CNBNews

The deer population in Hopatcong has long been a hot-topic issue for residents and the governing body. Councilman Mike Francis introduced the most recent deer-hunt proposal in February. Deer in Hopatcong caused 45 motor vehicle accidents in 2009, 53 in 2010 and 114 in 2011, Francis said at the time.

But the borough held off introducing a deer-hunting law June 27, pulling it off a council meeting agenda before residents complained about several aspects of the ordinance. Patch published the law's initial incarnation June 21. The first law called for a $250 permit cost.

The new law, which was introduced at Wednesday's council meeting, says the deer-management task force would recommend to the council by June 15 of each year "whether a hunt should take place, the number of permits (to be issued), the areas to be hunted and the time periods for the hunt."

Hunters would not be allowed to use guns during the hunts, according to the law.

The task force would be a mayor-appointed entity and its members would serve one-year terms, the law said.

READ via hopatcong.patch.com