Eighteen state parks and one nature preserve will temporarily close to the general public on Dec. 10-11 (one such hunt already took place on Nov. 26-27), for the special deer reduction efforts. They include Chain O’Lakes, Charlestown, Clifty Falls, Fort Harrison, Harmonie, Indiana Dunes, Lincoln, McCormick’s Creek, Ouabache, Pokagon, Potato Creek, Shades, Shakamak, Spring Mill, Tippecanoe River, Turkey Run, Versailles and Whitewater Memorial state parks, plus Twin Swamps Nature Preserve.

During the reduction, volunteers selected by drawings held earlier in the year will assist the DNR in reducing the size of the deer herds, which have grown too large to be supported by the vegetation at the properties. The goal is to help restore and maintain the ecological balance in the participating properties.

The DNR first began to reduce the size of deer herds occupying Indiana’s state parks in 1993, with a one-day reduction at Brown County State Park. Since then, deer reductions have been conducted at 20 of the state’s 24 parks.

DNR biologists and naturalists now determine the need for a reduction each year on a park-by-park basis. Biologists determined Brown County and Summit Lake state parks, which underwent reductions in recent years, did not need to participate.

Individuals who have completed the Indiana Hunter Education Course were given preference to participate in the firearm reductions. The firearms hunts by the previously selected, qualified hunters are limited to the use of shotguns, muzzleloaders and pistols.

Archery equipment, rather than firearms, will be used at the Clifty Falls and Fort Harrison controlled reductions. Computer-selected archers were required to have completed the International Bowhunter Education Program or hold a Hunter Education certificate to participate.

The hunts are not open to the general public.

Hunting over a baited area

Every year there are hunters ticketed by Conservation officers for hunting over bait. Some hunters do it knowingly, while others make the mistake of assuming some bait-like products are legal in Indiana. Scent products are okay, but if you pack the product in, spread it or pour it out, chances are it is illegal.

It is illegal to hunt over, or near, a “baited” area. Bait is considered to be any product transported into a hunting area and placed there for animal consumption. Bait can be in the form of salt, mineral blocks or prepared solid or liquid which is intended for the animal to eat. An area is considered to be baited for 10 days after the removal of the bait and any affected soil.

Indiana Conservation officers will ticket anyone hunting over or near a baited area. If you suspect someone is hunting for deer by using this method, please contact the “Turn in a Poacher” hotline at 800-TIP-IDNR (847-4367).

The act of trespassing

Some Hoosier hunters get a rude awakening when they are ticketed for trespassing while tracking wounded deer, trying to retrieve the animal. Trespassing and hunting or trapping without consent are common offenses Indiana Conservation officers investigate throughout the hunting and trapping season.

It is illegal to hunt, trap, chase or retrieve game on private property without the consent or permission from the landowner or tenant. Sportsmen should respect landowner property rights and always ask permission before entering private property.

When hunters have a wounded deer cross onto private property, they need to get permission from the landowner or the tenant first. If they are refused access, they should contact their local Conservation officer. Often, the local officer can mediate with the property owner to allow retrieval of the deer.

Toboggan time trials

Bundle up, get a team and head to Pokagon State Park for opening weekend of the Pokagon Toboggan Run for a new time trials event on Dec. 1.

The special event, which features the state’s only twin-track, refrigerated toboggan run, will be held from 1-4 p.m. Teams will compete against a radar gun and time clock and prizes will be awarded for the fastest in each division.

There will be four team divisions: men’s team, up to four people; women’s team, up to four people; family team (immediate family members, up to four people); and the best, most creatively dressed team. The latter can be a team of up to four people of any gender or relation.

As with all tobogganing on the Pokagon run, all participants must use the state park’s toboggans. Toboggan fees are $10 per hour, per toboggan. A driver’s license is required for renting up to four toboggans, and each toboggan holds up to four people.

Participation in the time trials is free and voluntary. People are permitted to toboggan without participating in the time trials. Prior registration is not needed. Teams may register after renting their sleds. Toboggans may not be altered in any way. Time trial teams will have their choice of which track to ride once they get to the top of the tower.

Pokagon features one of just three known refrigerated toboggan runs in the Midwest. Since the mid-1930s, the site has been home to a toboggan run, having been remodeled and improved over the years to provide an experience duplicated nowhere else.

Reservations are not necessary. Sleds are available on a first come, first served basis. For further information, call 260-833-2012. For further Pokagon toboggan run information, visit www.tobogganrun.com

The normal park entrance fee of $5 for in-state vehicles or $7 for out-of-state vehicles will be charged, or visitors can use their annual entrance passes. Each method of entry is available at the park’s front gate.

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