WOODCLIFF LAKE—Council members introduced an ordinance revision in November to prohibit use of a bow and arrow on private property — although concerns were raised about restricting archery practice and its bearing on a possible deer hunt should one be authorized by county or state officials.
A public hearing on the ordinance will be held at the Dec. 6 council meeting.
Council members discussed the revised ordinance for nearly 15 minutes before its introduction Nov. 8.
The ordinance revision (21-16) deletes one paragraph, paragraph C, in the borough’s Chapter 173 Firearms Ordinance that exempts “the use of firearms when hunting in conformity with the applicable laws and regulations of the State of New Jersey.”
Borough Administrator Tom Padilla said that the issue came to light following a request by a homeowner to hunt on his property, followed by police officials reviewing the borough firearms ordinance.
He said police found under the existing ordinance that hunting was allowed on private property when following state hunting regulations.
He said police noted under the ordinance a bow and arrow is a “firearm.”
Padilla said, “When you look at the law, it’s not illegal, it can be done based on the ordinance that we have.” He said the police recommended that the hunting exemption be removed.
Padilla said the only nearby town allowing bow and arrow deer hunting was Saddle River, which has allowed a controlled bow and arrow deer hunt for three consecutive years. He said most properties there range from two or more acres apiece, much larger than local single-family parcels.
Councilman Craig Marson wondered if by deleting the paragraph allowing hunting, they might also be prohibiting individuals from archery practice using a bow and arrow. Most members seemed to be okay with that, some noting other archery practice options exist and that public safety took priority over archery.
Councilwomen Jacqueline Gadaleta and Josephine Higgins both favored the revision to remove the hunting exemption.
Gadaleta opposed even allowing archery considering it too risky and Higgins said years ago as mayor she allowed a homeowner to hunt with bow and arrow-based on the ordinance — and it did not end well, with a deer being shot and dying on a neighbor’s property and seen by some children.
Marson pressed the deer overpopulation issue, noting a number of “dead animals all over the place” and wondered if a deer hunt was needed, would the deletion affect a controlled hunt or require another ordinance.
Councilman Steven Falanga agreed that there were too many deer and there “should be a Pascack Valley response with the county” but that the ordinance revision applies only to private residences. He said he thought if the state or county authorized a hunt, the revised ordinance would not restrict that activity.
Other “exceptions” granted under Chapter 173-2 to allow the discharge of firearms within the borough include: A) Any duly appointed law officer in the course of his or her official duty; B) The use of firearms when necessary for the preservation of human life; and D) Use of a firearm on a licensed pistol, rifle or firearm range and under the supervision of the Police Department.
Chapter 173 includes three sections: 173-1, Discharge of Firearms Restricted; 173-2, Exceptions; and 173-3, Violations and Penalties. Click on “Borough Code” under the Government menu to access the borough code online.
Chapter 173-1 states, “The discharge of any firearms, bow and arrow, crossbow, slingshot, air gun, spring gun, gas gun or any other device which impels a projectile through the use of force is prohibited in the Borough of Woodcliff Lake.”
It adds, “Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine not exceeding $2,000, a term of imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a period of community service not exceeding 90 days, or any combination thereof.”