Hunt planned to thin deer in LaGrange County

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) The Department of Natural Resources is planning a management deer hunt at Olin Lake Nature Preserve during the special antlerless deer firearm season from Dec. 26 through Jan. 6.

All regulations of the antlerless season will apply. The preserve will be closed to other visitors during the 12 days of the hunt. The preserve is not being opened to hunting in general.

Deer numbers continue to be excessively high at the LaGrange County nature preserve, where over browsing by deer threatens the long-term health of the property. Deer feeding has been especially damaging to white trilliums and other spring wildflowers. Olin Lake is about six miles south of LaGrange.

Ten hunters will be selected by drawing for the first six days of the special antlerless firearm season. A different set of six hunters will be drawn for the second six days of the season. No more than 10 hunters at a time will be given permits to hunt on the 116 acres of DNR property that will be open to hunting.
Applications must be picked up at one of the following locations. None will be mailed.

Pigeon River Fish and Wildlife Area Office:
8310 E. 300 N.
Mongo, IN 46771
(260) 367-2164

LaGrange County Department of Parks and Recreation
Monday through Friday 8 am to 3:30 pm
0505W 700 S.
Wolcottville, IN 46795
Phone: (260) 854-2225

Applications are due by Nov. 26 and the drawing will be Nov. 27.