Volunteer hunters took 13 percent more deer this year than they did in 2007 during the two 2-day reduction hunts at 17 state parks.
A total of 1,468 deer were taken from the state parks during the special controlled hunts Nov. 17-18 and Dec. 1-2, according to Mike Mycroft, natural resource coordinator for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of State Parks and Reservoirs, who oversees the program.

The participating state parks, with number of deer harvested, included Brown County (198), Chain O’Lakes (152), Charlestown (159), Harmonie (166), Indiana Dunes (42), Lincoln (70), McCormick’s Creek (41), Ouabache (62), Pokagon (44), Shades (130), Spring Mill (32), Summit Lake (36), Tippecanoe River (107), Turkey Run (73), Whitewater Memorial (82), Fort Harrison (42) and Clifty Falls (32).

Individual hunters could take up to three deer, which do not count against statewide bag limits. DNR biologists evaluate which parks require deer reduction each year, based on the recovery of vegetation deer eat and previous hunter success at each park.
The state parks are home to more than 32 state-endangered plants. The controlled hunts help reduce browsing by deer to a level necessary for ecosystems and associated vegetation to recover. The state parks selected are closed temporarily to the general public during the controlled hunts.

“If you subtract 2006, which was an unusual banner harvest year, we are average for the last five years when we’ve hunted a similar number of parks,” Mycroft said. “We’ve leveled off from the heavy harvests of the early years of the program and are holding steady, but need to continue progress towards vegetation recovery.
“Though hunters aren’t taking as many deer as they once were, that’s a good sign for the vegetation. The deer taken recently are healthier and generally larger-bodied than the early days of the program.”

To view more about the program and 2008 results, visit www.IN.gov/dnr/parklake

Participants for the deer reductions were drawn from a pool of eligible applicants back in September. The number of hunters who are drawn but do not participate, or leave early, remains a challenge to the program. Attendance improved this year – but only slightly.

“Some parks are nearing a maintenance phase where they wouldn’t require a reduction every year,” Mycroft said. “However, the high no-show percentage and overselective hunting are keeping some parks from doing so. From a management perspective, we rely heavily on folks to show up and fill these coveted spots, taking whatever they can.”

Details regarding 2009 state park deer reductions will be available in the 2009-10 Indiana Hunting and Trapping Guide, which will be available throughout the state next summer.

Elkhart turtle poacher

Indiana Conservation officers served a search warrant on Rick R. Bancroft, 45, of Elkhart, Ind., on Dec. 15 for the illegal commercialization of native turtles.

The search warrant, issued from Elkhart County Superior Court 1, came after a six-month investigation involving Conservation officers and their Investigation Section, and the United States Fish & Wildlife Service.

The investigation began at the Wolf Lake Swap Meet in Noble County, where Bancroft was allegedly engaged in selling protected native turtles to numerous people, including undercover officers. Conservation officers also allege Bancroft was involved in the illegal sale of turtles from his residence in Elkhart.

Bancroft now faces criminal charges in both Noble and Elkhart counties for the misdemeanor offenses of illegal commercialization of native turtles.

Waterfowl hunters: Wear your lifejackets, even in winter
Waterfowl hunters throughout Indiana are being strongly reminded by Conservation officers that a lifejacket will not work unless it is being worn.

“Our ‘Wear It’ campaign to promote lifejacket use is not just for the warm weather months,” said Michael Crider, director of the DNR Law Enforcement Division.

“Just ask the four waterfowl hunters who were forced into the Ohio River (earlier this month) after the bow of their boat went underwater – fortunately, they were close enough to swim ashore unhurt.

“Under stressful conditions, such as what these hunters went through, there is just not enough time to put on a lifejacket, and with the frigid water pulling every ounce of warmth from your body, it won’t take long until you won’t be able to swim anymore.”
Crider said there are reasonably priced inflatable life vests offered by a number of manufacturers, which are comfortable and non-restricting, with most available in camouflage. Prices range from $50-$150.

Those who want a device offering more protection from the elements that still acts as a lifejacket, need look no further than a float coat or jacket. Float coats or jackets are available in camouflage and prices are around $150. Float coats and inflatable vests can be found at your favorite sporting goods store or catalog retailer.

Indiana law requires there be one U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable lifejacket per person in any boat, and boats more than 16 feet in length have one throwable life-saving device on board.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments may contact Jack Spaulding by e-mail at jackspaulding@hughes.net or by writing to him in care of this publication.

December 31, 2008