ALBION – Our two state parks, Chain-o-Lakes and Pokagon, along with the Trine State Recreation Area will close temporarily for controlled deer management hunts in the coming weeks.

Each hunt runs two days. The first hunt is on Monday, Nov. 18, and Tuesday, Nov. 19. The second is on Monday, Dec. 2, and Tuesday, Dec. 3. The participating state park properties will close to the general public on the evening before each of the two hunts.

The properties will re-open the morning after each two-day hunt.

Indiana DNR biologists evaluate which state park properties require a deer management hunt each year based on habitat recovery and previous harvest rates at each park. The deer management hunts help control browsing by deer to a level that helps ensure healthy habitat for native plants and animals.

Only individuals selected from the draw may participate at any site.