Clubs Win Bids for Hunting on Municipal Land

Two organized hunting clubs have received approval from the Washington Township Committee to hunt deer on municipal land after submitting bids last week.

The governing body voted on a resolution for each bid, resulting in a 3-1 approval from the committee on both. Committeeman David Kennedy opposed both resolutions.

The first piece of land, totaling 131 acres between Reservoir Road and Rt. 46, was awarded to the Clearwater Sportsman Club for a total of $6,500.

The second piece of land, totaling 55 acres at the corner of Spring Lane and Marjorie Drive, was awarded to the Knowlton Township Gun Club for a total of $1,000.

After the resolutions were voted on, Committeeman James Harmon wanted to make clear that this was “the Township Committee allowing for safer deer hunting in places it was already happening,” he said. “We’re not just opening land to people for the sake of hunting; we’re trying to do this in a controlled manner.”

Kennedy continued to question the approval of the original resolution, saying, “The potential risks still outweighs the rewards. I don’t think the $7,500 [in bids] the township receives from this is worth it.”

Mayor Ken Short reiterated to the committee that the resolution to allow organized hunting is not about the revenue, but rather protecting the township from a growing deer population.

Deer hunting with firearms begins Dec. 5, 2011.