County deer-management report: consultants recommend continued hunts after weather-shortened season
July 17, 2026 | Essex County, New Jersey
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Dan Bernier, the county's wildlife-management consultant, reported to commissioners on the 2026 deer-management season and presented a recommended program for 2027.
Bernier said weather curtailed some 2026 efforts but the program nevertheless removed 49 deer from South Mountain Reservation and 43 from Hilltop Reservation, yielding 2,632 pounds of venison donated to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey. He cited spotlight counts that estimate overwintering densities of about 23 deer per square mile in South Mountain and an unusually high 325 deer per square mile in Hilltop, compared with ecological recommendations of about 10 deer per square mile to maintain forest biodiversity.
Given forest-health threats (beech leaf disease, emerald ash borer and invasive plants), Bernier recommended continuing the managed hunting program in 2027 with afternoon-only shifts to reduce security needs and increase hunter participation: four afternoon shifts at South Mountain (goal: 50 deer) and eight afternoon shifts at Hilltop (goal: 80 deer). He also said the county aims to resume aerial infrared surveys for more accurate post-season counts when vendors are available.
Commissioners asked about alternatives such as immunocontraceptive programs; Bernier said those approaches remain impractical for free-ranging deer populations at the scale observed.
The board acknowledged the report and proceeded to approve related parks resolutions and contract awards that support the parks and wildlife program.
Bernier said weather curtailed some 2026 efforts but the program nevertheless removed 49 deer from South Mountain Reservation and 43 from Hilltop Reservation, yielding 2,632 pounds of venison donated to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey. He cited spotlight counts that estimate overwintering densities of about 23 deer per square mile in South Mountain and an unusually high 325 deer per square mile in Hilltop, compared with ecological recommendations of about 10 deer per square mile to maintain forest biodiversity.
Given forest-health threats (beech leaf disease, emerald ash borer and invasive plants), Bernier recommended continuing the managed hunting program in 2027 with afternoon-only shifts to reduce security needs and increase hunter participation: four afternoon shifts at South Mountain (goal: 50 deer) and eight afternoon shifts at Hilltop (goal: 80 deer). He also said the county aims to resume aerial infrared surveys for more accurate post-season counts when vendors are available.
Commissioners asked about alternatives such as immunocontraceptive programs; Bernier said those approaches remain impractical for free-ranging deer populations at the scale observed.
The board acknowledged the report and proceeded to approve related parks resolutions and contract awards that support the parks and wildlife program.
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