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Essex County moves forward with deer-management plan for South Mountain and Hilltop reservations
Summary
Following a presentation of population counts and forest‑health data, the board approved submission of a community‑based deer management plan to the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife that shifts hunting effort toward Hilltop Reservation and reduces days at South Mountain.
Essex County commissioners approved a community‑based deer management plan to be submitted to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife after a technical presentation from wildlife consultant Daniel Bernier and Park staff.
Bernier presented 2024 field data showing significant overpopulation at both parks: spotlight counts estimated approximate densities of 16 deer per square mile at South Mountain (about 51 animals in an area the consultant estimated should support 32) and a much higher estimate at Hilltop (about 157 animals where 4 would be ecologically appropriate). The 2024…
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