Interlake Property To Open For Use August 23  (07-25-08)

Interlake, a new DNR property,  will officially open for year-round use Aug. 23.

The property, located in Warrick and Pike counties in southern Indiana, near Lynnville also can be used for boating, hiking, fishing, hunting, trapping dog training and other activities. Operating hours will be sunrise to sunset.

Property rules will be posted at four entrances:

South entrance (main entrance) - S.R. 68 (east of Lynnville)
North entrance - C.R. 1200 South (Pike County, south of Spurgeon)
West entrances - C.R. 1300 South (Pike-Warrick county line)
Clutter Road (Warrick County)

Parking is permitted along roadsides and at the Marion parking lot (adjacent to the north entrance road).

No on-site amenities will be offered at opening; however, a master planning process is in progress to identify opportunities for future property development. Public meetings on that subject will be announced soon. 

Persons who visit Interlake are required to follow all DNR-property rules. Vehicles and horses are not permitted on marked reclaimed areas. Camping and open fires are prohibited. The Carry In/Carry Out trash policy is required. All off-road vehicles must be properly registered. Equestrians must comply with bridle tags rules. Interlake is for day-use only and is an at-your-own risk property.

Information about Interlake is at: www.in.gov/dnr/outdoor/2915.htm. Specific questions can be directed to Nila Armstrong at narmstrong@dnr.IN.gov or via phone at (317) 232-4029.

DNR Announces Over $1 Million in Grants for 26 Lake and River Enhancement Projects in 26 Counties (7-22-2008)

More than $1 million in grants will go toward care of 26 of Indiana's waterways this year through the DNR's Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) program, part of the DNR's Division of Fish and Wildlife.

"Boaters make these grants possible through the Lake Enhancement Fee paid when they register their boats," said DNR director Robert E. Carter Jr. in announcing the awards. "These funds, in turn, provide money for projects targeted to protect and enhance the very resources used in aquatic recreational pursuits, including fishing and boating." 

The 26 projects approved total $1,055,110, and were submitted by local sponsors and include the commitment of each to share a portion of the total project cost. 

"The LARE grants provide crucial financial assistance to local groups in tackling natural resource issues that can be very expensive and perhaps impossible for them to address on their own," said Jim Ray, section chief for the LARE program. 

Ray added that these projects can require years of planning and diligence to complete. The grants for 2008-09 feature both biological and engineering projects, including diagnostic, design, and engineering feasibility studies, as well as construction projects. Several watershed land-treatment projects received funding to provide assistance to landowners with water-quality concerns near locally important streams. These grants complement the $1.19 million in more specifically targeted LARE grant awards that Carter announced in March to address nuisance aquatic vegetation and dredging of sediment. 

Funding for the newly announced targeted projects comes from the LARE fee paid annually by boat owners to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, which is a variable fee based on the value of the boat when new. 

"A positive local and state economic impact occurs with access to improved water resources," Ray said. "People are able to more fully enjoy boating, fishing and other activities, while at the same time supporting projects that enhance and improve the aquatic environment for fish and other inhabitants of Indiana’s waters."

A list of projects by water body, county, project type and grant award follow:
 

Water body (County)	Project Type	Grant Award
Galena River (LaPorte)	Watershed Diagnostic	29,700
Knox County Streams (Knox)	Watershed Diagnostic	34,650
Loefler & Scott Ditches (Gibson)	Watershed Diagnostic	42,030
Geist Reservoir (Marion, Hamilton, Hancock, Madison,  Henry)	Strategic Management Plan	54,000
Koontz Lake (Starke/Marshall)	Strategic Management Plan	52,200
Morse Reservoir (Hamilton, Boone,   Tipton, Clinton)	Strategic Management Plan	47,700
Big & Crooked Lakes (Whitley/Noble)	Engineering Feasibility	39,600
Palestine Lake (Kosciusko)	Engineering Feasibility	36,000
Salt Creek (Porter)	Engineering Feasibility	49,375
West Otter Lake (Steuben)	Engineering Feasibility	18,000
Lake Sullivan (Sullivan)	Engineering Feasibility/Dredging Plan	45,000
Center Lake (Kosciusko)	Engineering Feasibility/Design	27,000
Lake James (Steuben)	Engineering Feasibility/Design	50,580
Griffy Lake (Monroe)	Design	31,500
Blue Lake (Whitley)	Design/Construction	44,970
Winona Lake (Kosciusko)	Design/Construction	63,375
Dewart Lake (Kosciusko)	Construction	34,875
Lake Gage (Steuben)	Construction	50,775
Ball Lake Watershed (DeKalb/Steuben)	Watershed Land Treatment	20,000
Chain O'Lakes Watershed (Noble)	Watershed Land Treatment	28,780
Elkhart River Watershed (LaGrange)	Watershed Land Treatment	20,000
Locust Creek Watershed (Vanderburgh)	Watershed Land Treatment	30,000
Lost River Watershed (Orange)	Watershed Land Treatment	40,000
Pigeon Creek Watershed (Steuben)	Watershed Land Treatment	70,000
Ramp Creek Watershed (Putnam)	Watershed Land Treatment	20,000
Sand Creek Watershed (Decatur/Jennings)	Watershed Land Treatment	75,000
Total		$1,055,110

Media contacts: Marty Benson, public information officer, (317) 233-3853, (317) 696-9812; Jim Ray, LARE chief, (317) 233-3871.

