Mid winter update: The 2012 NJ flounder season will be liberalized via a longer season, shorter keeper size or a combination of the two. The reason, NJ fishermen underfished the 2011 flounder quota. I am not surprised at all, considering NJ only had about 250,000 saltwater anglers register in 2011, 2011 was the first year for the saltwater fishermen registry in NJ. In the past NOAA would estimate the amount of NJ saltwater fishermen, 1.35 million NJ fishermen at one point, an astronomical over estimation. No need to consult a math professor to reason that New Jersey is owed a substantial increase in the 2012 flounder season quota.
Striper fishermen can no longer use the American eel for bait. It has been added to the federal list of threatened species, along with a federal fine for taking or injuring an American eel (Pending). Herring a favorite bait among Striper fishermen and early season flounder fishermen will no longer be available for bait, as herring seasons have been closed in all waters.
The NJ 2011 deer season harvest was up in the north, down in central and in the south. In Princeton Twp hunters killed 171 deer, this however was not enough. Princeton hired White Buffalo Inc. to cull deer on some private and county property that is to densely populated for hunting. Some of the deer are literally feeding under swing sets in back yards. .223 cal. rifles with suppressors will be used from elevated stands. Some net and bolt will be used in areas where firearms cannot be used. Remember, at one time Princeton Twp. NJ was one of the only towns in the nation that did not” allow deer hunting. After realizing the ramifications of an out of control deer herd, they now proactively seek to keep the deer herd within the carrying capacity of the habitat.
Deer hunters in NJ are permitted 6 antlered deer, a combination of all seasons fall archery, muzzle loader, shot gun and winter bow. However, only 4 deer hunters out of about 100,000 harvested all 6 antlered deer.
NewJerseyfish and wildlife’s pheasant farm was damaged during Hurricane Irene, thousands of pheasants flew the coup during the storm. NJ fish and wildlife reached out toMarylandfor pheasants {at a cost} for their obligation to pheasant stamp holders. F&W is seeking a FEMA grant that will help pay for the pheasants and rebuilding the farm.
NJ Deer Check stations are now a thing of the past; hunters must now report their deer via phone or internet. You will receive a number that must be attached to the deer through all processing.
Ken's Dock 
Great report Ken. Hear anything about the weakfish stock?
Hi Brian, they are holding a weakfish meeting on the ninth of February in Virginia. I would like to attend this meeting, if at all possible. As you most likely know, there has been a slight uptick in the weakfish pop.. I would like to see the commercial fishermen stay clear of the weakfish migration route during the migration, and the wintering yard of the weakfish during the winter. Especially with gear they know has the potential to catch a large amount of weakfish. At least until the stock becomes stable. There has been weakfish commercial caught in these areas recently. There are some commercial fishermen that are excellent at what they do, I know a few that know exactly where the fish winter and their migration routes. Remember, the representative of the Garden State seafood association {commercial} supported a complete moratorium for weakfish, he had a reason…