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Similar temporary closings set for Dec. 1-2
Selected Indiana State Parks will temporarily close to the general public for controlled deer reductions twice in the coming weeks.
The reductions will take place Nov. 17-18, and Dec. 1-2. The participating parks will close the evening before (Nov. 16 and 30) each of the reductions and re-open the morning after (Nov. 19 and Dec. 3).
The parks that will be closed for both sessions include Brown County, Chain O’Lakes, Charlestown, Harmonie, Indiana Dunes, Lincoln, McCormick’s Creek, Ouabache, Pokagon, Shades, Spring Mill, Summit Lake, Tippecanoe River, Turkey Run, Whitewater Memorial, Fort Harrison and Clifty Falls.
DNR biologists evaluate which parks require a reduction each year based on the recovery of vegetation that deer eat and previous hunter success at each park. The state parks are home to more than 32 state-endangered plants. The reductions help maintain browsing by deer to a level that helps ecosystems and associated vegetation recover.
“Though the parks have had much success since the first reduction in 1993, a high no-show rate of individuals drawn and over-selective hunting remain a challenge for the program,” said Mike Mycroft, natural resource coordinator for the DNR Division of State Parks and Reservoirs.
All participants for the deer reductions have already been drawn from a pool of eligible applicants. Only individuals drawn last September may participate; there are no standby drawings. Details regarding 2009 state park deer reductions will be available in the 2009-10 Indiana Hunting and Trapping Guide, which will be available next summer.
