Driving down State Road 244 this week, I saw a doe with a maturing fawn cross ahead of me and walk to the edge of a soybean field. It was apparent it had been a banner growing year for farmers as, when the deer entered the field, only the head and back of the doe was visible above the soybeans and the fawn was totally hidden.

The show got started as my truck closed the distance and the doe became apprehensive, beginning to bound across the field with the fawn in hot pursuit. Their golden bodies highlighted against the dark green soybeans were absolutely beautiful.

I laughed out loud as I watched the doe leap and plunge back neck-deep in the soybeans while the invisible fawn would suddenly bounce up above the beans and then promptly disappear.

Had the scene been caught on film, it would have been a segment worthy of a “National Geographic” special.

Furs, fins and feathers at Paynetown

Learn about different species at “Furs, Fins and Feathers” hosted by Paynetown State Recreation Area on Sept. 15. An electrofishing demo will begin at 12:30 p.m. Open fishing runs from 2-4, with equipment and bait provided.

Afternoon activities will include aging whitetail deer from their teeth, learning the differences between aquatic mammals and exploring waterfowl feathers. Live snakes will be featured at 4 p.m. The event ends at 7 with a live raptor presentation by Adam Naugle of the Indiana Falconers Assoc.

The full schedule and description of programs and activities is available on Monroe Lake’s online event calendar at on.IN.gov/monroelake

Master Naturalist program at Pokagon

Adults with an interest in Indiana’s plants, wildlife, forests and wetlands can enroll in the Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) course at Pokagon State Park.

“We are excited to host our first IMN course at Pokagon,” said Nicky Ball, an interpretive naturalist. “Participants will be able to spend time in the beautiful fall setting of the park while learning from a diverse group of talented instructors.”

Sessions begin Sept. 25 and will continue to Nov. 10. Participants will attend nine total sessions on Tuesday evenings from 6-9:30 p.m. and Saturday mornings from 8:30-noon. All sessions will be at the Pokagon Nature Center.

Class size is limited to 30 and space is reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. A fee of $120 will be charged to cover supplies and expenses. For more information, contact the park office at 260-833-2012.

Individuals 18 and older are eligible to register. Registration ends Sept. 14 and may be done online at www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/6323.htm

Sign up for pheasant put-and-take hunts

Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Division of Fish & Wildlife has opened applications for reservations for put-and-take pheasant hunts on DNR properties, and applications will be accepted until midnight on Nov. 24. Put-and-take hunting reservations are selected on a first-come, first-served basis. All hunting days will start on a Saturday in mid- to late November.

Properties offering put-and-take hunts are Atterbury, Glendale, J.E. Roush Lake, Pigeon River, Tri-County, Willow Slough and Winamac fish & wildlife areas. The cost for put-and-take hunts is $28 per person per slot, which is nonrefundable.

Put-and-take pheasant hunters must register each day of their hunts at the property office. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. local time. Put-and-take pheasant hunters may begin hunting at 9 a.m.

Hardy Lake Raptor Days festival

Watch and support live birds of prey at Hardy Lake’s annual Raptor Days, Sept. 28-30. The weekend highlights Indiana’s native birds of prey, and activities at the event help to support the Dwight R. Chamberlain Raptor Center.

On Sept. 28, a “Schools Day” event will run from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The day will include live raptor programs, hikes, crafts and activities. Students must pre-register for the day. The price per student is $2; pre-register your students by emailing Lgrow@dnr.IN.gov

On Sept. 29, the Friends of Hardy Lake will be serving an all-you-can-eat fundraising breakfast from 7-10 a.m. Live raptor programs, bird displays and pontoon tours will run from 9-4; tours of the Chamberlain Center run from 1-4. Visitors may enter the park for free during breakfast hours.

On Sept. 30, live raptors programs begin at 10 a.m. and run until 4 p.m. Pontoon tours run throughout the day and tours of the raptor center take place from 1-4. A special guest speaker from the Division of Fish and Wildlife will be discussing the bald eagle and osprey reintroduction programs. Winners of the silent auction will be announced at 5 p.m.

The event is sponsored by the nonprofit Friends of Hardy Lake. For more information about this group, visit www.friendsofhardylake.org

Pokagon trails challenge

Hikers and nature lovers can now test their endurance at Pokagon State Park. The park, along with the Steuben County Tourism Bureau, is hosting the “Hell’s Point Challenge,” a hiking route linking 8 miles of trails at Pokagon.

Along the route, participants will visit historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) structures, enjoy scenic wetlands and climb 84 stairs to the park’s summit, known as Hell’s Point.

The challenge will begin at the Nature Center, where guests can pick up information about the route. Upon returning to the Nature Center, finishers may show their photos to park staff to receive a free water bottle and sticker for completing the challenge. In order to receive the prizes, hikers will need to photograph six specific waypoints.

“The Hell’s Point Challenge is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and see some of Pokagon’s hidden treasures,” said Nicky Ball. “It’s perfect for folks looking to challenge themselves or who are training for other endurance hikes.

“The challenge is also a great way to spend time with a group of friends while enjoying an adventure in northeast Indiana.”

The challenge can be done year-round; however, Nature Center hours vary depending on the season. For hours and more information, call the park office at 260-833-2012.

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 may contact Jack Spaulding by email at jackspaulding@hughes.net or by writing to him in care of this publication.