DNR seeks feedback on deer anterless bag limit in local counties, other changes

(BROOKVILLE, Ind.) – The Indiana DNR is seeking public comment for proposed changes to a few wildlife-related rules. 

One of the changes would be to increase the deer antlerless bag limits in Franklin and Fayette counties. The current limit is 3 in those counties as a result of the epizootic hemorrhagic disease in 2023.

“Because it has been two years since this major outbreak, the department would like to increase the antlerless quotas in Fayette and Franklin counties to a number that will help manage the population and give hunters more opportunities to take deer,” Indiana DNR officials said.

Here is the full list of proposed changes that the DNR is seeking feedback on:

• Allowing muzzleloaders that load the powder and primer from the breech end during the muzzleloader season;

  
  

• Removing previous limits on rifles for deer hunting, deferring to those set forth in IC 14-22-2-8;

  
  

• Removing armadillos from the list of exotic mammals;

  
  

• Removing Kirtland’s warbler from the state’s list of endangered species; 

  
  

• Allowing additional methods for taking frogs; and

  
  

• Increasing the deer antlerless bag limits in Fayette and Franklin counties;

  
  

Public comments are being submitted until July 30 and you can access the site by clicking here. Click the “Submit Comments Here” link under each green tab.

Comments can also be mailed to:

Natural Resources Commission, C/O Indiana DNR Legal Division

402 W. Washington Street, Room W-261

Indianapolis, IN 46204

The public hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. on July 30 at the Fort Harrison Inn in Indianapolis. Interested members of the public can attend in person or online.