POTATO CREEK STATE PARK
Potato Creek SP proves that not all successful reduction hunts were held in the southern part of the state. The park is located 12 miles south of South Bend. Named for the potato-like roots that grow along the creek, this park has 3,840 acres that surround the 327-acre Worster Lake. Swamps, shallow marshes, abandoned fields and hardwood forests make up this property. The reduction hunt in 2007 produced 109 deer harvested within the 19-square-mile area of huntable acreage.

Other state parks, such as Ouabache and Whitewater Memorial, also ranked high for deer harvest during this past hunting season. These parks, and many others, had good harvest numbers, despite the poor weather experienced during the majority of the hunts, along with a very high number of no-show hunters, yet still produced a grand total of 1,300 deer harvested at state parks in 2007. That means 1,300 families benefited from the added bonus of freezers filled with a fresh supply of venison.

Once a hunting season is finished, officials start to look at success ratios, how well did the hunters do as far as harvesting deer, and vegetative surveys. If that number does not give them the information they need, they look at harvest ratio, how many deer per square mile were shot. Finally, if those two factors still do not indicate the need or removal of the property for a reduction hunt, analysts look at browse lines and vegetation reports for each individual property. The DNR is constantly analyzing data and monitoring the property to make wise decisions on which areas need to be hunted.

Special hunt applications are required in advance in order to participate in any of these state park hunts. Normal hunting regulations apply, although special rules do take effect in some areas. However, any deer harvested through a state park reduction hunt, does not count toward the normal harvest quota for a regular deer season. This means additional opportunities to harvest more whitetails. The DNR’s Web site offers online registration, plus the hunter’s guidebook provides detailed information on how to apply.

Sportsmen and women across Indiana are reaping the benefits from additional hunting opportunities, the DNR benefits from the help of hunters (volunteers) in helping control the growing deer population on state park properties, and park visitors, as well as vegetation, benefit from reduction hunts.

Thanks to conservation-minded hunters, visitors can stroll along the roadsides, hike the nature trails, and enjoy a healthy ecosystem that is now thriving. For example, 15 years ago in Brown County State Park, it was tough to spot two or three types of wildflowers growing along the roadside and trails, but today, thanks to the efforts of these types of hunts, park visitors often can find multiple wildflower species, such as the yellow lady slipper orchids and others. State park hunts are a win-win situation for all Hoosiers.

The dates for this year’s state park hunts will be Nov. 17 and 18 and Dec. 1 and 2, 2008. Applications are available early summer in the 2008-2009 Indiana Hunting and Trapping Guide or at indianaoutdoor.in.gov . Applicants are urged to read all the details pertaining to each park hunt very carefully.