NRC extends 'one-buck rule' for deer hunting

JASONVILLE —The Indiana Natural Resources Commission on Tuesday approved an indefinite extension of what’s commonly referred to as the “one-buck rule” for deer hunting.

The decision to extend the rule removes the expiration date on a 10-year-old regulation that limits a hunter to taking no more than one antlered deer during the regular archery, firearms and muzzleloader hunting seasons.

The “one-buck rule” was first applied in 2002 for a five-year period. The Commission approved an extension in 2007 with an expiration date of Sept. 1, 2012.

This year, the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife proposed extending the rule indefinitely, stating that limiting deer hunters to only one buck per year is not needed to manage the deer herd. The DNR considers it a social issue, not a biological issue.

In other actions, the NRC:

–Approved the permanent appointment of three assistant property managers: Mike Miller at Ouabache State Park; Matt Wronowicz at Brookville Lake-Whitewater Memorial State Park Complex; and Lynda Ellington at Shakamak State Park.

–Granted nature preserve status to three properties: Elliott Woods in Vigo County; Section Six Flatwoods Addition in Posey County; and Glacial Esker at Chain O’Lakes State Park in Noble County.

–Authorized the Division of State Parks & Reservoirs and State Park Inns to conduct negotiations with a potential vendor for a restaurant and other operations at the Indiana Dunes State Park pavilion.

The Commission gave final approval to the following:

–Amendments that govern aquatic vegetation control permits (312 IAC 9-10-3).

–Amendments that govern entomology and plant pathology (312 IAC 18).

The Commission gave preliminary approval to:

–Amendments to fish and wildlife rules that include clarifying requirements for chasing wild animals with dogs during the hunting season, removing restrictions and handgun license requirements when chasing raccoons, adding the late season for taking lesser snow geese and Ross’s geese, adding the monk parakeet as an exempted species of bird that can be taken at any time, adding the use of bowfishing equipment and crossbows for taking Asian carp and other specified fish on rivers and streams, adding the rayed bean as an endangered species of mussel, and removing application deadlines and other changes to the special disability permit for hunters.

–Amendments to Indiana Administrative Code 312 IAC 9 governing commercial fishing, fishing guide licenses, and establishment of the new roe harvesters and dealers licenses.

–A rule to provide administrative review of testing results and continuing education credits required of individuals obtaining certain permits administered by the DNR.