[Adopted 11-15-1999 by Ord.
No. 99-20]
This article may be cited as the "Deer Control Ordinance of the Township
of Bridgewater."
The Mayor and Council of the Township of Bridgewater find that there
exists an unchecked increase in the population of deer within the Township
and that the unchecked population of deer often results in excessive damage
to property and an increase in the frequency of motor vehicle accidents, and
there exists potential for increased incidence of Lyme disease and personal
injury from deer/vehicle collisions. Therefore, it is in the best interests
of the people of Bridgewater to adopt measures targeted at controlling the
deer population of the Township through safe and effective means.
There is hereby established within the Office of the Mayor and Administration
a system for the control and management of the deer population via:
A. Research. A program of monitoring and participation in
experimental procedures for the nonlethal control of deer population, and
the control of propagation and movement by the use of chemicals, drugs and
mechanical devices.
B. Hunting. Use of controlled hunting on Township and other
public land.
C. Government cooperation. Cooperation among counties and
municipalities for a regional approach to deer herd management.
The Wildlife Management Oversight Advisory Committee shall, upon adoption
of this article, establish an initial estimate of the deer population in Bridgewater
by any means reasonable and thereafter shall arrange for an annual survey,
review and estimate of the deer population to determine the effectiveness
of the efforts undertaken to control the population and to reduce the damage
caused by deer. The Committee shall recommend what additional actions, if
any, should be taken to control the deer population and to reduce the damage
caused by deer.