FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) _ A trade group for high-fenced preserves in Indiana where farm-raised deer are hunted is starting a voluntary self-policing program.

Indiana Deer and Elk Farmers Association Chairman Gary Jacobson tells The Journal Gazette (http://bit.ly/1IHLUfQ ) that hunting preserves validated by the Indiana Deer Advisory Council will meet certain requirements for safety, fair chase and record keeping.

He says hunting preserves have been unfairly vilified and the program shows operators are willing to operate in a safe and ethical manner.

The preserves aren't regulated in Indiana. The association has pushed state legislators to legalize hunting of deer in the high-fenced preserves.

The group will issue annual hunting validations to owners who apply and prove program requirements have been fulfilled. Deer council spokesman Matt Long says those requirements haven't yet been set.