INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- The Indiana Department of Natural Resources announced they've opened the final public comment period for the proposed changes to Indiana's deer hunting and river otter trapping rules before members vote on the final adoption.

Proposed changes include:

• A statewide bag limit of six antlerless deer as well as a newly created county antlerless bag limit instead of season antlerless bag limits. Because of this change, the bonus antlerless license would be the multiple-season antlerless license that could be used in the archery, muzzleloader, and firearms seasons.
• Hunters would not be able to harvest antlerless deer on Division of Fish and Wildlife properties with a firearm.
• The use of crossbow equipment would be allowed under the archery license.
• The minimum caliber for a muzzleloader would be reduced from 0.44 inches to 0.40 inches.
• Removing the special antlerless firearms season.

"Indiana DNR is proposing to open regulated otter trapping statewide but retain all other otter trapping regulations, such as the statewide quota, bag limits, reporting, and tagging for the regulated otter season. Indiana DNR values river otters and recognizes their value to the state," said DNR Furbearer Biologist Geriann Albers.

Public comments can be submitted here, via the “Submit Comments Here” link in the Rulemaking Docket for the Deer Hunting Amendment Proposal and River Otter Trapping Rule.

Comments can also be mailed to Natural Resources Commission Indiana Government Center North 100 North Senate Ave., Room N103 Indianapolis, IN 46204.

“We take the responsibility of balancing differing views around wildlife management seriously and are thoughtful about making small incremental changes for river otters,” Albers said.

DNR officials say the deadline for public comments is August 23.

The public hearing for the river otter trapping proposals is Aug. 26, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. ET.

The public hearing for the deer hunting rule proposal is August 26, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. ET.

Both hearings will be at Atterbury Fish and Wildlife Area located at 7970 S. Rowe St. in Edinburgh.

You can attend in person or online during the timeframes.

You can attend online for the river otter trapping rule proposals hearing by going to Microsoft Teams and entering Meeting ID 222 103 323 673 and passcode 6Uubce.

You can attend online for the river otter trapping rule proposals hearing by going to Microsoft Teams and entering Meeting ID 270 300 510 234 and Passcode v8ArCJ.

You can find more information on the proposed rule changes, here.

If you have questions about the proposed deer regulation changes, you may call 812-334-3795 or email [email protected].

If you have questions about the proposed otter rule, you may call Albers at 812-822-3304 or email [email protected].