TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–NJ Fish and Wildlife has announced that a new record albacore tuna was caught in October. The new record fish, caught by angler, Matthew Florio, broke the previous record for albacore tuna which had been caught in 1984 by 3.4 ounces. Matthew was chunking off the boat Luna Sea at the east elbow of Hudson Canyon when he reeled in the fish.
Matthew was using a Kevin Bogan 30 Stand Up rod and Penn 30 reel with 60-pound monofilament when he landed the fish. A butter fish served as the bait.
The new record albacore tuna measured 48 and 3/8 inches in length and had a girth of 37 inches.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Superior Court of New Jersey Appellate Division has ruled the New Jersey Black Bear Season valid and the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife immediately opened the hunt today.
Hunters must check all bears harvested at a mandatory bear check station. Check Stations will be open today (12/6) from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. and will be open noon – 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 7 through Saturday, December 10. Hunters shall surrender the black bear transportation tag and will be issued a legal possession seal. Bear check is NOT available through the automated system.
When field dressing a black bear, leave the sex organs intact, attached to the body. A harvested black bear may be quartered and brought out of the field in sections.
Regulation Changes
Hunters may NOT attempt to take or kill a black bear weighing less than 75 pounds (live weight), or less than 50 pounds dressed.
Hunters may NOT attempt to take or kill an adult black bear that is in the presence of cub(s) (bears weighing less than 75 pounds).
Hunters may NOT attempt to take or kill a black bear or have a loaded weapon within 300 ft. of a baited area when hunting bears.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–On Wednesday, November 30, 2022, the Superior Court of New Jersey granted a stay to the black bear hunt.
As a result of the Superior Court of New Jersey’s order, the black bear hunt scheduled to begin on December 5, 2022, is suspended until further notice.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Yesterday, November 15, the Fish and Game Council voted to approve emergency regulations amending the Game Code and adopting a new Comprehensive Black Bear Management Plan (CBBMP) to control the black bear population and reduce the threat of dangerous encounters between bears and humans through regulated hunting and non-lethal management measures.
Following the Council’s vote, the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) approved the new CBBMP and agreed with the Council’s finding that a hunt is necessary this December to protect the safety of New Jersey residents. Governor Murphy then concurred with the Council’s finding and signed Executive Order No. 310, which rescinds a prior executive order (No. 34) from 2018 instructing the Commissioner to take action to protect black bears on State-owned land.
In accordance with Executive Order No. 310, the Commissioner then rescinded the Department’s own prior Administrative Order (No. 2018-24), which prohibited the hunting of black bears on all State-owned land.
“The facts on the ground have shown that we cannot rely on nonlethal methods alone to protect New Jersey residents from a growing black bear population,” said Governor Murphy. “Today’s actions will facilitate the reinstatement of a regulated black bear hunt this year to help limit dangerous interactions between people and bears to protect public safety.”
This action is being taken in response to an increase in the black bear population and a rise in black bear incidents of 237% from January through October this year as compared to the same time period in 2021. These incidents include 62 aggressive encounters with humans, 89 instances of property damage, and attacks on both livestock and pets.
Season Dates: December 5 -10, 2022 (Segment B), Shotgun/Muzzleloader ONLY
Hunting Hours: Legal hunting hours for black bears shall be ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset.
Season Bag limit is one bearover 75 pounds live weight, or 50 pounds dressed, per hunter, regardless of the number of permits the hunter holds.
Season Changes: Following the start of the black bear season, the Assistant Commissioner of NJDEP Fish and Wildlife may announce closure of the entire season or extension of Segment B of the season based upon harvest data.
If the cumulative harvest rate reaches 30% of bears tagged in 2022 the season will be closed. In the event of a season closure, notification will be on our website and via the NJ Hunting E-mail list. A season closure, if announced, will become effective 24 hours from the daily legal closing time of the day on which the decision is made.