2008-09 Indiana Hunting and Trapping Guide Now Available  (7-03-08)

The 2008-09 Hunting and Trapping guide is now available wildlife.IN.gov, then clicking on the hunting guide link on left side of the page.

Printed copies of the Hunting and Trapping Guide will be delivered to retailers around the state beginning mid-July.

This version of the guide includes striped-skunk hunting season changes, trap size changes and additional counties for the '09 fall turkey season. Sportsmen and women should check laws pertaining to given activity before going afield. 

Apprentice Hunting Licenses now available

In an effort to help recruit new hunters, Indiana will allow individuals of any age to go hunting before taking a hunter education class, provided that they purchase an Apprentice Hunting License and are accompanied by a licensed adult while hunting. The licenses are currently on sale.

This initiative, which allows individuals to try hunting to see if it is a sport they wish to pursue, without having to first invest a lot of time and money, has been done in other states as part of a nationwide initiative to recruit new hunters.

Here is some basic information about the Indiana Apprentice Hunting License:
* An apprentice hunter can be of any age. 
* An apprentice hunter can be a resident or non-resident. 
* An individual can purchase no more than three apprentice hunting licenses during his/her lifetime. 
* An individual who is at least 18 years old and has a valid hunting license (or is exempt from needing a hunting license under state law) must be in close proximity and be able to communicate at all times with the apprentice hunter.  The individual who accompanies the apprentice hunter cannot accompany more than two apprentice hunters at one time while in the field. 
* All hunting license types will be available to purchase as an apprentice license. 
* Apprentice hunting licenses fees will be established by the Natural Resources Commission in May, but are expected to be the same as for a regular hunting license of that type. 

To purchase your license, go to IndianaOutdoor.IN.gov.

2008 DNR Reserved Hunt Opportunities (6-28-08)

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources offers hunters reserved hunts for mourning dove, military/refuge deer, and game bird habitat area pheasants. Hunters can also apply for state park deer reduction hunts.

 Hunters can apply online after July 1 for late-summer and fall 2008 reserved hunts at:

 IndianaOutdoor.IN.gov.

 Hunters can also mail application cards from the 2008-09 Indiana Hunting and Trapping Guide, which will be available in mid-July at most sporting goods shops, outdoor stores and DNR properties throughout the state.

Hunters may use a single mail-in application to apply for any or all of the dove, pheasant, state park deer reduction, or military/refuge deer hunts, as well as the spring 2009 spring wild turkey reserved hunts. A person can apply for each type of hunt only once.  Hunters with an apprentice license will be allowed to apply for all reserved hunts except the Indiana State Park Deer Reduction Hunt & deer or turkey hunts at Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center.

All applicants will be notified of drawing results by mail.

2008 reserved hunt application deadlines

 First date listed is the mail-in application due date and the second date is the online application deadline:

 - DNR Property Dove Hunts (July 18; Aug. 1)

 - Military/Refuge Deer Hunts (Aug. 15; Aug. 29)

 - State Park Deer Reduction Hunts (Aug. 15; Aug. 29)

 - DNR Reserved Pheasant Hunts (Sept. 19; Oct. 3)

Mail-in applications for each hunt must be received at the DNR Customer Service Center in Indianapolis by the due date to be eligible for the drawing. Late applications and/or incorrectly filled-out applications will be disqualified. If more than one application is received for the same hunter, all applications for that hunter will be disqualified.

No faxed or over-the-phone applications will be accepted. Overnight mailed applications are acceptable, but must be received at the DNR Customer Service Center by the due date, not merely postmarked by that date. Walk-in applications will be accepted at the DNR Customer Service Center until 4:30 p.m. on the due date.

The DNR Customer Service Center is located in the Indiana Government Center South, 402 W. Washington St., Room W160, Indianapolis. Service Center hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

If you have any questions regarding the application process, contact DNR Customer Service Center at (317) 232-4200.

See below for specific information on reserved hunts.

DNR property dove hunts

Mail-in application due by July 18

 Online application deadline, Aug. 1

 The Department of Natural Resources offers reserved mourning dove hunts by random drawing at 12 properties.

Hunters can apply for the reserved dove hunts by completing the 2008 reserved dove hunt application in the 2008-09 Indiana Hunting and Trapping Guide, or they may apply online after July 1 at IndianaOutdoor.IN.gov.

The reserved hunts will take place the first two days of mourning dove season, except at Blue Grass Fish and Wildlife Area, which will draw for the second and fourth days of the season.

 Migratory game bird hunting seasons, such as mourning dove, are subject to approval by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and will not be set until late summer. Dove season in Indiana typically begins Sept. 1.

