Montgomery Township to Conduct Drone Survey for Deer Management Program
By Nicholas Mistretta
Montgomery Township is set to conduct a Deer Density Data Survey using drones from February 14 through February 25, 2024, thanks to a state grant. According to Tamara D. Garaffa, Community Information Officer for the Township, the drones will fly from dusk to dawn on weather-permitting nights, covering the entire township. The data collected will play a crucial role in shaping the township’s ongoing deer management efforts. The last such survey was conducted in 2021.
Understanding Montgomery’s Deer Management Program
The Deer Management Program in Montgomery Township was established in 2001 in response to a growing deer population. A township-wide infrared survey conducted at the time revealed an estimated 88 deer per square mile—far exceeding the sustainable threshold of 10 deer per square mile. The overpopulation of deer presents challenges related to public health, safety, and ecological balance.
Public Health Concerns
White-tailed deer serve as hosts for deer ticks, which transmit diseases such as Lyme Disease, Babesiosis, and Ehrlichiosis. These illnesses can have severe and lasting health effects, sometimes requiring hospitalization. Over the past decade (2010-2020), New Jersey has averaged approximately 3,500 cases of Lyme Disease annually, with Montgomery Township accounting for about 40 cases per year.
Public Safety and Traffic Hazards
Deer-related automobile collisions are a significant concern in Montgomery Township. Over the past 15 years, the township has recorded an average of 105 reported vehicle collisions involving deer annually. However, this figure does not include minor incidents that go unreported. Such accidents can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities for drivers and passengers.
Ecological Impact
A sustainable deer population is vital for maintaining the local ecosystem. When deer populations exceed sustainable levels, they prevent natural forest regeneration by consuming young saplings and damaging trees. Additionally, deer preferentially feed on native plants, which allows invasive species to spread unchecked, further disrupting the local environment.
Ensuring Safety in the Deer Management Program
The township’s deer management program prioritizes safety. Hunters must adhere to state-mandated safety zones: 150 feet from habitable structures for bow hunting and 450 feet for firearm use. To participate, hunters undergo background checks, provide proof of insurance, and attend annual safety training sessions conducted by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Fish & Wildlife staff, alongside township officials and police. Since the program’s inception, there have been no reported accidents.
Program Outcomes and Community Benefits
Montgomery Township has gradually expanded its hunting program, leading to a decline in deer-related car accidents. The township also operates a venison donation program, where culled deer are processed and donated to a food bank in Union County. In the 2023-2024 season, Montgomery’s hunters contributed nearly 10% of the statewide total to the Hunters Helping the Hungry program.
2024-2025 Hunting Season Details
The upcoming deer hunting season in Montgomery Township will commence on September 14, 2024, with fall bow hunting and conclude on February 15, 2025, after winter bow. The six-day firearm season will take place from December 9 to December 14, 2024.
Interested hunters can obtain application information from the Office of the Township Clerk by calling 908-359-8211. Additionally, hunters must report their presence to the Montgomery Police Department before each hunting session by leaving a message at 908-533-9297.
With the upcoming drone survey and continued implementation of the Deer Management Program, Montgomery Township aims to balance wildlife conservation with public health and safety, ensuring a sustainable environment for future generations.