If the harvest rate does not reach 20% during this period, the hunt will be extended to Wednesday, December 14th through Saturday, December 17th, 2022. Hunting regulations for the season extension will be the same as those during the regular part of Segment B. Only those permit holders with a valid permit(s) for Segment B who did not harvest a bear during the regular part of Segment B may hunt during the Segment B extension. The notification number for season closure will be announced by news release, radio and Fish and Wildlife’s website NJFishandWildlife.com.
TRENTON, NJ (MECER)–Yesterday the NJ Forrest Service released the “Current New Jersey Fall Foliage Conditions” and the northern most sections of New Jersey are at the mid-pint or near peak for fall foliage viewing. Today, October 15, we visited Wawayanda State Park in Vernon Township on the Sussex County side of the park around Wawayanda Lake. Parts of Wawayanda State Park also include West Milford on the Passaic County side.
Sunday October 16, would be a great day for leaf peeping in the northern sections of the state. The National Weather Service reports that there will be mostly sunny, with a high near 61. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday the National Weather Service reports rain and cloudy conditions, and the rest of the week is mostly sunny and much colder temperatures. It is time to get out there for good leaf peeping opportunities before it’s too late.
A good trail for viewing fall foliage viewing at Wawayanda State Park for Sunday October 16, 2022 would be the Lake Loop that goes around Lake Wawayanda.
Park at the Wawayanda Lake Day Use Area or Boat House and head towards the Wingdam Trail and the Lake Loop.
PLUMSTED TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Plumsted Township Police Chief Earl Meroney announced that on September 6, 2022, Michael D. Weber, 64, of Spotswood, was charged with Theft in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3a.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad and Plumsted Township Police Department revealed that Weber – acting in his capacity as Treasurer of the Lakeside Rod and Gun Club in Plumsted Township – stole approximately $4,000.00 from the club between July 2017 and January 2021. Weber was responsible for collecting and depositing the club’s membership dues and paying the club’s expenses. While he did, in fact, collect the membership dues, Weber utilized the funds for his own personal benefit.
Weber was processed and released on a summons pending future appearances in Ocean County Superior Court.
Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Meroney acknowledge the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad and Plumsted Township Police Department for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6)
Michael D. Weber, 64, of Spotswood, was charged with Theft
CLINTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (HUNTERDON)–According to the Clinton Township website discussions are underway to close County Road 629 permanently in the area of the Round Valley Reservoir by the request of the New Jersey Water Supply Authority due to security concerns of “bad actors”
As you probably already know, County Road 629 in Clinton Township, Hunterdon County has been closed since April 8, 2020, from the corner of Cherry Street and Old Mountain Road to just east of the driveway to the NJDEP “fishlabs”. The fish labs are located just east of the parking lot access to the Round Valley Fish and Wildlife Boat Ramp. This was originally proposed as a temporary closure during the construction project on the Round Valley embankments. This temporary closing was allowed by Hunterdon County Engineering at the request of the New Jersey Water Supply Authority.
Recently, the Authority has had informal conversations with the Hunterdon County Engineering Department, the Borough of Lebanon, and Clinton Township about making the existing temporary closure of County Road 629 permanent. Following our informal discussions, a specific request to close the road permanently has been asked of the mayors of Lebanon Borough and Clinton Township in advance of a formal similar request to Hunterdon County. If the closing is allowed, it is our intent, after all construction is complete, to continue to allow public access on the road for pedestrians and bicycles only. Keys to the vehicular access gates would be provided to Lebanon Borough, Clinton Township, and Hunterdon County emergency staff for vehicular access. This is not out of the ordinary as keys have already been provided to the same emergency services groups for to access other Authority-owned secure areas.
The purpose of this change is to improve dam safety. We cannot share specifics, but I can tell you that a very serious threat to earthen dams by bad actors would be facilitated by vehicular access to the structure. County Road 629 is the crest of the Round Valley Dike. Be aware that failure of any of the three Round Valley dams would have catastrophic impacts on downstream residents and water supply to over one million people in central New Jersey.
It is also noted that the Authority has received verbal support of this proposal from New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Dam Safety. The Round Valley Dike is the only one of the three embankments (at Round Valley) with unrestricted vehicular access to the crest. To my knowledge, there are no earthen embankments of this size in the state of New Jersey that allows public vehicular access.
