Thanks..
Of particular interest to deer hunters..VEHICLE/DEER ACCIDENT REDUCTION PLANChris Smith, Director, Legislative Relations, DNR, distributed information concerning the
Hunters Helping Farmers program (Exhibit #10) and the new antlerless deer bag limit
(Exhibit #11). He stated DNR is increasing the bag limits on deer. However, it is difficult to
get hunters to hunt more deer because hunters usually only take deer they can use. DNR
has met with other state agencies to discuss ways to reduce vehicle-deer accidents.
INDOT has looked at a system that incorporates sensors and warning lights but the
system is too expensive. Most deer are on private property. DNR is developing an
electronic deer hunter resume system to help pair deer hunters with farmers who will allow
deer hunting on their property.
Mark Reiter, Director, Division of Fish and Wildlife, DNR, stated that DNR is developing
new strategies to manage the state deer population. The goal is to reduce the size of the
deer herd. Bag limits are being increased in many counties. DNR is also looking at
changes to the length and start dates of hunting seasons. New weapons have been
allowed in deer hunts in recent years and the department will look at expanding the
weapons that may be used to take deer. DNR would like hunters to harvest more female
deer. Deer hunting licenses are being adjusted to provide an incentive to take more doe.
Pete Hanebutt, Indiana Farm Bureau, complimented DNR on its deer reduction efforts.
There is a need to encourage more people to take up deer hunting. There are only about
50-60,000 deer hunters in the state. A limiting factor for existing deer hunters is available
freezer space to store venison.
A letter was distributed to Committee members from Emily Weikert Bryant, Executive
Director, Feeding Indiana's Hungry, Inc., supporting a deer processing fund fee to be
added to hunting license fees. (Exhibit #12)
WW - Not sure where Old Pete got his deer hunter numbers from.
