Controlled Deer Hunts Scheduled at Griffy Lake Nov. 14-15 and 21-22

As part of its efforts to manage the deer population and support the long-term health and diversity of the park's forest ecosystem, Bloomington Parks and Recreation will conduct controlled deer hunts at Griffy Lake Nature Preserve Nov. 14–15 and Nov. 21–22.

Griffy Lake Nature Preserve will be closed to all public access and recreational use during the following periods:

• Friday, Nov. 13 at 11 p.m. through Monday, Nov. 16 at 5 a.m.
• Friday, Nov. 20 at 11 p.m. through Monday, Nov. 23 at 5 a.m.

The closures include all trails, shoreline areas, and the entire lake. Hiking, fishing, boating, and all other recreational activities are prohibited during the closures. No watercraft may be launched onto Griffy Lake during either hunt weekend.

The controlled hunts are intended to reduce the impact of deer browsing on native vegetation. Deer feed on young trees, wildflowers, and other plants in the forest understory. When browsing is excessive, it can prevent tree seedlings from becoming established and reduce the abundance and diversity of native plants. Managing deer populations helps these native plant communities recover and supports the long-term regeneration of the forest.

Parks and Recreation has conducted both controlled hunts and deer culls  at Griffy Lake Nature Preserve since 2017 as part of its natural resource management efforts. The Department monitors vegetation to help assess the success of the deer management efforts and inform ongoing management decisions.

Participation in the controlled hunts is limited to hunters who applied and were selected through the Department's selection process. Hunting by anyone not authorized to participate is prohibited, and Griffy Lake Nature Preserve remains closed to general public hunting.

Information about the deer management program, including past deer harvests and plant height monitoring results, is available on the Deer at Griffy Lake website.

For updates about the hunts and park closures, follow Parks and Recreation on Facebook or call 812-349-3700.