The Round Valley reservoir was formed in the 1960s in the Township of Clinton, New Jersey after the State constructed three large earthen embankments and flooded a large valley. The reservoir was named after the ring shaped Cushetunk Mountain that surrounds the area.
While the large valley was caused by the erosion of soft sedimentary rock, the surrounding mountain ridges endured due to the dense and durable underlay of volcanic rock.
Reaching depths of 180 feet, this 2,350-acre reservoir is known for its clear blue waters. At full capacity, the reservoir contains 55 billion gallons of water for use in central New Jersey, making it the largest water supply reservoir by volume in the state. Its water is primarily released to the nearby South Branch of the Rockaway Creek, which feeds the North Branch of the Raritan River.
The Round Valley reservoir is an “off-stream pump storage” reservoir, which means that it is filled primarily by pumping water into it. The New Jersey Water Supply Authority operates a pumping station in the Hamden section of Clinton Township to move water from the South Branch of the Raritan River into the reservoir via a large underground pipeline. Round Valley reservoir is part of a larger water supply system supply called the Raritan Basin system, which also includes the Spruce Run Reservoir. Additional information about the Raritan Basin system can be found on the Authority’s website.
Next show in NJ will be: Garden State Outdoor Sports Show, Winter Show January 12-15, 2023
July 14, 2022
EDISON, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–The Outdoor Sports Group (OSG) each January is proud to produce The Garden State Outdoor Sports Show, bringing together the outdoor community to experience a fishing & hunting spectacular. Due to COVID 19 and health concerns we were unable to produce the 2022 January event and were forced to re-scheduled it to August 11-14,2022.
We had high hopes that an August event on the verge of hunting season would provide a forum for outdoor enthusiast to shop for amazing deals, meet the experts and create enjoyable family memories. While we would prefer to be giving you an update today on joining us at the New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center in Edison, NJ; we unfortunately must cancel the August event.
As events are assembling around the country and we recover from the effects of COVID 19, we find the outdoor industry in a peculiar situation. Our industry has never been so alive with individuals participating in outdoor activities, purchasing hunting & fishing licenses, taking part in conservation awareness, having a desire to travel and much more. The challenge currently is the outdoor industry is still suffering from supply chain and labor shortages making it hard to book a trip, purchase fishing tackle, boats, ATV’s and many of the products that complement the perfect outdoor adventure.
We are passionate about delivering sports shows that showcase the latest products, services, travel destination, ATV’s, RV’s, boats, powersports, fishing tackle, outfitters, wildlife art, hunting supplies, charters, paddle boards, knives and much more. Based on the supply chain and labor issue we would not be able to deliver the quality of show that the outdoor community deserves. As disappointing as it is to cancel an event is in the
best interest of our loyal vendors and attendees Outdoor Sports Group is going to focus its efforts on producing a successful show January 12-15, 2023, that showcases 150-200 + exhibitor booths and delivers 12,500-15,000 + attendees.
The January 2023 show will feature the New Jersey Deer Classic with an impressive display of trophy heads from the previous three hunting seasons, the 9th Annual Garden State 3D Archery Tournament, The Hawg Trough, Fishing & Hunting Seminars and co-located with Safe Con, New Jersey 2nd Amendment Firearms Education Conference. Outdoor enthusiast will have the opportunity to book future fishing trips, buy a boat or RV, and gear up for hunting season, plus much more.
The Outdoor Sports Group staff will be connecting directly with exhibiting companies with more information regarding the postponing of the event, including options to receive a full refund or apply booth deposit to the 2023 events.
Our exhibitor profiles, guest speaker announcements and other information will be available at www.gsoss.com Outdoor Sports Group is schedule to hold these future events:
2023 Show Schedule:
Garden State Outdoor Sports Show, Winter Show January 12-15, 2023
Northern Illinois Sports Show, January 19-22, 2023
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show, March 9-12, 2023
About Outdoor Sports Group
Outdoor Sports Group (OSG) is the producer of the finest outdoor sports show on the East Coast and in the Midwest dedicated to the consumer sports enthusiast. The Outdoor Sports Group team is dedicated to producing sports shows with quality exhibitors, seminars and attractions that speak to sportsmen and women of all ages with a focus on activities that the whole family will enjoy.
