A deer damage management program that will take place within the Rutgers Ecological Preserve and nearby lands on Livingston Campus from December 21, 2013 to January 19, 2014. The intent is to reduce the overpopulation of deer in the EcoPreserve through a managed bow hunt.

We would like you to be aware of the following:

·         The deer damage management program is coordinated by Rutgers natural resource and wildlife conservation professionals with the participation of the Rutgers University Police Department, the Rutgers EcoPreserve Advisory Committee and the Friends of the Ecological Preserve.  

·         Officials of the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife are monitoring the program to ensure that participants follow all relevant state hunting regulations.

·         The EcoPreserve will NOT be open to general recreational hunting. Access will be restricted to a small number of state-licensed, vetted and permitted bow hunters who will enter through Rutgers property at a location designated by the university.

·         Hunting will be allowed only in specified sections of the preserve and adjacent lands during dawn to dusk hours (approximately 6 am to 6 pm daily).

·         Regulations on no-hunting zones around private parcels will be strictly enforced.

·         The deer damage management program zones constitute less than 140 acres of the more than 400-acre EcoPreserve.

·         Between December 21, 2013 and January 19, 2014, the specified management program zones will be closed to public access. Warning signage will posted. The remainder of the EcoPreserve will be open.

·         During this period, we request that visitors to the EcoPreserve stay on marked trails, do not enter posted areas, keep pets leashed and wear brightly colored clothing.

For more information about the deer damage management program please go to ecopreserve.rutgers.edu, then go > About the RUEP  > Deer Damage Management Program.

For further information about the RU Ecological Preserve and the Deer Damage Management Plan, contact Dr. Richard Lathrop, EcoPreserve Faculty Director at 848 932 1580 or email lathrop@crssa.rutgers.edu