Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Ken McIntosh's petition for the permanent establishment of a high-fence hunting complex was tabled for two months by the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals Tuesday.
McIntosh's petition is for an exception in an agricultural district to provide commercial recreation on a permanent basis on the north side of CR 150S, west of Robinson Lake in Washington Township.
A year ago the BZA decided the operation fit within the use guidelines for agricultural zoning. That approval expired Dec. 14.
In August, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources imposed a ban on high-fence hunting. The DNR will not enforce the decision until after the current legislative session, to give lawmakers an opportunity to craft a law overturning the DNR's decision or, by doing nothing, to approve the ban.
Kim Brant, director of the DNR's communications division, said this morning that if no new rulings are made about high-fence hunting the activity will no longer be allowed in the state.
McIntosh has fenced 161 acres for hunters to shoot white-tailed deer, elk or fallow deer. He owns 47 acres and rents 114. Guests may hunt the elk and fallow deer year-round. Because white-tails are a native species, hunters must observe seasonal rules to shoot them.
Also available at Midwest-Woodlots, McIntosh says, is overnight lodging, wildlife observation, photography opportunities, observation of horticultural of agricultural uses, recreational activities and tours.
In addition to costs for an Indiana hunting license, costs for a three-day stay are $2,725 for individuals and $2,500 each for a party of two or more.
Adjacent property owners say parking is a problem and traffic is being impaired when people stop to look at the animals.
McIntosh's petition will be heard by the BZA again March 14.