Garden State Outdoor Sports Show Moves to August 11 – 14, 2022
Postponed Show Dates – January 2021: Garden State Outdoor Sports Show New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center, Edison, NJ January 6-9, 2022 – POSTPONED http://www.gsoss.com
December 22, 2021
EDISON, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–The Outdoor Sports Group (OSG) each January is proud to produce The Garden State Outdoor Sports Show, bringing together the outdoor community to experience a fishing & hunting spectacular.
We assemble at this annual show to celebrate the outdoor industry and provide a platform for the outdoor enthusiast to shop for amazing deals, meet the experts and create enjoyable family memories. We are passionate about delivering sports shows that showcase the latest products, services, travel destination, ATV’s, RV’s, boats, powersports, fishing tackle, outfitters, wildlife art, hunting supplies, charters, paddle boards, knives and much more.
While we would prefer to be giving you an update today on joining us at the New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center in Edison, NJ; set to take place in January 2022, the show will be postponed and is now schedule, to take place August 11-14, 2022. Outdoor Sports Group in conjunction with its show partners have made the decision to postpone the Garden State Outdoor Sports Show due to coronavirus related health and safety concerns for its exhibitors, speakers, staff, and the many outdoor enthusiasts that passionately attend these events each year.
Postponing this event is incredibly disappointing for everyone involved but based on the current health and safety guidelines we are unable to hold our traditional sports show that showcases 150-200 + exhibitor booths and delivers 10,000-15,000 + attendees. More importantly the decision was made to ensure the continued health and safety of our community.
The Outdoor Sports Group staff will be connecting directly with exhibiting companies with more information regarding the postponing of the event, including options to receive a full refund or apply booth deposit to the scheduled 2022 or 2023 events.
The outdoor industry does not stop for the COVID-19 pandemic, we are happy to announce we will be holding a summer edition of the Garden State Outdoor Sports Show, August 11-14, 2022. The summer show will feature the New Jersey Deer Classic, the 9th Annual Garden State 3D Archery Tournament Summer Classic and co-locate with Safe Con, New Jersey 2nd Amendment Firearms Education Conference. Outdoor enthusiast will have the opportunity to book last minute summer and fall fishing trips, buy a boat or RV and gear up for hunting season, plus much more.
Our exhibitor profiles, guest speaker announcements and other information will be available at www.gsoss.com Outdoor Sports Group is schedule to hold these future events:
2022- 2023 Show Schedule:
Northern Illinois Sports Show, January 13-16, 2022
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show, March 10-13, 2022
Garden State Outdoor Sports Show, Summer Show August 11-14,2022
Garden State Outdoor Sports Show, Winter Show January 12-15, 2023
Northern Illinois Sports Show, January 19-22, 2023
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show, March 9-12, 2023
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is seeking information from the fishing community to develop guidance regarding mitigation of impacts from offshore wind projects. Comments are due January 7, 2022.
BOEM, in consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service and affected coastal states, intends to develop guidance for the mitigation of impacts from offshore wind energy projects on commercial and recreational fishing communities. To initiate the development of this guidance, BOEM is issuing this 45-day Request for Information to obtain input from the public.
Virtual Public Meetings will be held on the following dates, and information can be found here.
12/1 – 10 am EST – East Coast Workshop on Clams and Scallops (Bottom Gear) (Register)
12/2 – 10 am EST – East Coast Workshop on Mobile Gear/Mixed Trawl/Pelagic (Register)
12/6 – 10 am EST – East Coast Workshop on Fixed Gear (Register)
12/7 – 10 am EST – Recreational Fishing Workshop (Register)
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–As permit seasons begin, and out of state hunting trips are planned, hunters are reminded of New Jersey’s Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Whole Deer Carcass Ban and the Deer-Derived Scent and Lure Ban.
