Sharpshooters have been nailing deer in South Mountain Reservation for the past several years as part of an Essex County deer management program. This year they’ll also be right in Baristaville, shooting deer in Eagle Rock Reservation. Marksmen will be in Eagle Rock (as well as Hilltop Reservation) on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 9 through 25. The South Mountain shoot starts next Tuesday, Jan. 19, and goes through Feb. 4.
County executive Joe DiVincenzo announced the program yesterday despite protesters waving signs that said “Stop! Wait! Innoculate!” NJ.com says Essex County puts the hunt’s price tag at $80,000. MyVeronaNJ details the plan with Verona street closings and dates here. See the schedule after the jump.
Photo of Eagle Rock by Hydropeek on Flickr Commons.
So, Mathilda?
Only in NJ would we spend $80k on something other states charge for the privilege of doing…
Mike, LOL — but I am not sure that I would be comfortable with a lot of the people I know in New Jersey walking around a relatively small area with hunting rifles shooting at what they hope-wish-believe-know to be varmints. Lets leave the guns in the hands of the criminals: they have had more practice.
Mike, LOL — but I am not sure that I would be comfortable with a lot of the people I know in New Jersey walking around a relatively small area with hunting rifles shooting at what they hope-wish-believe-know to be varmints. Lets leave the guns in the hands of the criminals: they have had more practice.
Highlawn Pavilion will remain open. Hum, a deer hunt right next to a fancy restaurant.
(Dan Aykroyd voice)
“Come on up to Highlawn Pavilion and taste the freshest venison you’ve ever had! That’s right, you pick it, we shoot it, we dress it, we cook it, and we plop it down on a plate right in front of you with a variety of meat sauces to enhance that delicious Bambi flavor.”
I do not like being summoned. However, the news I have to convey supersedes my own personal preferences, no matter how richly I may deserve to indulge them.
As most of you know by now, I am against the taking of any animal life. The deer deserve to be preserved, and a line has to be drawn somewhere. That is why I have decided to take matters into my own hands.
On the opening day of hunting, I shall be there, in the woods, dressed in a deer costume, prancing about and frolicking just like any ordinary deer. (Though not many of them, I admit, have three Ph.Ds as I do.) I am willing to take a bullet for my convictions. If the deer must go, so must I.
Fare thee well, Baristaville. I hereby give myself to martyrdom. The days hence I shall spend making preparations.
I admire your convictions M. It might just take a camel hair coat (faux of course) and white hat, but some sort of antlers might boost your chances. Do what you must.