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The Program Expands In light of the considerable success achieved in reducing the deer density in South Mountain Reservation in just the first 2 years, County Executive DiVincenzo looked toward beginning to tackle the deer problem in other areas of the Essex County Park System. Two park properties where deer impacts were noticeable and complaints from the surrounding communities were high are Eagle Rock Reservation and the Hilltop Property. Wildlife Management Consultant Bernier developed population density estimates that, in turn, guided the establishment of goals for removing 50 deer from South Mountain Reservation, 75 deer from Eagle Rock Reservation and 50 deer from the Hilltop Property in the 2010 season. Because of a disparity in the number of deer killed on afternoon shifts versus morning shifts in 2009, it was recommended that hunting at South Mountain Reservation only be conducted in the afternoons in 2010. In 6 half-day shifts, another 44 deer were removed from the park. Remarkably, in 3 ½ full days of hunting, only 19 deer were removed from Eagle Rock Reservation. However, an incredible 97 deer were taken out of the Hilltop Property in that same time period. Since 2010, goals have been set annually based on population density estimates. The length of the hunting program for South Mountain Reservation has varied from as short as 3 half-days to as long as 4.5 full days. Anywhere from 31 deer to 101 deer have been harvested in each of those years. At Hilltop Reservation, the harvest has varied from 39 deer to 120 deer in seasons that ranged from 4 half-days to 7 full days. At Eagle Rock Reservation, between 19 and 23 deer were removed annually in seasons that lasted from 3 ½ days to 7 half-days. In 2013, no hunting was planned for Eagle Rock, as the deer population estimate at that time was lower than the amount that could be efficiently removed in terms of cost and manpower. Hunting has not returned to Eagle Rock Reservation since then, as the deer population has been too low to warrant the expense of a hunting program. In 2019, 6 half-days of hunting yielded 101 deer from South Mountain Reservation. Ninety-nine deer were taken out of the Hilltop Reservation in another 6 half-days. In a similar schedule in 2020, 37 deer were removed from South Mountain Reservation and 55 from Hilltop Reservation. Deer management programs were planned for 2021 and

ervation in another 6 half-days. In a similar schedule in 2020, 37 deer were removed from South Mountain Reservation and 55 from Hilltop Reservation. Deer management programs were planned for 2021 and 2022, but had to be cancelled before implementation due to the global coronavirus epidemic. The Approval Process Authority for the conduct of a deer management program of the type conducted in Essex County's parks since 2008 lies with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, upon approval by the New Jersey Fish and Game Council. The Fish and Game Council, in January of 1994, adopted a program entitled the Community-Based Plan for the Management of Suburban Deer Populations. That program set forth optional methodology for deer reduction in areas where traditional hunting is not possible due to concerns for safety or public acceptance. 6