Saddle River, United Bowhunters of New Jersey sign 1-year agreement for deer hunt

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The Borough of Saddle River says this hunt is necessary because they say deer and coyotes effect the health and safety of the residents and those who drive through. A controversial hunt for deer is approved in Saddle River for this season. Saddle River and the United Bowhunters of New Jersey signed a one-year agreement at their council meeting Monday night. The Borough of Saddle River says this hunt is necessary because deer and coyotes effect the health and safety of the residents and those who drive through. Virginia Halprin, of Saddle River, told News 12 that there is a deer problem. "There's definitely an overpopulation of deer in the area and it's put a stress on plants and wildlife," she said. "The roads…are just kind of a hazard." The agreement states that all participants in this program must be members of the United Bowhunters of New Jersey. No firearms will be allowed. Participants can kill coyotes and white-tailed deer, but only if the coyote is incidental to killing a deer. The hunt must be during the time permitted by the NJ Division of Fish, Game & Wildlife for the fall and winter season. Participants will only be allowed to hunt on property that is on a list approved by the United Bowhunters Saddle River Cull Manager. Further down on the list, the ordinance states that Sunday hunting on private property will be allowed unless individual property owners or the borough determines otherwise. People in nearby towns told News 12 they want to keep the deer around. "We have a big backyard and there is always deer there but that's what makes it beautiful," said Lisa Rizzo, of Upper Saddle. "You're speaking to an animal lover, it's just not right," said Steve Pizzollo, of Ridgewood. The agreement was signed between Mayor Albert Kurpis and the United Bowhunters of New Jersey. People from an organization called Save Saddle River spoke against this decision. "I don't think there is any more deer here than any other town in Bergen County," said one member. The hunt was suspended last year. Click here to see the full agreement. "