Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
PIERCETON -ÊLast week, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources issued a statement that it will eliminate high-fenced hunting beginning in 2006.
However, the issue is far from over.
According to State Rep. Bill Ruppel, nothing is final until after the legislative session concludes. Ruppel said bills for this session are not filed until December so a final decision by the state will not come until after the beginning of 2006.
Enforcement of rules regarding high-fenced hunting will remain "like it is until the legislative session. (The new interpretation) will not be enforced ... and hunts sold this fall will be allowed," said Ruppel.
Indiana Department of Natural Resources Director Kyle Hupfer released a statement last week saying, "the hunting of captive whitetail deer within an enclosure" will be eliminated.
The statement went on to explain that the "scope of the game breeder's license is limited to the propagation of an animal in captivity or the possession, purchase or sale of an animal solely for the purpose of propagation. A game breeder's license does not allow the hunting or purposeful killing of deer maintained under that license."
"The actions taken today and the future enforcement of the game breeder's license restrictions ensure that the strong Hoosier hunting heritage is protected for generations to come," Hupfer said in a statement Thursday. "I hope that this represents the end of this debate and that there will be no further legislation to legalize these practices. In order to preserve the hunting tradition, we must ensure that all hunting in Indiana is done in an ethical manner and in a way that conforms with long-standing fair-chase standards."
According to Ruppel, legislation regarding high-fenced hunting was proposed last year, but lawmakers, "held off on a decision on Kyle (Hupfer's) behalf" because Hupfer was researching the issue.
Hupfer held several public forums on the high-fenced hunting issue and received more than 1,300 e-mails on the topic.
"Public review included the holding of five public forums," Hupfer said in a statement. "Approximately 600 people attended the forums and at least 200 distinct individuals provided comments. The DNR received over 1,300 e-mails during the review process."