Whole Deer Carcass Ban
Hunters are banned from bringing a whole carcass from any member of the Cervid family (including but not limited to white-tailed deer, black-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, moose, wapiti, caribou, reindeer, roe deer, red deer, sika deer) into New Jersey from ANY other state or country.
Hunters are banned from bringing a non-taxidermied head of any member of the Cervid family harvested into New Jersey from ANY other state or country.
ONLY completely boned-out meat (meat with all bones removed), cleaned skullcaps and hides, shed antlers, and clean upper canine teeth of any member of the Cervid family may be brought into New Jersey.
Deer-Derived Scent and Lure Ban
Lures and scents made from any member of the Cervid family are banned for sale, possession, and use while hunting in New Jersey, including deer urine and deer glandular secretions, as infectious prions that cause CWD can be found in these fluids.
ONLY synthetic scents or natural lures made from species not in the deer family are legal for deer hunting in New Jersey.
Many synthetic products are readily available at sporting goods stores and online retailers. Hunters must use these products as part of New Jersey’s effort to keep CWD out of the state.
One of the most important ways of slowing the spread of CWD is early detection. The Division of Fish and Wildlife tests hunter-harvested deer every year, along with symptomatic wild or captive deer. Please report deer that appear sick, weak, or starving to Dr. Nicole Lewis, Wildlife Veterinarian at (908) 735-6398 or nicole.lewis@dep.nj.gov
BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–A 10:00 p.m. a witness noticed a fishing vessel run aground on Island Beach State Park in Area 23. The witness and 9-1-1 caller stated that it appeared the the vessel lost power and drifted onto shore. According to other sources there were three aboard and no injuries reported.
Last night, watchstanders at the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay command center received notification via channel 16 from a 68-foot fishing vessel stating that the vessel had three people aboard and ran aground on the beach off #BarnegatLight. A 47-foot Motor Lifeboat boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light arrived on scene and confirmed that the mariners were not in immediate distress.The Sector Delaware Bay command center maintained communication with the vessel throughout the night.The boatcrew from Station Barnegat Light, Towboat US, and Shamrock Marine Towing and Salvage are currently on scene assisting the vessel.
As of right now, we know that a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat from Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light is on scene with the vessel. Towboat US and another local towing and salvage company are also currently assisting the vessel. — USCG District 5 Public Affairs
The vessel is marked “Bear” and home port appears to be Barnegat Light, NJ according to the Boat Database and USCG Maritime Information Exchange, Port State Information Exchange. https://cgmix.uscg.mil/psix/psixsearch.aspx
Vessel Information:
Vessel Particulars:
Vessel Name: BEAR Primary Vessel Number: 674417 (Official Number (U.S.)) Hull Identification Number: N/A Manufacturer Hull Number: N/A IMO Number: N/A Vessel Flag: UNITED STATES Vessel Call Sign: WDD6926
Service: Commercial Fishing Vessel Length: 68.00 ft Breadth: 19.00 ft Depth: 8.00 ft Build Year: 1984 Alternate VINs:CG246444 (Coast Guard Number)
Service Information:
Tonnage Information:
Service Status: Active Out Of Service Date: N/A Last Removed From Service By: N/A
Cargo Authority: N/A Tonnage:72 – Simplified, Gross Ton57 – Simplified, Net Ton
BRIELLE, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has officially certified, and is pleased to announce, the catch of a new state record saltwater fish.
George Hanakis of Perth Amboy, reeled in the new state record Gray Tilefish on September 1, 2021. The fish weighed in at 23 pounds, 8 ounces, eclipsing the previous state record by 4 ounces and measured 34” in length with a girth of 25”. George was bottom fishing from the boat, Jamaica, captained by Howard Bogan, Jr. They were located in Wilmington Canyon when he caught the tilefish with a Shimano Terez rod, a Gamakatsu lure and a Daiwa reel with 100 pound test braided line.
NEW YORK — The Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) has set Port Condition YANKEE for the Ports of New York and New Jersey, due to the expectation of gale force winds from Tropical Storm Henri expected to arrive within 24 hours.
