17 state parks to close for deer reductions

Participants, "buddies" already randomly selected

Select Indiana state parks will be closed temporarily for controlled deer reductions in the coming weeks.

Two reduction efforts will take place. The first are Nov. 16 and 17. The second round is Nov. 30 and Dec.1. The participating parks will close to the general public the evening before each of the two efforts and will re-open the morning after each two-day reduction ends.

Indiana DNR biologists evaluate which parks require a reduction each year based on vegetative recovery and previous hunter success at each park.

State parks are home to more than 32 state-endangered plants, and the reductions help maintain browsing by deer to a level that helps ecosystems and associated vegetation recover throughout the state parks. Although the parks have had much success since the first reduction in 1993, a high no-show rate of those drawn and over selective hunting remain a challenge for the program.

State parks participating with a reduction using firearms include Chain O’Lakes, Charlestown, Harmonie, Lincoln, Ouabache, Pokagon, Potato Creek, Prophetstown, Shades, Shakamak, Spring Mill, Tippecanoe River, Turkey Run, Versailles and Whitewater Memorial.

State parks using archery for reduction include Fort Harrison and Clifty Falls.

Participation is limited to individuals on applications that were drawn last September. No standby drawings will be conducted, nor will substitutes or additions be permitted.

Participants must show photo ID upon check-in. No information packets were mailed to drawn participants this year but are instead available online at http://www.IN.gov/dnr/parklake/5655.htm, where applicants can check or review their draw status, permitted buddies, and details about the hunts. Information regarding 2010 state park deer reductions will be available in the 2010-2011 Indiana Hunting and Trapping Guide next summer.