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Green Team asks Borough Council to consider regulated bow hunting at Shabbecong Mountain Preserve
Summary
The Washington Borough Green Team voted to request Borough Council approval for regulated bow hunting at the preserve, proposing color‑coded hunting areas away from trails and housing and discussing permit counts and fees comparable to Hunterdon County.
The Washington Borough Green Team voted April 8, 2026, to ask the Borough Council to approve regulated bow hunting at the western end of Shabbecong Mountain Preserve to keep hunting activity away from trails and nearby housing. Josephine Noone, Green Team secretary, moved the request and Suzanne Marr seconded; the motion was recorded as approved by Michael Franks, Suzanne Marr, Josephine Noone and Chair Gary Pohorely.
The motion as recorded in the minutes read: "Motion to request Council approve bow hunting at Shabbecong Mountain Preserve with rules and regulations comparable to nearby municipalities including Readington Township, Lebanon Township, and Hunterdon County." Members noted that a possible structure would divide the hunting season into three timeframes and locate up to six areas at the preserve's west end (potentially allowing up to 18 individual permits). The minutes state Hunterdon County charges $40 per permit; the Green Team discussed matching or lowering that fee if permit-holders provide maintenance support. Gary Pohorely and Michael Franks agreed to work with Borough Manager Brian Bond on details and a Council presentation.
Why it matters: allowing regulated hunting would require Council approval and written rules to address public-safety, boundary marking, and permit administration. The Green Team recommended using clear, color-coded boundaries and placing hunting areas well off trails to minimize conflict with hikers.
