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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 winter harvest removed 115 deer across the two parks (55 at South Mountain, 60 at Hilltop), yielding about 3,629 pounds of venison that were distributed through community agencies. Bernier said the county has donated — through the program’s butcher and distribution partners — approximately 57,809 pounds of venison to date, equating to more than 200,000 meals.
Based on densities and forest‑health objectives, Bernier recommended concentrating more hunting days and effort at Hilltop and reducing afternoons at South Mountain: the proposed schedule uses fewer South Mountain afternoons (four) and more at Hilltop (eight) with adjusted hunter rotations and a mentoring program to improve hunter productivity. Bernier and parks staff confirmed that butchering is done by a state‑certified processor and that the Division of Fish and Wildlife maintains disease surveillance for threats such as chronic wasting disease.
Commissioners asked about on‑the‑ground safety, public opposition to lethal control, and nonlethal alternatives such as fertility control. Staff said fertility measures have limited applicability and that the county’s program is the most science‑based model they know regionally; the board discussed balancing forest recovery, roadway carcass removals and public recreation needs.
The board approved Resolutions 15–18 (deer plan and related parks contracts) in a consent motion; commissioners noted the long‑running nature of the program and expressed support for continued monitoring and donor distribution of harvested meat to nonprofit hunger‑relief partners.
What happens next: the county will submit the plan to the state Division of Fish & Wildlife for approval and schedule seasonal operations consistent with state rules and local safety protocols.
