Dead Deer, New Trail Found in Mountain Way Park

Powder Mill-area resident Jonathan Nelson makes a habit of enjoying the natural wonders Parsippany has to offer. During a solo hike through Mountain Way Park two weeks ago, though, he encountered an unexpected sight.

"I came across the carcasses of two deer," he said in a letter he wrote to inform Mayor James Barberio of his discovery. "Both were severely decomposed, but hunting arrows were clearly visible next to each of their remains. Along the trail, I also came across two tree ladders which are used for deer hunting."

Nelson also noticed that in addition to the designated blue and white hiking trails provided to keep hikers safe (and to prevent them from getting lost in the dense forest), there was a new trail that started near and ended near Jaqui Pond. The path was marked with little orange flags—and no warning signs were posted.

This raised concerns for Nelson, he said.

If dead deer were in an area designated for hikers only—and on Parsippany land where, according to township Business Adminstrator Jasmine Lim, hunting is not permitted—could there be potential danger for residents?

What protections were in place for non-hunters enjoying the town park, which abuts Morris County's Central Park, where hunting is allowed?

What law enforcement agencies are charged with patrolling the area to maintain order and safety?

And who's in charge of the orange trail?

After contacting the Morris County Parks Commission, Nelson returned to the Mountain Way Park spot last week accompanied by Patch. The deer carcasses he had seen days earlier were no longer there. And while he said no safety signs were in sight during his previous visit, new signs were now in place along the orange trail.

David Helmer, executive director of the Parks Commission, told Patch that his agency is quick to respond to inquiries like Nelson's. He added that residents have no need to fear.

"There should be no concern about hunting at Central Park at this time since the Deer Management Program for the year ended on Feb. 18," he said. "You should also be aware the program at Central Park has been in effect since the winter of 2006 without incident."

He also noted that the deer Nelson saw likely were shot earlier this year and survived long enough to run into Parsippany-owned land, where they finally died.

According to Helmer, the county's Central Park is one of the 15 Park Commission facilities that has an active deer management program in place. In 2006, he said, the Central Park program included bow hunting and six days of shotgun hunting. 

Shotgun hunting, he added, was discontinued after the 2006-07 season.

Central Park, which takes up a little over 181 acres, is connected to Parsippany's park, Helmer explained.

Morris Country acquired a large parcel of land to serve as a park from the original Greystone Hospital from the state in July 2003.  

"Block 13/Lot 9, where the Mountain Way Park is located, is owned by the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills," Helmer said.  "Block 13/Lot 1.19 is owned by the Park Commission."

He added that Parsippany leases a 17-acre section of county-owned land along Old Dover Road. 

"The Park Police of Morris County has the responsibility of all the Park Commission property and I would assume that the municipal police patrol township property along with the 17-acre leased land," Helmer said. "It is my understanding that both police departments have a working relationship."

Chief Anthony DeZenzo confirmed that this is the case.

"We have a great working relationship," he said, noting that township officers patrol Parsippany-owned areas by vehicle.

"We have increased patrols there and make it a priority in the wake of these carcasses for the potential of any illegal activity," the chief said, adding that local police also act as first responders for county-owned land, and vice versa, when the need arises.

DeZenzo echoed Helmer's call that citizens are safe.

"I am sure that the county has assessed the situation and that the hunting area is far frm recreation areas," he said. "The county is very, very specific in assigning where people can hunt and that licenses are issued in a well-orchestrated manner."

During our hike through Mountain Way and Central parks, Nelson and Patch easily traveled between the two. It was difficult to determine the dividing line between the two parks. The blue and white trails were municipal trails, but the unknown orange path was where Nelson first saw the dead deer.

"The... orange flagged trail is a county trail being built by trail staff and volunteers," Helmer said.  "The trailhead at the municipal  and county park boundary had a sign stating the county trail was under development and not fully completed. That sign was removed."

According to the parks official, the area along the orange trail, being unfinished, is not officially maintained at this time, but hunters must consider it a place where hunting is not allowed.

Each year, the county Park Commission sends Parsippany's mayor, administrator and police chief a letter informing them of changes to the hunting program and outlining the dates when hunting seasons occur.

In turn, the dates and information are posted on the municipal website, said Parsippany Business Administrator Jasmine Lim.

"Each hunter receives a map of the approved hunting area along with their permit," said Helmer. "The maps indicate the park boundary and the extent of the area available for hunting.  If a registered hunter was found hunting in an unauthorized area, they would be discharged from the program."

Park boundary lines are posted on trees with white 8x12 boundary signs, Helmer added. 

"During hunting season, the yellow and red safety signs are posted on major trail heads and access points to park property," he said. "Tree stands are not permitted within 50 feet of trails or access roads and no hunter may discharge a weapon across a trail.

"Although New Jersey Fish and Wildlife has reduced the distance you can have a nocked arrow to 150 feet from a building or playground, the Park Commission has maintained a 450 foot buffe," Helmer continued. "Every hunter is responsible for knowing the rules and regulations provided to them each year as well as all boundaries, safety zones and restricted areas."

Helmer said that while the issue of hunting remains a contentious issue both for proponents and those against it, the Park Commission, working with local law enforcement, will try to balance "the diversity of the forest habitat with the public’s comfortable enjoyment of the parkland."