Your attention needed to help stop net-and-bolt deer control proposals in Millburn and throughout New Jersey.

“Net and bolt” means trapping deer under nets, then attempting to restrain them, pressing a captive-bolt gun against their heads, and firing a retractable steel rod into their brains. The deer may struggle and kick, fracturing limbs or sustaining other injuries. Deer who move as the bolt is fired can be painfully wounded, not killed, and the struggle continues until additional shots are fired.

Stress may be so acute as to cause the death of some of the deer prior to bolting.

The reasons given for considering this? A burgeoning deer population has been cited as a problem in New Jersey. But in the absence of violent or artificial manipulation, deer will adjust to food sources and available shelter to create a natural balance. On the other hand, killing is cyclical.

Suitably tall fencing offers the most effective way to keep deer away from places of concern; and road accidents involving deer can be addressed with well-maintained roadway reflectors.

Net-and-bolt deer control is unreasonable, ineffective, and grotesque, and we are urging its immediate prohibition.

A special note to New Jersey residents, any of you who travel to New Jersey and thus support the state with your business, and veterinary professionals who can offer expert comments:

Please write to the New Jersey DEP Commissioner and the Governor. Politely but firmly advise them that this practice should not even be contemplated by the Fish & Game Department of New Jersey, let alone approved by it. Request an immediate ban on net-and-bolt deer control in Millburn and throughout New Jersey. Comments received any time in January 2007 will be especially helpful. Thank you for supporting the deer by writing today to:

Governor Jon Corzine
P.O. Box 001
Trenton, NJ 08625
Tel: 609.292.6000

Fax: 609.292.3454

DEP Commissioner Lisa Jackson
C-401 E. State St.
P.O. Box 402
Trenton, NJ 08625
Tel: 609.292.2885

Fax: 609.292.7695