Applications available for deer reduction hunts at state parks

Applications are available online for Hoosiers wanting to participate in special deer reduction hunts this fall at designated Indiana state parks.

The first round of state park deer reduction hunting will be Nov. 18 and 19. The second round will be Dec. 2 and 3.

State park deer reductions help maintain and restore unique and valuable ecosystems damaged by white-tailed deer. The designated parks are closed to the general public on hunting days.

Applications are available at IndianaOutdoor.IN.gov. Application deadline is Aug. 25.

Applicants must be Indiana residents and be 18 years old by Nov. 18, 2013, and possess at least one valid Indiana deer license. Each person may apply only once for each state park deer reduction effort.

Biologists determine which parks require a reduction based on habitat recovery and previous harvest data.

Parks participating this year are Brown County, Chain O'Lakes, Charlestown, Harmonie, Indiana Dunes, Lincoln, McCormick's Creek, Ouabache, Pokagon, Potato Creek, Prophetstown, Shades, Shakamak, Spring Mill, Summit Lake, Tippecanoe River, Turkey Run, Versailles and Whitewater Memorial, which will hold reduction hunts using firearms.

Fort Harrison and Clifty Falls will hold reduction hunts using archery.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the first state park deer reduction hunt in Indiana.

"Though browse lines and skinny deer remain in the past, less obvious damage persists and requires our close attention and management," Mike Mycroft, chief of natural resources for DNR State Parks and Reservoirs, said.