4 area Indiana State Parks will close for deer hunts

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says select Indiana State Park properties will temporarily close for controlled deer management hunts starting next week. 

The first two-day hunt is Monday, Nov. 16, and Tuesday, Nov. 17, followed by a second event on Monday, Nov. 30, and Tuesday, Dec. 1. 

Overall, 25 parks will close, including four nearby: Brown County State Park, Clifty Falls State Park, Fort Harrison State Park, and Versailles State Park.   

The participating properties will close to the public the evening before the two hunts and reopen the morning after. DNR reminds that only individuals selected from the draw may participate at any site.   

“Deer hunts at our properties are important in managing the deer population and its impact on habitat for native plants and wildlife,” said Anthony Sipes, natural resources manager for Indiana State Parks. “Each year, we evaluate which state park properties require a deer management hunt.”