Deer reductions close state parks

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Several Indiana state parks will temporarily close for deer reduction hunts in November.

The hunts will happen Nov. 13 and 14 and Nov. 26 and 27.

The state parks at Chain O'Lakes, Charlestown, Fort Harrison, Harmonie, Ouabache, Prophetstown, Shades, Shakamak, Spring Mill, Tippecanoe River, Turkey Run, Versailles and Whitewater Memorial will close the evening before until the morning after the two-day hunts.

During the reductions, the parks are closed to the general public.

Turkey Run, Fort Harrison, and Spring Mill are the only parks that will have standby drawings to fill vacant spots. Standby hunters must register on-site between 7:30 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. local time.

Hunters and those listed on their applications for the reductions may participate (with the exception of the above listed parks.)

The Department of Natural Resources said in a statement that biologists evaluate parks that may require reductions based on habitat recovery and previous harvest rates at each park. The state parks are home to more than 32 state-endangered plants and numerous significant natural communities, according to the statement.

The DNR said reductions help maintain habitats throughout parks.

Application deadlines for the reductions generally occur in August. Click here for more information on deer reductions.