Sharpshooters Aim to Protect N.J. Mall From Deer

By SUSAN JAMES

Jan. 25, 2008 —

Deer are in the headlights these days, maimed along the nation\’s roadways and nibbling away at suburban gardens. Now they\’re closing in on one of America\’s poshest addresses — New Jersey\’s Short Hills Mall, home to high-end stories like Cartier and Coach — and local officials are striking back.

On Jan. 29, Essex County will send sharpshooters into South Mountain Reservation, a 2,000-acre swath of woodland that sits smack in the middle of tony towns like Maplewood, Milburn and the Oranges for a month-long deer kill.

New Jersey is no stranger to marauding wildlife. In 2004, the state shot more than 328 black bears in one season after widespread reports of the animals invading backyards.. It was the first such hunt in more than three decades, and environmentalists say development is to blame.