Participating properties have managed hunting fields planted with sunflower, millet or wheat to provide habitat for doves. Dove field growing conditions can vary across the state. Wet weather can delay planting. Dry weather can stunt sunflower growth. If traveling far to a hunt, contact the property office a week or so before your hunt to check dove field conditions.

Kankakee and Pigeon River fish and wildlife areas require non-toxic shot for all dove hunters.

Hunters will be selected through a random drawing. Hunters who are selected for the reserved dove hunt may bring one hunting partner. Selected hunters and their hunting partners must claim their reservation prior to 11 a.m. local time the day of the hunt. Hunting spots on fish and wildlife areas and reservoirs that are not claimed will be filled with stand-by hunters, except at Bluegrass Fish & Wildlife Area.

During the rest of dove hunting season, participating properties will have drawings each day at 11 a.m. to allocate hunting sites in managed fields, if necessary. To participate in these drawings, arrive at the property by 10:30 a.m. local time.  Please call the property find out which time zone they are in.  Blue Grass FWA will have open dove hunting on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays only after the fourth day of dove season. Other DNR properties may also have open dove hunting available. 

DNR reserved dove hunt properties:

Blue Grass FWA, (812) 789-2724; Hardy Lake, (812) 794-3800; Jasper-Pulaski FWA, (219) 843-4841; Kankakee FWA, (574) 896-3522; Kingsbury FWA, (219) 393-3612; LaSalle FWA, (219) 992-3019; Mississinewa Reservoir, (765) 473-6528; Pigeon River FWA, (260) 367-2164; Roush Lake, (260) 468-2165; Salamonie Reservoir, (260) 468-2125; Willow Slough FWA, (219) 285-2704; Winamac FWA, (574) 946-4422.

2008 Deer Reduction Hunts

Mail-in application due Aug. 15

Online application deadline, Aug. 29

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources will hold controlled deer herd reduction hunts at 17 state parks.

Deer herd reductions are sometimes required at state parks and nature preserves to maintain a deer herd size that is compatible with the ecosystem of each state park.

Hunters can apply for the deer reduction hunts by completing the 2008 state park deer reduction application in the 2008-09 Indiana Hunting and Trapping Guide, or they may apply online after July 1 at IndianaOutdoor.IN.gov.

Mail-in applications should also be available at the park properties after July 1. The mail-in application deadline is Aug. 15. Reductions will take place Nov. 17-18 and Dec. 1-2. Hunters will be selected using a random drawing. Deer taken in these hunts are in addition to all other deer bag limits. You may bring up to two buddies for this hunt. You must enter buddy information on the application.

To be eligible for this hunt, you must be an Indiana resident, 18 years of age, by Nov. 17, 2008, and possess an Indiana license to take deer.

Each person may apply only once for each state park deer reduction event regardless of primary or buddy applicant status. If any name appears on more than one application, all applications sharing duplicate names will be disqualified.  Parks where firearms are used will draw first from the pool of hunters who have a valid Hunter Education Certificate (HEC). All names on the application must have a valid HEC for the first-round drawing.  Parks designated for archery require an International Bowhunter or HEC to apply.

If you claim the hunter education preference and are drawn, you may be required to present your hunter education card at the property 

Deer reduction locations

Firearm hunts

-Brown County State Park

-Chain O'Lakes State Park

-Charlestown State Park

-Harmonie State Park

-Indiana Dunes State Park

-Lincoln State Park

-McCormick's Creek State Park

-Ouabache State Park

-Pokagon State Park

-Shades State Park

-Spring Mill State Park

-Summit Lake State Park

-Tippecanoe River State Park

-Turkey Run State Park

-Whitewater Memorial State Park

Archery hunts

-Clifty Falls State Park

-Fort Harrison State Park

Military/Refuge Deer Hunts

Mail-in application due Aug. 15

Online application deadline, Aug. 29

Military/refuge deer hunts are offered for firearms hunters and archers on the following areas: (Note age restrictions.)

- Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge

- Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center (minimum age of 16 years old unless accompanied by a parent) Hunter education certification and two pieces of hunter orange required.

- Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge

Bonus antlerless deer licenses cannot be used for military/refuge hunts. Handguns are not permitted on any military area.

Hunters can apply for the military/refuge hunts by completing the Military/Refuge Deer Hunt mail-in application in the 2008-09 Indiana Hunting and Trapping Guide, or they may apply online after July 1 at IndianaOutdoor.IN.gov.

The military deer hunt application contains blanks for first and second choices for a firearms military/refuge hunt and an archery military/refuge hunt. If you wish to apply for both hunts, you must apply for both on one application. 

You may submit only one military/refuge application. However, you may fill out and return the DNR property dove hunt and reserved pheasant hunt applications at the same time as the military/refuge deer hunt application.

If more than one application is received for the same hunter, all applications for that hunter will be disqualified.

