Politics & Government

Deer Hunting Could be Free Under New Law

Hopatcong looks to halt exploding deer population.

The permit for hunting deer in Hopatcong could be free if legislation for deer management in the borough passes Aug. 1.

Under the ordinance, which would also establish deer-fencing regulations and a so-called deer-management task force, the costs for permits bow-hunting white-tailed deer on municipal property would be determined by resolution.

It wasn't clear, however, if the task force or council would set the price.

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Click to the right for the whole law.

The deer population in Hopatcong has long been a hot-topic issue for residents and the governing body. Councilman Mike Francis introduced . Deer in Hopatcong caused 45 motor vehicle accidents in 2009, 53 in 2010 and 114 in 2011, Francis said at the time.

Find out what's happening in Hopatcong-Spartawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

But the borough held off introducing a deer-hunting law June 27, before residents complained about several aspects of the ordinance. . The first law called for a $250 permit cost.

The new law, which was introduced at Wednesday's council meeting, says the deer-management task force would recommend to the council by June 15 of each year "whether a hunt should take place, the number of permits (to be issued), the areas to be hunted and the time periods for the hunt."

Hunters would not be allowed to use guns during the hunts, according to the law.

The task force would be a mayor-appointed entity and its members would serve one-year terms, the law said.


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