The problem is similar today. Indiana's deer herd has been steadily increasing, and complaints about damage to orchards, nurseries, forests and agricultural crop and gardens have become common in some areas. Deer/auto accidents are also of great concern. However, the solution to these problems have become more complex than simply removing the offending deer.

Among the solutions recommended and implemented by the Indiana Division of Fish and Wildlife are: issuance of antlerless and bonus hunting permits, fencing to protect valuable crops, planting alternate food crops to attract deer away from desired crops, repellants and even tying a dog near gardens or small plots. However, none of these methods provide complete control. Those that hold the best promise are methods aimed at controlling the overall population. This management is primarily geared towards harvesting excess deer.

While there are many ways to lessen deer damage one little publicized program allows the taking of additional deer during the regular deer season. Through the DNR's "DEPREDATION ZONE" program up to 10 antlerless permits can be issued to landowners or tenants who have over $250 in annual or persistent deer damage. These permits are issued directly to the landowner or tenant, who may distribute them to hunters of his choice. No hunter may b issued more than 2 such permits. To validate the permit the hunter, not the landowner, must use this permit to purchase an extra deer license. The permit is only valid during the firearm season.