Hunters will be selected through a random drawing. All applicants will be notified of the results by mail in late September. Information regarding success in the drawing will not be available until after Oct. 1. If you have any questions about the military/refuge deer hunt offerings, call the DNR Deer Hotline,  (812) 334-3795, between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The drawing will not select partners. Every hunter selected through the drawing may choose any person as a partner to hunt with him/her on any military/refuge hunt. Selected hunters will have the option of hunting with or without a partner on all areas that do not specifically require a partner. As in the past, Big Oaks NWR requires that you bring a partner.

The hunter selected in the drawing will be provided with two forms for admission to the hunt (Notification I) and two license request certificates (Notification II). While each individual can submit only one hunt drawing application, each individual can participate in multiple hunts if chosen as a partner in addition to being selected in the drawing. However, on any one hunt day, an individual cannot be both a partner and a selected hunter or be a partner with more than one selected hunter.

 There is no limit on how many times a hunter can participate as a partner. A hunter chosen as a partner by more than one person can use the partner license request certificate from each selected hunter to obtain multiple licenses. A partner can take one deer for each license provided, but may not exceed the daily bag limit for the hunt area.

Big Oaks NWR Youth Hunt

A youth deer hunt will be held at Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge. To apply, send a postcard postmarked by Oct. 1 with the youth's name, date of birth, phone number and address to: Big Oaks NWR, 1661 W. JPG Niblo Rd., Madison, IN 47250. For information about all Big Oaks hunts, visit:

www.fws.gov/midwest/bigoaks.

Newport Chemical Depot

There will be no public hunt at the Newport Chemical Depot during the 2008 season.

Muscatatuck NWR

Muscatatuck will have two separate special permit hunts, an archery hunt from Nov. 1 - Nov. 16, and a muzzleloader hunt from Dec. 6 - Dec. 21.

The muzzleloader hunt must be placed as a firearms choice on the application. Hunters may apply for both hunts but can be drawn for only one day during each hunt. There is no choice of hunting dates. Handguns and crossbows are not allowed. For information, call the refuge at (812)522-4352.

Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center

There will be no public hunt at the Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center during the 2008 season.

Game Bird Habitat Area reserved pheasant hunts

Mail-in application due Sept. 19

Online application deadline, Oct. 3

The DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife offers reserved hunts by random drawing on Game Bird Habitat Areas in northern Indiana.

Hunters can apply for the pheasant hunts by completing the 2008 Pheasant Hunt application in the 2008-09 Indiana Hunting and Trapping Guide, or they may apply online after July 1 at IndianaOutdoor.IN.gov

All applicants will be notified of the drawing results by mail. Successful applicants may bring up to two hunting partners.

Game Bird Habitat Areas are managed specifically for ring-necked pheasant. Since 1986, hunters have harvested more than 12,500 pheasants on the managed areas. This year, tracts in Jasper, Benton, Newton and White counties will be open for hunting. The dates for the special hunts are Nov. 7, 8, 12, 15, 19, 23, and Dec. 6, 13, and 20.

For the 15th year, a one-day pheasant youth hunt has been reserved for youth hunters under the age of 18. The youth pheasant hunt is Nov. 28.

To apply, complete the Pheasant Hunt application in the 2008-09 Indiana Hunting and Trapping Guide, and mark the Youth Hunt box for Nov. 28.

Youth hunters applying for the youth hunt date may not apply for regular hunt dates. Successfully drawn youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult and may invite one other hunting companion.

These Game Bird Habitat Area reserved pheasant hunts are not put-and-take hunts. Hunters can register for DNR put-and-take hunts online after Sept. 1. Stay tuned to Wild Bulletin (www.wildife.in.gov) for put-and-take hunt application updates.

Tippecanoe Lakes Report Issued  (6-03-08)

A consulting firm hired to develop a plan to manage seven lakes in Whitley and Noble counties in the upper reaches of the Tippecanoe River watershed has identified goals that can be achieved by reducing non-point sources of pollution. The report shows some of the progress being made by the DNR's lake programs.

Williams Creek Consulting, Inc., compiled past and current information on the water quality of Big, Crane, Crooked, Goose, Loon, New, and Old lakes north of Columbia City and prioritized critical areas in the watershed that are contributing to the runoff of excess sediments and nutrients to the lakes into a 190-page draft document.

The report found that by addressing problem areas, water quality within the lakes can be protected and improved, leading to balanced aquatic plant communities, sustainable fish populations, controlled development, protection of natural areas, and greater cooperation among lake users. 

The diagnostic study was funded by the DNR's Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) program), with matching funds from local residents and the Tippecanoe Watershed Foundation (TWF). 

The final report will be used by the local community to seek grants to help cover the cost of preventing soil erosion, providing buffer strips along inlets, creating and maintaining short-term water retention basins and sediment traps, reducing runoff from agricultural and residential areas, and other projects.

The planning process began in 2006, when TWF contacted local lake leaders in the area in hopes of coordinating efforts to protect water quality throughout the watershed. All seven lakes eventually drain into Lake Tippecanoe.

