Controlled deer hunts at state park properties are achieving the intended result of habitat recovery, but analysis of information collected this year indicates deer numbers remain above desired levels at many locations.

Volunteer hunters killed 1,546 deer during four days of controlled hunts at 21 Indiana state parks in November. The number of deer taken is only the 10th highest total in 18 years of state park hunts, but resource biologists say harvest numbers alone have limited value in determining success.

Instead, their research shows a better indicator is harvest-to-hunter effort (H/E). When the H/E ratio drops to 0.22 to 0.2, vegetation and habitat begin to recover from deer over-browsing. Another reliable target is a harvest of 12-16 deer per square mile.

The mean H/E ratio for all participating parks this year was 0.27 – the second most successful on record. Seventeen parks experienced H/E ratios above target levels, and most parks also were above the harvest per square mile target.

“Although some parks are more successful than others at achieving a maintenance phase, data continue to indicate habitat recovery as well as sustained deer populations,” said Mike Mycroft, chief of natural resources for the Department of Natural Resource (DNR) Division of State Parks & Reservoirs.

“It’s worth reiterating that park reductions are not intended to manage deer populations for optimal recreational hunting. The goal is to reduce the impact of browsing to a level that allows some of Indiana’s rarest and most unique natural communities to thrive.”

Mycroft noted although abrupt browse lines and emaciated deer are a thing of the past at state parks, less obvious damage persists throughout the park system and deer continue to impact rare and endangered flora as well as valuable habitat such as oak forests. His full report on the 2011 controlled hunts is available at www.StateParks.IN.gov

Look for the 2011 Deer Reduction Report link below the photographs.

The first two-day hunt was Nov. 14-15, and the second was Nov. 28-29. State parks included were Brown County, Chain O’Lakes, Charlestown, Clifty Falls, Fort Harrison, Harmonie, Indiana Dunes, Lincoln, McCormick’s Creek, Ouabache, Pokagon, Potato Creek, Prophetstown, Shades, Shakamak, Spring Mill, Summit Lake, Tippecanoe, Turkey Run, Versailles and Whitewater Memorial. Cave River Valley, a satellite site at Spring Mill, was also included.

Weather was marginal statewide for both sessions. Temperatures were warm on the first two-day session, with high winds, rain and thunderstorms scattered across much of the state. Second-round weather was cooler with gusty winds and a mix of rain and snow.

Another influencing factor was hunter no-shows, meaning hunters who were drawn for participation but did not participate at all, or participated only one day. Just over 6,000 hunters were selected in the initial draw.

Standby drawings were conducted at four parks on a trial basis to fill spots left vacant by originally selected hunters. The standby drawings reduced what would have been a combined 59 percent four-day average of no-shows at the four parks to 49 percent.

Crosley Fish & Wildlife Area (FWA) will host its fourth annual youth squirrel hunt on Jan. 7. The event, a joint effort with the Hoosier Tree Dog Alliance and Clifty Creek Coonhunters, matches young hunters with experienced hunters and their squirrel dogs on a guided hunt.

The youth hunt is open to ages 17 and younger. Children 12 and younger must have an adult with them, but older youth are also welcome to bring their parents or another adult. All experience levels are welcome, especially participants looking to try hunting for the first time. Squirrel hunting with a dog is a great way to get interested in hunting and the outdoors.

The youth squirrel hunt requires either a youth license, which requires completion of a hunter education course, or an apprentice license for youth who have not completed a hunter education course.

Youth attending the squirrel hunt are encouraged to bring their favorite squirrel rifle or shotgun. Firearms will be provided to participants new to hunting or who need to borrow equipment. All hunters and individuals participating must bring a regulation hunter-orange garment.

Participants should arrive at 9 a.m. at the Crosley FWA Office, located at 2010 S. State Route 3 in North Vernon. Participants will listen to a short safety talk and then proceed to the woods.

After the hunt, lunch will be provided and some door prizes will be handed out. Individuals interested in participating need to call 812-346-5596 soon to register or for more information.

Experience the world of eagles in Indiana with indoor and outdoor programs at Patoka Lake Visitor Center on Jan. 7. The morning session, presented from 8:30-11:30, will be followed by an encore afternoon session from noon-3 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time).

Featured will be a resident bald eagle and great horned owl. Guest presenter Leslie Grow, DNR Hardy Lake interpretive naturalist, will share the life and story of the amazing raptors. Join Aaron Showalter, Patoka Lake wildlife specialist, and his team as all travel by car caravan to hot spots for eagle viewing.

Guest presenter John Castrale, DNR non-game biologist, will share his experiences during the 1980s Eagle Reintroduction Program and interesting information about eagles found in your part of the state.

Pre-registration is required, with a $5 per person program fee. Participants 5 years old and younger attend at no charge. Dress for the weather, and don’t forget to bring binoculars, spotting scopes and cameras. Warm refreshments and snacks will be provided during both sessions. Have vehicles fueled for the car caravan.

For more information regarding the special event, call the Patoka Lake Visitor Center at 812-685-2447 or Patoka Lake Property Office at 812-685-2464.

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 for Jack Spaulding may contact him by e-mail at jackspaulding@hughes.net or by writing to him in care of this publication.