Mariners are advised that the COTP will further manage tropical storm conditions in the ports through vessel traffic control measures. These measures will limit vessel movement in accordance with the Standard Severe Weather Practices outlined in the Captain of the Port New York Hurricane and Severe Weather Plan. These measures will be implemented by the Vessel Traffic Service based on observed and predicted wind conditions as the storm progresses.
All facilities and vessels within the Port of New York and New Jersey shall cease cargo operations, lightering and bunkering when directed by the COTP. All commercial self-propelled oceangoing vessels over 500 gross tons desiring to remain or depart port must contact the COTP if their departure time is later than 12 hours after setting of Hurricane Condition YANKEE. Vessels bound for the port of New York and New Jersey are advised to contact the COTP at (718) 354-4088 for additional guidance.
The Coast Guard is advising the public of these important safety messages:
Stay off the water. The Coast Guard’s search and rescue capabilities degrade as storm conditions strengthen. This means help could be delayed. Boaters should heed weather watches, warnings, and small craft advisories.
Secure belongings. Owners of large boats are urged to move their vessels to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to breaking free of their moorings or to sustaining damage. Trailer-able boats should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding. Those who are leaving their boats in the water are reminded to remove EPIRBs and to secure life rings, lifejackets, and small boats. These items, if not properly secured, can break free and require valuable search and rescue resources be diverted to ensure people are not in distress.
Stay clear of beaches. Wave heights and currents typically increase before a storm makes landfall. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and rip currents caused by tropical storms or hurricanes. Swimmers should stay clear of beaches until local lifeguards and law enforcement officials say the water is safe.
Be prepared. Area residents should be prepared by developing a family plan, creating a disaster supply kit, having a place to go, securing their home and having a plan for pets. Information can be found at the National Hurricane Center’s webpage.
Stay informed. The public should monitor the progress and strength of the storm through local television, radio, and the Internet. Updated weather forecasts for the New York area can be found at the National Weather Service’s webpage. Boaters can monitor its progress on VHF radio channel 16. Information can also be obtained on small craft advisories and warnings on VHF radio channel 16.
Don’t rely on social media. People in distress should use 911 to request assistance whenever possible. Social media should not be used to report life-threatening distress due to limited resources to monitor the dozens of social media platforms during a hurricane or large-scale rescue event.
Vessels and facilities may contact the Vessel Traffic Service at SECNYVTS@uscg.mil or (718) 354-4088 with additional questions or concerns.
Public Asked to Contact DEP, Report Deer With Possible Symptoms
August 21, 2021
BURLINGTON, NJ –The Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Fish and Wildlife has confirmed Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) in a deer recently sampled in Burlington County. The sample was also tested for Blue Tongue, another virus that can cause hemorrhagic disease in deer, and it was negative. Neither disease is a threat to public health.
EHD and Bluetongue are contracted from the bite of insects called midges (Culicoides sp.). They cannot be transmitted to people, and humans are not at risk by handling infected deer, being bitten by infected midges or eating infected deer meat.
The Division of Fish and Wildlife always advises against consuming meat from any game animal that appears ill.
EHD outbreaks typically begin in late summer. Symptoms in deer may include difficulty standing, drooling, and emitting foam from the mouth or nose. Since the disease causes a fever, sick or dead deer are often seen in or near water. Disease transmission ends when the first hard frost kills midges.
The clinical signs of disease caused by the EHD and Bluetongue viruses are identical and can only be differentiated by testing and virus isolation.
There have been multiple outbreaks of EHD in New Jersey deer since 1955. Bluetongue virus was isolated from one deer that died in Basking Ridge, Somerset County and another that died in Stirling, Morris County in 2014.
The public is strongly encouraged to report deer with any of the symptoms described above to the Division of Fish and Wildlife at one of the following contacts:
Bluetongue and EHD are reportable diseases to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health, but only Bluetongue is a significant concern in livestock.
Livestock issues should be directed to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Health at (609) 671-6400.
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory can assist in diagnosing suspected Bluetongue cases in livestock by offering testing and necropsy services. Call the lab at (609) 406-6999 or email jerseyvetlab@ag.state.nj.us.
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