Spaulding Outdoors
By Jack Spaulding

People of all ages interested in learning more about waterfowl hunting should plan on heading to Lake Monroe for a free workshop on the subject, on Oct. 9. The workshop, presented by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), will be at the North Fork Service Area from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., and lunch will be provided.

“Waterfowling parents are welcome to bring interested children to the workshop, but it is not intended to be a youth-only event,” said Adam Phelps, waterfowl biologist. “This workshop will be aimed at novice waterfowl hunters of any age.

“It can be daunting to start waterfowling, so we are planning to present the basics of the sport to those who want to try it or have only been hunting waterfowl for a few years, at most.”

Phelps clarified the event is not intended for experienced duck or goose hunters, who would be unlikely to gain much new information. Subjects of presentations will include waterfowl hunting regulations, duck and goose identification, equipment and techniques, including a “show and tell” segment.

“We will have a lot of equipment there for folks to see, including blinds, waders, clothing, decoys, gadgets and a duck boat or two,” Phelps said, “but we want to stress that one can successfully hunt waterfowl with a minimum of outlay.”

DNR law enforcement personnel will be available to answer questions, as will personnel from several Fish and Wildlife Areas and reservoirs, as well as private lands biologists. Advance registration is required; call South Region DNR Law Enforcement at 812-837-9536.

Wabashiki FWA now open
The Wabashiki Fish and Wildlife Area (FWA), a new DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) property being developed near Terre Haute, is now open to the public. The current site encompasses 2,400 acres along the west bank of the Wabash River, between Terre Haute and West Terre Haute.

Earlier this summer, Gov. Mitch Daniels announced an initiative to expand Wabashiki by acquiring 43,000 acres of floodplain land along a 94-mile river corridor from Shades State Park in Montgomery County, to Fairbanks Landing FWA south of Terre Haute.

All types of legal hunting will be permitted in Wabashiki, but the most plentiful species are deer, waterfowl, woodcock, squirrel, turkey and furbearers. Hunters must sign in at the self-service check station located on the south side of U.S. Highway 40 in West Terre Haute, which has a kiosk showing a property map. Hunters must use nontoxic shot.

Fishing in the Wabash River and the seven-acre gravel pit on the property will be allowed. Species available include bluegill, crappie, bass and catfish. No sign-in is required for fishing.

The southern portion of the property along U.S. 40 offers excellent bird watching opportunities for many species of wetland birds.
Target shooting is prohibited, as are camping, off-road vehicle use and swimming.

The DFW’s partners in acquiring Wabashiki include Indiana Heritage Trust, Vigo County Parks, American Electric Power Service Corporation and The Nature Conservancy.

As with all FWAs in Indiana, there is no charge for entry. Access to Wabashiki will be primarily by the waters of the Wabash River until further facilities are developed. For a map of the property, along with further rules and regulations, please see www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/ 6188.htm

Venison workshops
The Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, in partnership with the DFW, is once again sponsoring venison workshops across the state this month. During the workshop, a deer will be skinned, butchered and prepared in a variety of culinary ways for participants to sample.

Other topics include a discussion of food safety and handling procedures, as well as an update on deer health issues. There will be a nominal $15 admission to help cover workshop expenses. The one remaining workshop at the Hoosier Outdoor Experience on Sept. 18 is free of charge; register online at www.hoosier outdoorexperience.in.gov

For more information or specific questions about program content, contact Jonathan Ferris at the extension office in Fayette County at 765-825-8502.

Apply for waterfowl draw hunt until Sept. 24
Reserved waterfowl hunts are held at Goose Pond, Hovey Lake, Kankakee, Kingsbury, LaSalle and Willow Slough FWAs, and at Brookeville and Monroe lakes.

Hunters will need valid hunting licenses and can apply online until Sept. 24, at www.hunting.IN.gov

Hunters can choose up to five property and date combinations. Successful hunters will be selected for one of their choices.
Draw results will be posted online up to one week after the application deadline.

Trapping camp in September at Salamonie Reservoir
Salamonie Reservoir and the Indiana State Trappers Assoc. (ISTA) have scheduled a free Trappers Education Course for Sept. 25-26 at the Upper Wabash Interpretive Center. The program starts at 9 a.m. both days, and is designed for trappers of all ages, though youth trappers are encouraged to attend.

On Sept. 25, participants will receive education on trapping issues, ethics and regulations. In the afternoon, participants will accompany trapping instructors on a trap line and set traps to be left overnight and checked the next day.

On Sept. 26, participants will accompany trapping instructors to check trap lines. ISTA instructors will demonstrate skinning and fleshing of furbearers.

Participants will not need a trapping license to attend the program, and must attend both days to receive DNR trapper education certification. Participants are encouraged to bring hip waders or waterproof boots to wear on the trap line.

There are no fees or costs associated with the program, but attendees must register in advance by Sept. 21. Entrance fees will be waived for all participants. Free camping is available for attendees at Lost Bridge West Youth Campground. Lunch will be provided both days.

To register in advance or get more information, call the Upper Wabash Interpretive Center at 260-468-2127. The Center is located in Lost Bridge West Recreation Area of the Salamonie Reservoir, west of Indiana Route 105 in Huntington County.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Jack Spaulding may contact him by e-mail at jackspaulding@hughes.net or by writing to him in care of this publication.