Edison Township’s struggle with an overpopulated deer population is not a recent development; it’s a persistent issue that has been actively addressed by than Councilman Bob Diehl, who now serves as the Chief of Staff to Mayor Joshi since 2017. “I think this is something we need to address and look at and see what resources are available to us before it becomes deadly” said than Councilman Bob Diehl in 2017.
As far back as 2018, Anthony DeNicola of White Buffalo Inc., a Connecticut-based deer management company, presented various management options to the Township Council, signaling the early recognition of the growing problem. These options, including archery hunts, professional sharpshooters, and sterilization, have remained at the forefront of the discussion, highlighting the lack of simple answers.
In the fall of 2019, the seriousness of the situation was further solidified by a comprehensive spotlight count conducted by Jay Elliot, director of the Edison Department of Health and Human Services, and Dan Bernier, director of parks, planning and environmental services for Union County Parks. This survey, undertaken over two days, provided critical data on deer densities in key areas of the township. This data, gathered years ago, confirms that the overpopulation is not a new issue.
Diehl’s observations, made in 2019, starkly illustrate the rapid escalation of Edison Township’s deer overpopulation. “I moved into my house 35 years ago and I didn’t see a deer until maybe five to six years ago,” he stated, “Now I see small groups of deer every single day.” This personal account, coupled with his admission that “none of the options were good,” reflects the deep-seated frustration and the persistent obstacles that have hindered the township’s efforts since 2017.
Despite years of presentations and surveys, the township remains focused on the same core options initially presented in 2018. This continued focus, while demonstrating a commitment to finding a resolution, also highlights the absence of a swift solution and the necessity for a sustained, long-term strategy. The enduring nature of these discussions, however, also begs the question of real progress being made.
The continued focus on this issue, years after the initial presentations and surveys, highlights the township’s inability to find a resolution. The fact that discussions are still centered on the same core options presented in 2018 reveals the lack of a quick fix and the need for a sustained, long-term approach.
The data from the 2018 spotlight count, revealing alarming deer densities, has served as a constant reminder of the problem that has only gotten worse. The township’s ongoing efforts, years after the initial assessment, raise questions of their commitment to address the deer population.
