(Provided by IDNR)

The DNR Division of State Parks is seeking volunteer hunters to participate in managed deer reduction hunts at 18 locations later this year.

They are: Brown County, Chain O'Lakes, Charlestown, Clifty Falls, Fort Harrison, Indiana Dunes, McCormick's Creek, Ouabache, Pokagon, Prophetstown, Shakamak, Spring Mill, Summit Lake, Tippecanoe River, Turkey Run, Versailles, and Whitewater Memorial state parks, and Cave River Valley Natural Area (drawn in conjunction with Spring Mill).

Clifty Falls and Fort Harrison will be archery only reduction hunts.

The dates are Nov. 14-15 and Nov. 28-29.

For more than 20 years, volunteer hunters have assisted the Division of State Parks in managing deer populations on those properties. The reduction hunts are carried out exclusively to achieve an ecological objective - to ensure balanced and healthy natural communities for all plants and wildlife within park boundaries.

Since 1995, most of Indiana's 24 State Park properties have had one or more reduction hunts.

Volunteers can apply online at wildlife.IN.gov/5834.htm, where additional guidelines can be found under State Park Deer Reduction Draw Hunt.

Successful applicants are allowed to take up to three deer. Only one can be antlered. Deer harvested at a State Park reduction hunt are not counted toward regular statewide bag limits.

Trophy hunting, or passing on does or smaller bucks to wait for a larger buck, is counter to the ecological objective of State Park reduction hunts and is strongly discouraged.