the staff of the Ridgewood blog
SADDLE RIVER, NJ — The Borough of Saddle River has officially approved its sixth deer culling contract with United Bow Hunters, continuing Bergen County’s only bow hunting program aimed at controlling the borough’s overgrown deer population.
Launched in 2018 and briefly paused in 2023 to review effectiveness, the program is back this fall with renewed urgency. An April 2025 thermal survey revealed at least 228 deer living within Saddle River’s 5.38 square miles—a density of more than 40 deer per square mile, far exceeding the 10-per-square-mile level wildlife experts consider sustainable.
Why Saddle River is Moving Forward with Culling
Mayor Albert Kurpis said the program is designed to “restore balance, reduce property damage and Lyme disease risk.”
Officials also credit the culling with helping reduce deer-related traffic accidents, though critics—including the Animal Protection League of New Jersey—argue that accidents sometimes increase during culling season as deer scatter onto roadways while fleeing hunters.
Key Details of the 2025 Deer Culling Program
The five-page contract, discussed at the borough’s Aug. 18 council meeting, outlines the following rules:
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Authorized Hunters: Only members of United Bow Hunters, with rosters filed with the police chief.
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Property Rules: Written landowner permission and notice to borough police required. No hunting on borough-owned land.
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Weapons: Bow hunting only. Crossbows permitted for injured members. No firearms allowed.
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Hunting Days: Sunday hunting permitted unless restricted by the borough or landowner.
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Other Wildlife: Coyotes may be taken while engaged in authorized deer culling.
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Field Dressing: Must be done in pre-approved areas by the borough administrator.
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Equipment Standards: Hunters must use arrows with lighted nocks for recovery and electronic range finders for accuracy.
Cost and Venison Donation
The program costs an estimated $5,517 per season, with most of the expense covering a refrigerated trailer to store processed carcasses. Some venison is donated to Hunters Helping the Hungry, while hunters may keep the remainder.
Controversy Continues
Animal advocacy groups, including the Animal Protection League of New Jersey and Save New Jersey Deer, have opposed the program in past years, but neither organization immediately commented on this season’s contract approval.
With Saddle River’s deer population at more than four times the optimal level, the borough is moving forward, balancing public safety, environmental concerns, and animal welfare debates.
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Honestly I’d be happier with a coyote hunt…
Long, long overdue. Many surrounding towns would benefit from culling, too. Ramsey especially. Think about this for a minute. Did you ever think you would see more deer than squirrels? That’s my experience every day.
The ratio of deer to squirrels in my neighborhood is 50/50. Ramsey has much less woodlands than Saddle River. I shouldn’t have to put “No Hunting” signs on my property! The deer that hang out in my yard are more than welcome to use it as a little hideaway. The main herd in the area stays in an office park with a large grassy lawn and pond.
This program is way over due in my town (River Vale). On any given day I have as many as 18 roaming my property, so we would welcome the bow hunt.