As John Laundre and Chris Spatz told us yesterday...........not enough hunters in the Eastern woods to bring deer populations back to levels that will allow for forest regeneration and optimum diversity.......Indiana's Dept of Ntl Resources is desperate to reduce the deer and of course they are hearing objections from hunters, animal rights folks, etc

Big Changes Possible For Deer Hunters

DNR Wants To Adjust Hunting Season

 

The Department of Natural Resources is considering extending the crossbow hunting season in an attempt to cut down on the deer population, 6News' Chance Walser reported.

The DNR has been grappling with ways to curb an overpopulation of deer for more than two years.

"The DNR is trying to please a multitude of customers -- the hunters, the farmers and the nature lovers," said hunter Woody Williams.

On Tuesday, the agency passed sweeping statewide changes to deer hunting laws. Extending the crossbow hunting season by about two months is among the planned changes.

If the proposal passes, crossbow enthusiasts would be able to join longbow hunters from Oct. 1 through the end of November.

The DNR also proposed a new deer hunting season at the end of the year for female deer.

If passed, the changes would take effect beginning with the 2012 hunting season.

Some critics contend that the added crossbow presence would make it harder for other hunters to land deer.

The attorney general's office will review the DNR's request. If the AG signs off on it, Gov. Mitch Daniels has the final say.