State park deer management application period is open

INDIANA – Online applications to be drawn for the 2021 state park deer hunts are now being accepted.

This year’s dates are Nov. 15-16 and 29-30. These hunts are held to manage the impact white-tailed deer have on natural ecosystems. Applications must be submitted by Aug. 9.

Applicants must possess a hunting license that is valid for the hunt for which they are applying.

State parks participating include Chain O’Lakes, Clifty Falls, Fort Harrison, Indiana Dunes, Lincoln, Ouabache, Pokagon, Potato Creek, Shakamak, Spring Mill, Summit Lake, Tippecanoe River, Turkey Run, Versailles, and Whitewater Memorial. Trine State Recreation Area and Cave River Valley Natural Area are also participating.

Muscatatuck NWR will host one reserved firearms deer hunt for youth Sept. 25-26. Drawn hunters must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older.

Military and National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Deer hunt properties participating include Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center, Big Oaks NWR, and Muscatatuck NWR. A variety of hunt types (firearms, primitive, archery) are available.

Hunters can choose to apply for the hunt dates of Nov. 15-16 or Nov. 29-30. Hunters may list up to two hunting partners for each hunt period and must list the hunter’s name when applying.

Additional Deer Hunting Opportunities

Tern Bar Slough WDCA will be hosting an in-person draw at Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area (FWA) on July 31 at 11 a.m. ET. Doors will open at 9 a.m. ET for participants to purchase licenses, if needed, and register for the draw. The office address is 2310 E State Road 364, Winslow, IN 47598. Please contact Sugar Ridge FWA at 812-789-2724 for additional information.

Big Walnut Natural Area will be hosting an in-person draw for archery-only deer hunting. The draw will be held at 9 a.m. ET on July 27 in the north parking lot of North Putnam High School: 8905 N County Road 250 E, Roachdale, IN 46172. The hunt dates will be Oct. 16-Dec. 18. Ten individuals will be drawn for the duration of the hunt. Each drawn individual can bring one hunting partner. Contact Andrew Reuter at AReuter@dnr.IN.gov for additional information.

Portland Arch Nature Preserve will be hosting an in-person draw for archery-only deer hunting. The draw will be held at 1 p.m. ET on July 27 in the parking lot next to the tennis courts at Fountain Central High School: 750 East US Highway 136, Veedersburg, IN 47987. The hunt dates will be Oct. 16-Dec. 18. Ten individuals will be drawn for the duration of the hunt.  Each drawn individual can bring one hunting partner. Contact Andrew Reuter at AReuter@dnr.IN.gov for additional information.

For more details about the application process, visit on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.