Open space and environment
Deer management
Bernards runs a community-based deer management program under a volunteer advisory committee and a state Division of Fish and Wildlife permit. On July 28, 2026 the Township Committee continued it for the 2026-2027 season, 5-0. The 2026 budget carries $38,125 for the Deer Task Force.
Community deer program continued for 2026-27
What happens next
The township calendar lists the Deer Management Advisory Committee's next meeting on Nov. 5, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
The program. The Community Based Deer Management Program (CBDMP) is run under the guidance of the township’s Deer Management Advisory Committee, partly under a permit from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. On July 28, 2026 the Township Committee acknowledged the advisory committee’s annual report on the 2025-2026 season, for submission to the Division, and authorized the program to continue for 2026-2027, with an application for an extended season (Res. #2026-0343, 5-0 on the consent agenda). The resolution’s title refers to a final report on the “2024-2025 CBDMP”; its body refers to the 2025-2026 season. The report’s harvest numbers and hunt locations are not in the minutes.
Who runs it. The 2026 advisory committee, appointed Jan. 6, is coordinated by Officer Olivia Strama of the Police Department, with six resident members and Deputy Mayor John Tompkins as Township Committee liaison.
Budget. The 2026 introduced budget keeps the Deer Task Force at $7,800 in salaries and $30,325 in other expenses, the same as 2025, and adds an $8,084 “CDC Comm Deer Reduction” grant line.
Hunting closures. TAPinto reported on Sept. 22, 2026 that English Family Woods, off Allen Road, closes to the public on designated dates through the 2026-27 season, with hunting limited to hunters approved by English Farm Associates.
What residents can do. Attend the advisory committee’s meetings or speak at Township Committee meetings. The explainer has more. Corrections: info@localwhy.org.
Timeline
- Resolved Deer Management Advisory Committee appointed for 2026The Committee appointed the 2026 Deer Management Advisory Committee: Officer Olivia Strama of the Police Department as coordinator, six resident members and Deputy Mayor John Tompkins as liaison, for one-year terms.
- Resolved Community-based deer management program continued for 2026-27Res. #2026-0343 acknowledged the Deer Management Advisory Committee's annual report on the 2025-2026 season for the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife and authorized the program, and an extended-season application, for 2026-2027. Adopted 5-0.