 150-foot limit touted as “safe.” But was this legislation really meant to be a panacea for managing deer herds throughout our state?
Hunters in attendance at local meetings often cite the new parameters for bows as a “right” because it is in a state statute, and threaten lawsuits if local ordinances are not brought into compliance.
I believe it was not intended for this legislation to be applied in such a cookie-cutter way, and I deeply resent state representatives implying the municipality must bring its ordinance into compliance with the state when the tenet of local rule is well-grounded in court precedent.
I have written to the governor in the hope that common sense will prevail before a child wandering through a wooded area on a Saturday morning is killed. I have made several suggestions to the governor, but have not heard back yet.
Here are several suggestions:
Have FGW approach the deer problem on a more regional basis and assist towns and county governments to work cooperatively on a widely publicized, well-orchestrated plan to effectively achieve a reduction in the deer population.
Place a moratorium on the 150-foot ruling until the legislation is changed to make allowances for densely populated areas.
Have FGW counsel true farmers on what their current rights are in controlling “pests” that are destroying crops. Have FGW work with farmers to pass more effective laws that will give true farmers the tools to protect their investment.
I believe an investigative report should be conducted on how it has come to the point in our state where any individual with a hunting license can discharge a lethal weapon so close to houses in densely populated suburban neighborhoods.
Uncovering the trail of “hunters” money that has been, and will be, funneled into current and future legislative campaigns would be a good first step. It is time for the public to become very vocal, as well — before this insanity becomes so commonplace in our communities that it appears normal.
Rose Ann Scotti is a former mayor and Township Committee member in Colts Neck. She resides in Colts Neck.