DNR doesn't back high-powered rifles for deer hunting

A controversial proposal that would have allowed Indiana deer hunters to use high-powered rifles is likely dead.

Wildlife officials at the Department of Natural Resources are recommending against the proposal, saying the deep rift it caused among hunters has proven too contentious.

While it's possible the Indiana Natural Resources Commission could buck the agency's recommendation next week, longtime followers of the 12-person board say it's very rare for that to happen.

The commission, which meets at 10 a.m. May 19 at Fort Harrison State Park's garrison ballroom, sets the hunting and fishing regulations enforced by the state's conservation officers.

The proposal would allow the use of any center-fire rifle caliber larger than .243 in Indiana's annual firearms deer season, which typically begins in mid-November.

Currently, only some pistol calibers, muzzle-loading rifles and slug-firing shotguns are allowed.

The DNR says in its report to the commission that Indiana's nearly 266,500 deer hunters were split on the issue.

One camp argued that Indiana's flat topography would have created a safety issue if hunters were allowed to shoot rifles with longer ranges. They also cited worries about harm to the state's deer herd if hunters were allowed to hunt with what were perceived to be more effective weapons.

Proponents argued the center-fire rounds wouldn't be less safe, and that other states with similar terrain allow their use with no uptick in accidents. They also argued allowing a more diverse group of rifles would bring more hunters — particularly women and children — into the hunting fold.

At one point, gun-rights advocate and rock and roller Ted Nugent spoke out in favor of the proposal.

DNR officials said that based on the agency's research, the proposed rule change wouldn't increase the number of deer killed, nor would it reduce the size of the herd. The agency also found no evidence that using rifles would lead to more hunting accidents.

Still, the officials said that because it was a "social issue," the strong opposition to the proposal prompted the agency to recommend against the change.

Call Star reporter Ryan Sabalow at (317) 444-6179. Follow him on Twitter: @RyanSabalow.