Indiana hunters harvested 120,073 deer in the 2014 season, according to data released by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Although the total was a decrease from the previous two years, the outcome is by design and reflects DNR efforts to reduce the deer population.

“Several years ago, we modified our management strategy to focus deer herd reduction in a strate-gically targeted manner to more adequately balance ecological, recreational and economic needs of Indiana citizens,” explained Mitch Marcus, chief wildlife biologist for the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife.

“We are no longer managing for a stable to increasing deer herd, so the declines in harvest are expected.”

The 2014 total was a 4.4 percent drop from 2013 and an 11.9 percent drop from the all-time record harvest of 136,248 deer in 2012. To view the full report, go to www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild and locate “2014 Deer Report” in the Hunting & Trapping panel.

The 2014 season was composed of three statewide segments – Archery (Oct. 1-Jan. 4), Firearms (Nov. 15-30) and Muzzleloader (Dec. 7-21). A late antlerless season was available from Dec. 6-Jan. 4 in 63 counties.

Additionally, licensed youth age 17 or younger were eligible to participate in a two-day season in late September, and designated urban zones allowed archery or crossbow hunting from Sept. 15-Jan. 31.

As is typical, the firearms season was the most productive, accounting for 67,989 deer, or 57 percent of the total. The archery season accounted for 34,600 deer (29 percent), followed by muzzleloader (10,825; 9 percent), late antlerless (4,171; 3 percent), and youth (2,488; 2 percent). The archery season total included the urban zone harvest.

Harrison County was the top producer for the second straight season with 3,054. It was the only county to top 3,000. The top counties after Harrison were Washington (2,794), Switzerland (2,721), Franklin (2,620), Noble (2,615), Steuben (2,536), Dearborn (2,534), Parke (2,379), Kosciusko (2,333) and Jefferson (2,258). Harvest exceeded 1,000 deer in 58 counties and 2,000 deer in 16 counties.

Benton had the fewest deer reported, with 88, followed by Tipton with 121.

Despite the overall decline, four counties set unofficial records in 2014 – Decatur (832), Fayette (1,052), Floyd (821) and Hancock (339).

Hunters had three options to report their harvest – traditional in-person check stations, online or by phone. For the first time since the online CheckIN Game program began in 2012, more deer were reported online or by phone (66,309) than at physical check stations (54,034).

Hunters in Indiana have harvested approximately 3.38 million deer since the modern era of regulated deer hunting seasons began in the Hoosier State in 1951.

Deer hunters boost donations

The Indiana Conservation Officers Sportsmen’s Benevolence Fund (SBF) program was used by Indiana deer hunters to donate a record 1,756 deer to feed hungry Hoosiers the past deer season. A total of 81,715 pounds of venison was used by Indiana food banks to provide 326,858 high-protein meals from October to January.

Statewide average deer processing costs were $60.61, which averages to $1.30 per pound of venison and 32 cents per meal. “SBF is another way the DNR Law Enforcement Division works closely with our ethical sportsmen and -women to address issues of great interest within our state,” said Danny L. East, DNR Law Enforcement Division director. “Our partnership with our hunters, fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts continues to be one of our top priorities, and these numbers speak volumes on how well we are doing.”

The 2014-15 season totals are an increase from the 2013-14 deer season of 1,411 donated deer and 67,473 pounds of venison providing 269,892 meals.

“The DNR is proud of the hunting community for stepping up to provide for those in need through the SBF Program,” DNR Director Cameron Clark said. “I am proud of the strong relationship that continues to build between our agency and those who enjoy our vast natural resources.”

The SBF received public funding in 2013 through a bill authored by state Sens. Mike Crider and Brent Steele.

“I am very pleased with the growth of the SBF program, especially since the statewide deer harvest decreased this season, which shows great support of this program by our citizens,” Crider said. “I am also pleased that the program was once again funded in the state budget that just passed.”

For more information on the SBF, visit www.in.gov/dnr/lawenfor/3987.htm

Lake Monroe ealleye tagging

The Indiana DNR is conducting a walleye tagging study on Lake Monroe. Walleye caught from the reservoir may be tagged near the fish’s dorsal fin.

Anglers should inspect all walleye caught and look for tag(s). When a tag has been in water for a long period of time, algae forms, making it appear brown or black. Some walleye may be double-tagged.

Remove the tag(s) with a knife or scissors. Use extra care if the fish is being released. Anglers will need to report the capture of a tagged fish to the DNR.

Tag return envelopes are available at Lake Monroe boat ramps, gate houses, the DNR Paynetown office, the DNR Bloomington field office or by mail from: DNR Bloomington Field Office, 5596 E. State Road 46, Bloomington, IN 47401.

Fill out the information on the tag return envelope and drop the tag(s) into the envelope. Envelopes may be returned to wherever you obtained them. Please only include tag(s) from one fish per envelope.

If you do not have a tag return envelope, please return the tag with the following information to the DNR Bloomington field office: tag number(s) and month, day and year of capture. Also, indicate if you released the fish or brought it home. Please include your name and address.

For more details, call the Bloomington field office at 812-278-8300.

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 email at jackspaulding@hughes.net or by writing to him in care of this publication.