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Temporary park closures for controlled deer reductions

Temporary park closures for controlled deer reductions

By Indiana Department of Natural Resources

Select Indiana State Park properties will close temporarily for controlled deer reductions.

Two reduction efforts will take place. The first is on Monday, Nov. 12, and Tuesday, Nov. 13. 

The second is on Monday, Nov. 26, and Tuesday, Nov. 27. The participating state park properties will close to the general public on the evening before each of the two efforts.

The state park properties closing temporarily for the reductions are Brown County, Chain O’Lakes, Clifty Falls, Fort Harrison, Harmonie, Indiana Dunes, Lincoln, Ouabache, Potato Creek, Prophetstown, Shades, Shakamak, Summit Lake, Tippecanoe River, Turkey Run, Versailles and Whitewater Memorial state parks, as well as Cave River Valley Natural Area and Trine State Recreation Area.

The state park properties will reopen the morning after each two-day reduction. All Indiana state park properties not listed will operate under normal hours.

Based on habitat recovery and previous harvest rates at each park, DNR biologists evaluate which state park properties require a deer reduction each year. The state parks are home to numerous natural communities that serve as significant habitat. The deer reductions help control browsing by deer to a level that ensures habitat for all plants and animals.

Only individuals selected from the draw may participate at any site.

The 2018 report will be available in January 2019. A full report on the 2017 reductions can be found here.

Information for 2019 state park deer reductions, online applications and deadlines will be made available in August.

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