Hunting Shot Down Early for Power Line Project

Registered hunters are being asked to put down their guns and bows at Pyramid Mountain even though deer-hunting season is not yet over as work is expected to pick up on the Public Service Energy and Gas (PSEG) Susquehanna-Roseland power line project.

Kelli Kovacevic, superintendent of natural resources management for the Morris County Park Commission, reached out to Montville Township officials to say hunters who have purchased permits to shoot at Pyramid Mountain have already been notified of the cancellation of this season's hunt in the park.

The early cancellation (the hunt typically lasts throughout January) is a result of the under-construction PSE&G power line. The 500-volt line project, which began with a pre-construction phase in September, impacts several local communities, with lines expected to run through parts of Montville, Kinnelon, Hopatcong and Jefferson, among other municipalities. The transmission line will go through 45 miles of the state in total, stretching from Berwick, PA, to Roseland.

"Work on the PSE&G right-of-way improvement project is expected to increase in the coming weeks and will continue through the end of February. Work operations will take place daily during this time and and work crews," Kovacevic said in a letter to hunters.

Kovacevic explained that the hunt was being cancelled primarily for safety reasons.

"Due to anticipated levels of disturbance and noise in the area, as well as safety concerns, the Morris County Park Commission has decided to cancel the remainder of the bow and shotgun hunt in this park," she said.

The cancellation was effective beginning on Friday, however, Montville leaders could choose to permit hunting at Pyramid Mountain for the remainder of the season under township regulations.

In addition to a letter sent to registered hunters warning them that the season was ending early at Pyramid Mountain, all hunting signs will be removed at the park, which borders Kinnelon, according to Kovacevic. Hunters who have only received permits to hunt at Pyramid Mountain will be refunded their $10 permit fee.