13 Indiana state parks to close for November deer hunts

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Thirteen of Indiana's state parks will temporarily close their gates to visitors this month for hunts targeting deer that threaten native plant life.

State wildlife biologists each year evaluate which parks are in need of a deer reduction based on each park's habitat and previous deer-kill rates.

The 13 state parks that will be temporarily closed for the hunts on Nov. 13 and 14 and Nov. 26 and 27 are home to more than 32 state-endangered plants. By taking deer, hunters help reduce their populations to a level that helps maintain habitat throughout the parks for all plants and animals.

The parks slated for the hunts are Chain O'Lakes, Charlestown, Fort Harrison, Harmonie, Ouabache, Prophetstown, Shades, Shakamak, Spring Mill, Tippecanoe River, Turkey Run, Versailles and Whitewater Memorial.