By combining efforts, TWF and the newly established Upper Tippecanoe River Lake Association (UTRLA) can share funds and local expertise in solving lake management problems.

Through a series of educational seminars and meetings in 2006 and 2007, Williams Creek solicited public input on high priority concerns and suggested strategies on how to address them.

The consultants identified three high-priority areas: the area north of Big Lake, the area the drains through Friskney Ditch into Loon Lake, and the area surrounding Crooked Lake.
Areas around two other inlets to Loon Lake, an area that drains into the northwest corner of Old Lake, and an area north of Crane Lake, are considered moderate priorities for better watershed management.

Since the process began, a local steering committee of ULTRA members has met monthly to oversee the planning effort and will ultimately assume responsibility for making decisions on how best to implement the plan. Meetings are open to the public and are held at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the Thorncreek Fire Station, north of Columbia City.

2008 Spring Turkey Hunting News  (4-10-2008)

- Spring turkey season forecast
- Turkey hunting range 
- Youth season dates & information
- Spring turkey season dates
- Turkey hunting safety
- Make your own turkey tags

2008 spring turkey season forecast
-------------------------------------------

Indiana DNR wildlife research biologist Steve Backs expects about 60,000 hunters will take to Hoosier woods and fields for the 2008 Indiana spring turkey hunting seasons, resulting in a harvest of between 11,000 and 13,000 birds.

Backs predicts that low turkey brood production during the last three summers (2005-07) will moderate harvest totals and hunter success rates. Data also indicates that Indiana's turkey population growth rate is leveling off.

"We still expect a harvest of more than 11,000 birds, but hunters will probably need to expend more effort to harvest a bird. Preseason scouting always pays off, but so does patience and woodsmanship during the actual hunting season," Backs said. "Experienced turkey hunters keep in mind that calling a wild turkey gobbler into gun range with a hen call is generally the opposite of the normal turkey breeding behavior. Normally, hens gravitate to a gobbler."

Backs said stabilization of Indiana's wild turkey population growth rate was expected, as restored turkey populations reach habitat saturation levels and Indiana's wild turkeys shift to a level maintenance population.

"Based on our experience and experience of other states, the shift in population growth begins to occur 10 to 15 years after population restoration," Backs said.

The majority of Indiana's turkey populations around the state are either approaching or have surpassed 15 years since restoration. Turkey populations in the northern part of the state are still growing; however, suitable wild turkey habitat is very limited in many areas of central and northern Indiana.

Backs is optimistic about this summer's turkey production. "Hopefully the 2008 summer will be better for turkeys. Right now, much of the primary turkey range is experiencing above-normal precipitation and flooding, which will discourage hens from nesting in flood-prone areas. Later flooding can ruin nests. At this time, there is sufficient moisture to assure lush spring growth, which translates into a higher abundance of invertebrate foods needed by young poults."

Indiana's peak turkey hatch normally occurs the first week of June.

----------------------------------------------------
2008 turkey hunting range and youth season
----------------------------------------------------

The Indiana spring hunting range will remain the same as in 2007 with 91 of 92 counties open to spring turkey hunting. Henry is now the only county closed during the spring turkey season. The DNR released turkeys in Henry County in 2004, but there were several early mortalities among the released birds. "The Henry County closure will allow additional time for these turkey flocks to grow," Backs said.

The youth turkey hunting weekend will be April 19 and 20. The regular spring season runs from April 23 to May 11.

During the youth wild turkey weekend, hunters 15 years old or younger can take a bearded or male wild turkey. The youth must be accompanied by an adult of at least 18 years of age.

The youth hunter may use any legal shotgun, bow and arrow, or crossbow. The adult accompanying the youth hunter must not possess a firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow while in the field, and does not need to possess a turkey hunting license. A youth hunter may take only one bearded or male wild turkey during all spring seasons. The youth must be properly licensed to take a wild turkey and comply with all tagging and check-in requirements.

-------------------------------
2008 spring turkey seasons
-------------------------------

Youth Wild Turkey Season 
Saturday/Sunday April 19-20
(Bearded or male turkey only)

Regular Spring Wild Turkey Season
April 23 - May 11
(Bearded or male turkey only)

------------------------------
Safety rules for turkey hunting
-------------------------------

- Select a calling position where you can see for at least 50 yards in all directions and where you are protected from the backside.

- Whistle or shout to alert approaching hunters of your position. Never wave or stand up.

- Never sneak in on a turkey or use a gobbler call near other hunters. Never crowd another hunter working a bird.

- Never shoot at sound or movement.

- Use a flashlight when walking in the dark.

- Be aware of turkey "fever" and its prevention. Disregard peer pressure to bag a bird.

- Be extremely careful using turkey decoys.

- Do not wear red, white, or blue outer wear or exposed inner clothing.

- Make sure your headnet doesn't obscure your vision.

- Don't assume you are the only hunter in the area. Be certain of a companion's location.

- Know and identify your target and what is beyond.

- Discuss safety techniques with companions.

- Never assume that other hunters are responsible.

