Application Deadline Nears For State Park Deer Hunts

Some hunters will be permitted to take deer at Versailles State Park and Whitewater Memorial State Park this fall.

(Undated) - Indiana State Parks is seeking volunteer hunters to participate in managed deer reduction hunts at 19 locations later this year.

Applications must be received by Aug. 20.

Properties where hunting is allowed with firearms only (any firearm legal to take deer on public land in Indiana) are: Brown County, Chain O’Lakes, Harmonie, Indiana Dunes, Lincoln, Ouabache, Potato Creek, Prophetstown, Shades, Shakamak, Summit Lake, Tippecanoe River, Turkey Run, Versailles, and Whitewater Memorial state parks, and Cave River Valley Natural Area.

Properties where hunting is allowed by archery only (any archery equipment legal to take deer in Indiana) are: Clifty Falls and Fort Harrison state parks, and Trine State Recreation Area.

The dates are Nov. 12-13 and Nov. 26-27.

Volunteers can apply online at wildlife.IN.gov/5834.htm, where additional guidelines can be found under State Park Deer Reduction Draw Hunt.

Reduction hunts are carried out exclusively to achieve an ecological objective – to ensure balanced and healthy natural communities for all plants and wildlife within park boundaries.

Successful applicants are allowed to take up to three deer. Only one can be antlered. Deer harvested at a state park reduction hunt are not counted toward regular statewide bag limits. Trophy hunting, or passing on does or smaller bucks to wait for a larger buck, is counter to the ecological objective of state park reduction hunts, and is strongly discouraged.

To view all DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.