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Saddle River Protesters Oppose Deer Bow Hunting Proposal

SADDLE RIVER, N.J. -- Opponents of a proposal to allow bow hunting to control the deer population in Saddle River picketed one of the borough's busiest intersections Saturday.

The Mayor and Council are scheduled to discuss the proposal at a 7 p.m. meeting Monday at Borough Hall.

The Mayor and Council are scheduled to discuss the proposal at a 7 p.m. meeting Monday at Borough Hall.

Photo Credit: COURTESY: League of Humane Voters of New Jersey
The governing body introduced a resolution to permit bow hunting in the borough on Feb. 22 in an effort to address resident complaints about the growing deer population.

The governing body introduced a resolution to permit bow hunting in the borough on Feb. 22 in an effort to address resident complaints about the growing deer population.

Photo Credit: Lisa Yakomin

Motorists and pedestrians couldn't help notice the members of the League of Humane Voters of New Jersey -- particularly one dressed in a deer costume -- at the corner of East Saddle River Road and East Allendale Road.

"No Bow Hunting!" and "Nonlethal is Superior & Safer!" read two of their signs.

The Mayor and Council are scheduled to discuss the proposal at a 7 p.m. meeting Monday at Borough Hall.

The governing body introduced a resolution to permit bow hunting in the borough on Feb. 22 in an effort to address resident complaints about the growing deer population. A large turnout of concerned residents a month later convinced the council to consider putting the question on this November's election ballot.

Protesters on Saturday distributed informational leaflets while encouraging residents to urge the Council to pursue non-lethal methods.

A flier said the league conducted a study on March 8 to evaluate and identify possible deer "hotspots" in the borough and devise suggestions for mitigation through non-lethal means.

Solutions to reduce motor vehicle crashes with deer include "better lighting, lower speed limits, and signage."

Although "only 20 percent of reported collisions are deer-related," the flier says, proposed solutions will serve a larger purpose, reducing "all types of accidents, the vast majority of which do not involve deer."

MORE INFO: www.LOHVNJ.org

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