The borough is considering whether to allow hunters to use arrows to hunt deer. Watch video
SADDLE RIVER -- The Humane Society of the United States plans to explore launching a deer fertility control program in Saddle River, just as the borough considers allowing bow hunting deer, The Record reported.
Saddle River published a deer management draft resolution in February. It would establish rules to allow hunters to use bow arrows or bolts to hunt deer.
Under the proposed rules, hunters must be at least 21, residents of Saddle River or related to a resident of Saddle River, and must try to take at least five deer during the hunting season. The Borough posted the full proposal on its website.
Could Saddle River allow deer hunting?
The Humane Society proposes non-lethal methods for reducing deer populations, such as fertility control, educational programs, deer fences and deer repellent.
Allowing bow hunting would only provide people with more recreational hunting opportunities, the Humane Society said. Stephanie Boyles, senior director of innovative wildlife management for the organization, said a team from the Humane Society would visit Saddle River and submit a written assessment to the Borough Council.
The local Board of Health has deemed the growing deer population in Saddle River a health risk.
Myles Ma may be reached at mma@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MylesMaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.