New Jersey may lease hunting land

Here’s a fascinating story that I had to pass on.

Somehow I don’t see why a township should be leasing land to hunters. Shouldn’t the township just be allowing hunting to the public on areas that taxpayers purchased?

Hmmmm.

NJ township eyes leasing some land to hunters

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) - A Morris County community is considering leasing parcels of open space to hunters as a way to boost revenues.

Washington Township Mayor Ken Short says the idea is in the preliminary stages. But he said the 1,300 acres of land preserved from development and controlled by the township is a potential moneymaking asset.

Short said the township, located about 40 miles west of Newark, has a half-dozen parcels of 40 acres or more that could be used for hunting.

There is precedent. Readington Township in Hunterdon County has leased township-owned open space to hunting clubs for about eight years. It was done initially as a means to control the deer population, but this year the township will get $32,000 from the leases.