- Always keep your gun pointed in a safe direction.

- Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

- Always keep your gun unloaded until ready to use.

- Never use alcohol or drugs before or while hunting.

- Respect property rights and secure permission before hunting.

- Hunters should unload their guns when crossing fences, climbing into stands, jumping ditches or traversing steep ravines.

----------------------------
Turkey tag requirements
----------------------------

Because DNR Web-generated turkey licenses do not include a turkey tag, the DNR has adopted a rule allowing turkey hunters to tag wild turkeys with a piece of paper indicating the month and day of the kill and the name and address of the hunter taking the turkey.

A sample turkey leg tag is available at:
dnr.IN.gov/fishwild/licenses/pdf/turkeytag.pdf

More Indiana turkey data:
dnr.IN.gov/fishwild/publications/notes/notes.htm

Turkey licenses may be purchased online at:
dnr.IN.gov/indianaoutdoor/

DNR property information:
dnr.IN.gov/destinations/list.html

Wild turkey hunting regulations:
dnr.IN.gov/fishwild/huntguide1/hunting1.htm

Better Bass Fishing in Indiana Natural Lakes (4-10-2008)

Adult largemouth bass numbers have nearly doubled since 1980 in northern Indiana natural lakes and there are more big bass now, according to DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife fisheries biologist Jed Pearson. 

The increases, he said, are most likely due to the minimum size limits and widespread acceptance of catch-and-release fishing by area bass anglers.

In 1980 most northern Indiana natural lakes had no minimum size limit on bass. A 12-inch size limit was imposed in 1990, and was increased to 14 inches in 1998.

Based on estimates of the number of 8-inch and larger bass in 59 natural lakes sampled on 171 occasions by DFW biologists, the average density of bass increased from 13 per acre to 24 per acre between 1980 and 2007. 

The actual number of 8-inch and larger bass captured by biologists increased from 78 per hour of sampling to 123 per hour. 

As bass numbers increased at natural lakes, so did bass size. Bigger bass now make up larger proportions of the adult populations.

The proportion of 12- to 14-inch bass increased from an average of 13 percent in 1980 to 26 percent in 2007. The proportion of 14- to 18-inch bass increased from 8 to 18 percent. 

Meanwhile, the proportion of 18-inch and larger bass stayed the same, at 3 percent. 

"Indiana now has more bass and more bigger bass in its natural lakes than ever before," said Pearson, who compiled the figures from the large set of data gathered over the 27-year period. "We've also seen a rise in the catch rate of bass by anglers." 

In 1980 it took anglers an average of 2.7 hours to catch a bass, including both bass that were taken home and those that were released. Now it takes bass anglers about one hour to catch a bass. 

Overall, bass densities ranged from a low of less than one bass per acre at Lake-of-the-Woods near Bremen in 1985, to a high of 69 per acre at Barrel-and-a-half Lake near North Webster in 1998. 

Other lakes with unusually high densities of bass included Appleman in 1995, with 52 per acre and Big Long in 2005, with 40 per acre. Both are in LaGrange County. Crane Lake, in Noble County, contained 50 per acre in 1990, and Robinson Lake in Whitley County held 49 per acre in 2002. 

Other lakes with low numbers of bass were Maxinkuckee in Marshall County with three bass per acre in 1990, as well as Kosciusko County's Wawasee with four per acre in 1997 and Beaver Dam with four per acre in 1985. 

Ball Lake in Steuben County contained less than four bass per acre in 1995 and 1996, but the number rose to more than 15 bass per acre in 2001 and 2002, after imposition of a special 18-inch size limit and two-bass daily creel limit. 

Bill James Named to Great Lakes Commission  (3-24-2008)

Bill James, chief fisheries biologist for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources for more than 35 years, has been nominated to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission by President George W. Bush.

“It’s humbling and kind of mysterious,” James said of the announcement.

The Great Lakes Fishery Commission was established in 1955 by Canada and the United States to control the invasive sea lamprey but has expanded to incorporate a wide range of aquatic research and management efforts in the Great Lakes.

 “This reflects admirably on the career and talents of Bill James, but at the same time sheds a favorable light on DNR and our state,” said Gov. Mitch Daniels, who last year honored James for 35 years of state government service. 

The GLFC focuses on aquatic resource management issues on lakes Michigan, Superior, Huron, Erie and Ontario and represents Canada and the eight states that border them: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Indiana has 45 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline.

Indiana is a Great Lakes state,” James said. “So when you list the Great Lakes states, there are eight of them. It doesn’t say, Seven big ones plus Indiana. There are eight, and Indiana is one of them.”

An Illinois native, James has been in charge of the Division of Fish and Wildlife Fisheries Section since 1978. He previously worked as a reservoir biologist, statewide research supervisor and regional supervisor. James actually began his career with the DNR while in college, spending three summers assisting with lake and stream investigations throughout Indiana.

“Bill is the full package, humble, dedicated, loyal and hard working,” DNR Director Robert E. Carter Jr. said. “I’m confident he will approach this task with the same diligence he has given all these years to DNR and our state fisheries programs.”

