Council approves deer hunting ordinance

Sparta — An ordinance that will permit and regulate deer hunting on township-owned open space was unanimously approved by the Sparta Township Council at their Aug. 21 meeting. The ordinance, introduced last month, would require hunters to obtain both a state license and a township permit and to attend a hunting safety class held by The Sparta Police Department. Hunters would also be screened for outstanding Department of Fish and Wildlife code violations and will be required to carry general liability insurance of $1,000,000. Township permits will cost $75 and will be valid from Sept. 1 until Jan. 31 of each year. Applications for permits must be accepted by July, so the deadline for this year has already passed. However, Mayor Brian Brady said that it may still be possible to designate at least one area for hunting for this season, if officials can complete preparations soon and permit applications are received and thoroughly processed in time. The council is waiting for advice from the Sparta Police Department regarding their assessment of the nine potential open space properties on which hunting would be feasible. They will advise the council on which properties they feel are the safest for the hunters and the most accessible for police to patrol to enforce the ordinance regulations. During each hunting season, the council will designate only a few properties at a time and will adhere to state specifications regarding allowable types of weapons. The number of permits issued for each area at any given time will be limited to ensure the safety of the hunters, as well as to prevent certain areas from becoming over hunted. The hunting areas must also be posted as such and this process will take some time to complete, according to Township Manager Henry Underhill. When hunters apply for a township permit and complete the orientation course, they will be given a map of the area their permit allows them to hunt. This will include specifications as to the 450 foot buffer between the open space and any adjacent residential areas. Hunters will be responsible for observing these buffers and making sure they remain within designated areas. A number of residents attended last week’s meeting to speak out on the ordinance. Residents were equally divided for and against, but those against the ordinance were particularly vocal, citing primarily ethical issues regarding hunting in general. Brady said he understood these residents were “philosophically opposed to hunting” and asked them to confine their comments to the specific ordinance. Other citizens cited safety concerns and wondered how the areas would be patrolled and permits enforced. Council members explained these are still issues being considered by Sparta Police and assured residents that safety was one of the primary reasons for creating the ordinance to regulate hunting. Brady said that hunting was already occurring on some township owned lands, but is not regulated. He said the ordinance will allow the township to set rules and enforce them. He believes this will not increase the number of hunters, but will make the sport safer for those who participate. Other council news . . . The Planning Board approved plans for a new development along Rt. 517 which will include space for several retailers. Letters of intent have been received from King’s Grocery Store, Starbucks, and Joseph A. Banks so far. Full story to follow next week. Sparta Town Planner, David Troast was invited, along with 22 other representatives from the 88 municipalities affected by the Highlands Act to meet with Governor John Corzine at Drumthwacket on Aug.15 to express their opinions on the Act. Troast will give a presentation to the council on this meeting with the governor at one of the Sept. council meetings.