Citizens should object to hunting in parks

The fall season is a great time for families to enjoy the local parks; however, this year several Monmouth County parks will be open for hunting at the same time people are walking their dogs, playing with their children, running, etc.

The Monmouth County Board of Recreation has voted to allow deer hunting with shotguns, muzzleloaders and bows and arrows in nine county parks: from Sept. 13 through February, Bear Swamp Tract of the Manasquan Reservoir, Howell; Crosswicks Creek Park, Upper Freehold; Route 33 Tract of Shark River Park, Neptune; Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold Township; Yellowbrook Tract at Manasquan River Linear Park, Howell.

Additionally, Charleston Springs Golf Course, Millstone, will be open for hunting at the conclusion of the golf season, from Dec. 27 through Jan. 8, with an additional bow hunting season from Jan. 10 through Feb. 19.

Also, beginning in January, Clayton Park, Upper Freehold (17-29, Hartshorne Woods Park, Middletown (3-15), and Thompson Park, Middletown (3-15) will open two areas before 9 a.m. for shotgun, muzzleloader and bow and arrow.

The safety concerns go beyond people and hunters at the parks at the same time.

The areas border major roads — Interstate 195 and routes 520, 33, 527 and 537 are just some of the roads that either directly touch the parks or are within a few hundred feet of them.

Deer will be pushed onto the roads and cause collisions as a result of the hunts. Motorists who travel these areas will also be in danger. Many of these parks are adjacent to homes; keep in mind that shotgun slugs travel the length of 10 football fields, another danger to the public.

This hunt was forced through with little or no public awareness or involvement. If you live in one of the towns, please call your mayor and ask them to stop the hunt. Tell your county freeholders not to allow hunting in your county parks. Keep the parks safe for our children.

For 14 years hunting has taken place at Monmouth Bat-tlefield State Park, Manalapan; obviously hunting does not reduce the population. If it did why would the “need” still be there after 14 years? Please don’t let the hunts happen in more county parks. Call your mayor and county freeholders today.

Donna Murphy

Jackson