Some area state parks will close temporarily to allow for controlled deer reductions in the coming weeks.
The dates for the temporary closings are Nov. 18 and 19, and Dec. 2 and 3.
Local state parks affected are Versailles, Clifty Falls, and Whitewater Memorial. The state parks will close to the general public the evening before each of the two efforts and reopen the morning after each two-day reduction.
Only individuals drawn last September and those listed on their applications may participate in the reductions. There will be no standby drawings at those parks.
Other state parks affected include Brown County, Chain O’ Lakes, Charlestown, Fort Harrison, Harmonie, Indiana Dunes, Lincoln, McCormicks Creek, Ouabache, Pokagon, Potato Creek, Prophetstown, Shades, Shakamak, Spring Mill, Summit Lake, and Tippecanoe.
DNR Biologists evaluate which parks require a reduction each year based on habitat recovery and previous harvest rates at each park. The reductions help control browsing by deer to a level that helps maintain habitat throughout the sate parks for all plants and animals.
Information on next year’s state park deer reductions, including online applications, will be available next summer at the DNR website. The application deadline is usually the end of August.