James’ duties with DNR include overseeing statewide programs of fish management, research, hatcheries, public access, aquatic habitat, aquatic invasive species control and contaminants. 

He led management team efforts to extend migratory runs of steelhead trout and salmon on the St. Joseph River through Michigan and Indiana. That award-winning partnership project between Indiana DNR, Michigan DNR and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service resulted in the construction of four migration ladders to assist fish in passing over dams, a new fish hatchery in Indiana and expanded public access facilities on the river.

James has served on numerous state and national committees, is a founding member of the six-state Ohio River Fisheries Management Team, and has worked with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission in several capacities as a committee chair.

“I kind of have an idea what they do, but because I’m not working full-time on Lake Michigan issues -- there will be a brief, steep learning curve just to get up to speed on all the issues that go beyond Indiana, from Lake Superior to the St. Laurence Seaway,” James said. “That’s the real challenge, plus running out and getting a passport so I can run back and forth to Canada as needed.”

James will be completing a six-year term on the commission, which has four members and an alternate from each of the two countries.

Two previous DNR employees served on the Great Lakes commission: Division of Fish and Wildlife director Frank R. Lockard from 1978-91, and DNR director James Ridenour from 1983-89.

Media Contact: Phil Bloom, (317) 232-4003; cell (317) 502-1683.

For a photo of James, go to http://dnr.in.gov/press/bill-james-photo.jpg

Arrest Made in Live Coyote Trade Investigation (11-20-07)

Indiana conservation officers arrested one person Sunday in connection with a multi-state investigation into the illegal movement of live coyotes being sold for use in penned dog-running facilities in other states. Officers with the Department of Natural Resources checked holding facilities in Indiana for compliance with state regulations.

Earl Hunt of Kennard in Henry County was arrested on multiple charges after conservation officers searched his home and business. He was charged with two Class D felonies for conspiracy to illegally ship wildlife, and for illegally selling or shipping wildlife. Hunt also was charged with Class C misdemeanors for illegal sale to a non-licensed fur buyer, failure to issue a valid and dated receipt, and illegal possession of 40 raccoons and two beavers.

Inspections also were conducted Sunday by state fish and wildlife agents in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Virginia as the result of a two-year investigation.

“Trapping is an essential wildlife management tool in controlling predator and nuisance wildlife populations as well as disease,” DNR director Robert E. Carter Jr. said. “The DNR supports and encourages legitimate trapping for those purposes, but this practice is a relatively new twist that is outside the traditional pursuit of wildlife.”

Indiana DNR, concerned that translocation of wildlife poses a health risk to animals and humans, was in the process of clarifying rules on possession of coyotes when it joined the investigation.

In addition to the DNR-regulated trapping and hunting season for coyotes (Oct. 15 through March 15), an Indiana landowner or someone with a landowner’s written permission can take nuisance coyotes year round. The DNR recently sought to amend the regulation to require that a coyote taken outside the regulated season must be euthanized within 24 hours and may not be sold, traded, bartered or gifted. The Natural Resources Commission gave preliminary approval to that proposal in September and is expected to hold public hearings on the rule change early next year before considering final adoption.

MEDIA CONTACTS:  Mark Farmer, DNR conservation officer, 812-620-4666; John Salb, DNR conservation officer, 317-695-6526; Phil Bloom, DNR communications director, 317-502-1683

DNR’s Paid Pheasant Program (9-06-07)

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources offers paid pheasant hunting program is scheduled for Nov. 17 - 25, at Atterbury, Glendale, Pigeon River, Tri-County, Willow Slough and Winamac fish and wildlife areas and Roush Lake.

Details of this program also are on page 8 of  the 2007-08 Indiana hunting guide available free at hunting license outlets, The tab for the hunts is $15 per person and the bag limit is two birds, as usual.

Hunters can reserve these pheasant hunts online until midnight Nov. 24 at:
http://www.in.gov/dnr/indianaoutdoor/

Hunters will be able to select the date, property and property location for their hunt. Pheasant hunting season is extended on Atterbury FWA and Glendale FWA until January 15. The bag limit is two birds of either sex.

Hunts will not be available first-come, first-served at the property, as in past years.

DNR Studies Wabash River Catfish (8-25-2007)

DNR river biologists are in the third year of a four-year study to determine the population status of blue, channel and flathead catfish in the Wabash River.

So far, about 2,000 catfish have been sampled to provide information on growth, age, movement, and survival.

Prelminary results indicate that at 10 years of age, blue catfish average 27 inches, channel catfish average 19 inches and flathead catfish average 28 inches in length.

The oldest fish observed was a 31-year-old flathead catfish that measured 42 inches and weighed 34 pounds.

Wabash River catfish generally remain within one mile of the location they were caught and released.

However, a blue catfish tagged and released in 2005 moved 27 miles downstream, where it was recaptured in 2007. Anglers have recaptured about 5 percent of the catfish tagged by biologists.

