IDNR Report

Hunters can apply online for state park deer management draw hunts at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt. The online method is the only way to apply.

Northern Indiana properties included this year include Chain O’Lakes, Pokagon, Potato Creek and Trine State Recreation Area (archery only). Other state areas are Brown County, Charlestown, Fort Harrison (archery only), Harmonie, Lincoln, McCormick’s Creek, Ouabache, Prophetstown, Shades, Spring Mill, Turkey Run, Versailles, and Whitewater Memorial state parks.

Early hunts are Nov. 16-17, and late hunts are Nov. 30-Dec. 1.

Firearm hunts include any firearm legal to take deer on public land in Indiana. Archery hunts include any archery equipment legal to take deer in Indiana, including crossbows.

Applicants must possess any valid license to take a deer in Indiana at the time of the application, not including apprentice licenses. Applicants must be Indiana residents (or possess a valid lifetime license to take deer in Indiana) and be 18 years of age by the date of the first hunt. Once an application has been submitted online, information cannot be changed. Applications must be completed by the application deadline.

Primary applicants can apply by themselves or with up to two secondary applicants (aka “buddies”). There is no preference in the draw based on whether the application includes buddies. If you have buddies listed on your application, you must supply their information on your application in order for them to participate. This includes each buddy’s hunting license number and date of birth. Buddies must meet all age, residency, and licensing requirements of state parks deer management hunts. Each applicant may appear on only one application per hunt period. Applications close Aug. 17.

Hunters will be selected through a random computerized drawing. A link to view drawing results will be posted at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt after Aug. 31.

More information is available at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.