St. Joseph County Parks will implement a deer management program at Bendix Woods County Park in New Carlisle this November.

The decision to implement an deer management plan was based on several  factors: (1) the staff observed more deer and deer trails within the park property, and have observed increased damage to key indicator plants species such as trillium and other fauna; (2) the staff wants to act proactively, to protect the forest ecosystem and the nature preserve.

The deer management hunt will take place on November 27 and 28, 2021. Bendix Woods County Park will be closed to the public on these dates.

To emphasize deer population reduction, the management program will be an antlerless hunt.

Three hunters, plus one alternate will be selected by a lottery to participate.

Hunters must possess an Indiana Bonus Antlerless License.

The deadline for applications is October 6. A mandatory meeting with park staff is required. Meeting will be held October 27 at 6pm at the Bendix Woods Nature Center.

More information and Hunter Application Forms are available at www.sjcparks.org