Bow A Deer? Franklin Lakes Voters Will Decide Deer Hunt On Tuesday

FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ — Residents of Franklin Lakes will have the chance to vote on whether to allow a "deer cull" or hunt in the town, a method to reduce the population of the animal.

The public question will say, "Should the Borough consider conducting a deer cull by bow and arrow annually for three years for the purpose of managing the deer population?"

It includes an interpretive statement saying, "The program would provide for a deer cull by use of controlled bow and arrow hunting by professional bow hunters, which is a management technique approved by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Supporters contend that deer management may reduce vehicle collisions, damage to vegetation, and impacts on local ecosystems. Opponents contend that lethal management methods are unnecessary or objectionable and that nonlethal alternatives should be used. This public referendum is non-binding."

The Animal Protection League of New Jersey and other wildlife supporters have posted petitions and expressed concerns that pets could be mistaken for deer, saying that nearby towns like Saddle River have had problems with their cull.

See the candidates and issues on the ballot in each Bergen County town here.

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See past primary election results here.