If anglers catch a catfish with a green tag near the dorsal fin, they are asked to send the tag in for a reward to the Big Rivers Fisheries Program, Sugar Ridge FWA, 2310 E. SR 364, Winslow, IN  47598. The reward is a camouflage baseball cap that says "Wabash River Fisheries Research."

Lakes Get More Protection (8-25-2007)

As summer draws to a close and recreational activity on Indiana's public freshwater lakes begins to dwindle, many lakefront property owners may consider landscaping projects along the lake's shore.

Indiana requires a biologist check many types of shoreline work on public freshwater lakes because some types of lakeside work degrade water quality or destroy fish and wildlife habitat.

If you are considering a project on or near the shoreline of a public freshwater lake, and are not sure if you need a shoreline construction permit, contact the DNR Division of Water at (877) 928-3755, or e-mail water_inquiry@dnr.IN.gov.

DNR Offering Farm Plan To Restore Habitat For Pheasant And Quail  (03-06-06)

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering farmers and landowners a monetary incentive for enrolling idle farmland in federal land retirement programs.

In the early 1960s and '70s, pheasant and bobwhite quail were abundant in Indiana. With nearly four million acres of Hoosier farmland set-aside in U.S. Department of Agriculture land retirement programs, these idle fields provided undisturbed nesting and brood-rearing habitat for pheasant and quail alike.

Today, only slightly more than 250,000 acres of cropland are being idled in USDA programs across the state. As a result, Indiana has lost more than 93 percent of its idle nesting and brood-rearing cover.

The loss of idled farmland acres, changes in farming practices, and the widespread use of tall fescue have led to significant declines in pheasant, bobwhite quail, and grassland songbird populations.

To help address population declines the DNR has developed habitat priority areas to focus efforts in developing, enhancing, and maintaining habitat for pheasants and quail. Landowners within selected habitat priority counties and townships will be eligible to apply for a one-time signing incentive for enrollment in the USDA's CRP-CP33, Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds.

The signing incentive can be up to 120 percent of the average soil rental rate and is in addition to any signing incentive payments provided by USDA.

Interested landowners can take advantage of this limited time offer by calling the appropriate priority area biologist to discuss habitat management on their property. The biologist will prepare a management plan for each acceptable parcel and determine the total amount of incentive payments the landowner may be eligible to receive.

To be eligible for the incentive payments, a priority area biologist must approve the habitat practice or practice enrollment prior to implementation. Payments will be made after the work has been completed and inspected by the priority area biologist or their designated representative.

A detailed map of pheasant priority areas is available on the World Wide Web at: www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/hunt/phhabitat.pdf and a detailed map of quail priority areas can be found at: www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/hunt/quailhab.pdf

Pheasant Priority Areas are:

All of Newton, Jasper, and Benton Counties; Warren County - Prairie Twp. Contact: Bob Porch, Phone: (219) 285-2704;
Tippecanoe County - N of Hwy 52 and W of I-65, and S of Wabash and SR 26 and W of I-65; Montgomery County - N of I-74; Fountain County - N of I-74 and E of Hwy 41. Contact: Dean Zimmerman, Phone: (765) 567-2152; 

Fulton County, Contact: Tom Hewitt, Phone: (765) 473-9324.

Dekalb County - Fairfield Twp; Noble County - Wayne Twp; LaGrange County - Milford Twp; Steuben County - Salem Twp. Contact: Al Van Hoey, Phone: (260) 367-2186;

Starke County - California Twp, Contact: Mike Schoof, Phone: (574) 896-3522;

Porter County - S of SR 8, Marshall County - E of US 31 & S of US 30. Contact: Linda Byer, Phone: (574) 896-3572;

Clinton County - Washington and Perry Twp. Contact: Rick Peercy, Phone: (317) 591-0904;

LaPorte Co.- Washington, Union, Lincoln, and Johnson Twps, Contact: Ron Lorman,
Phone: (219) 393-3612.

Quail Priority Areas are:

Putnam County - Marion, Jefferson, and Cloverdale (East of US 231) Twps; Morgan County - Ashland, Ray, Baker, Jefferson, Washington, and Jackson Twps. Contact: Josh Griffin, Phone: (812) 526-4891.

Sullivan County, Contact: Roger Stonebraker, Phone: (812) 268-0300.

Lawrence County -Pleasant Run, Shawswick, Bono, and Guthrie Twps; Jackson County -Salt Creek and Owen Twp. Contact: Bloomington Field Office, Phone: (812) 334-1137.

Ripley County - North of US 50, Contact: Ed Guljas, Phone: (812) 346-6888.

Scott County, Contact: Chris Grauel, Phone: (812) 352-8486.

Greene County - Taylor Twp, Contact: Bob Montgomery, Phone: (812) 644-7382.

Warrick County - Lane, Owen, Pigeon, and Skelton Twps, Contact: Jeff Thompson Phone: (812) 789-2724.

Harrison County - South of I-64, Contact: Mark Bennett, Phone: (812) 849-4586.