Area hunters looking to help manage the antlerless white-tailed deer population can start at the end of the week.
Bonus quotas for the state of Indiana’s female deer have been in place for some time, but the official start of the special antlerless hunting season starts this Friday.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has provided a map on their website detailing the quotas by county. Compared to last year, quotas have only been increased in four counties with 63 fewer counties participating.
According to the DNR, harvesting female white-tailed deer is crucial to controlling the population in the state. It also provides individuals an opportunity to manage certain problems caused by the animals during the hunting season, if necessary.
This year, Starke and Pulaski Counties have a bag limit of eight antlerless deer. Marshall and LaPorte Counties meet the participation requirements, but have a limit of four deer.
According to the DNR, few hunters actually take the eight deer allowed in certain counties under the license.
Quota recommendations are made each year through biologists and Conservation Officers to a DNR Fish and Wildlife panel according to a press release. The quotas are typically left in place for multiple years to help determine their results.
Quota suggestions are made with the help of crop damage reports, vehicle collisions, and satisfaction surveys from area landowners and hunters.
Participation in the special antlerless season will run through January 4th. Make sure you have all your equipment including a weather proof hunting backpack.
