The DNR is seeking individual partners and communities to participate in the Community Hunting Access Program (CHAP) in 2018.
In its second year, CHAP is an initiative through the DNR Division of Fish andWildlife to increase hunting opportunities for deer in urban and suburban areas. Doing so can help alleviate human-deer conflicts. CHAP provides community partners with financial and technical assistance to administer hunting programs in their communities.
As part of the program, managed hunts are administered by a certified CHAP coordinator trained in hunting safety, deer biology and public relations.
The community partner determines when and where managed hunts occur, what hunters can participate, and which certified CHAP coordinator they use or contract.
Communities interested in participating in CHAP must submit a grant application by March 31.
Training for people interested in becoming a certified CHAP coordinator will take place on Feb. 1. To sign up for the Feb. 1 CHAP Coordinator training, or for questions regarding certification prerequisites, contact south region urban biologist Megan Dillon at mdillon@dnr.IN.gov.