BERKELEY – Deer are often seen in the senior communities, and residents complain about them eating their plants or walking in the road. However, at a recent Township Council meeting, people were more concerned about what follows deer.
A Silver Ridge Park Westerly resident said they’ve been finding arrows in common areas from hunting. One person told her they saw a deer with arrows sticking out of it.
“They are not keeping to legal numbers,” she said. “It’s a sport. I get it. Just do it right and do it safe.”
Another Silver Ridge Park Westerly resident said she has heard shots being fired while she was in her back yard, suggesting that the hunters are close enough that a stray bullet could hit her or someone else.
Additionally, an injured deer who survives long enough to be near the homes would warrant a call to the police. This takes an officer off their regular patrol. Furthermore, an officer could get shot looking for a hunter.
She suggested the town start a wildlife rehabilitation or rescue operation for injured deer.
In other news, council members said there were issues with solicitors going door to door in the senior communities.
Councilwoman Sophia Gingrich said that several of her neighbors told her an extermination company was going door to door. They were allegedly seen getting dropped off.
She said the best defense against this is to have a Do Not Knock sticker on your door.
Registration forms for the town’s Do Not Knock ordinance can be found here: berkeley.nj.us/departments/clerk_registrar/licensing.php
The Township Council also voted to support the Ocean County Natural Land Trust in their purchase of a small parcel of land adjacent to Jakes Branch County Park. It’s described as “27.88 acres directly off of Holman Drive,” at Block 23, Lot 37.
The Natural Land Trust is an account supported by all property taxes in the county. It’s directed by the Ocean County Commissioners. When land is purchased, it remains open space forever.
