The second annual Fun Shoot at J. Edward Roush Reservoir’s shooting range will be Sept. 20. J. Edward Roush Lake, Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever will host the event, which runs from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Participation is through advance ticket sales only.

The $30 fee includes 50 clay targets, paper targets and lunch. Tickets and ammunition are on sale at the range. The deadline to purchase a ticket is Sept. 15.

With 33 stations for shooting rifle and pistol, accessible restrooms and a trap range accommodating four shooters, J. Edward Roush’s shooting range draws marksmen from miles around. A partnership between Roush, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wildlife Restoration program led to construction of this facility in 2005.

“We are excited about the opportunities that are available for the public here at Roush Lake and the increased visitation this feature provides for Huntington County,” said Property Manager Jeff Reed.
The rifle shoots are 100 yards – 20 rounds, and 50 yards – 20 rounds, .22 rimfire only. Shooters can earn five tickets for a drawing for each bull’s-eye and one ticket for hitting the inside circle of provided targets. Drawing prizes are winner’s choice of a Marlin 60C Rifle, annual range pass and 25 silhouette targets.

The pistol shoots are 7 yards – 20 rounds, and 50 feet – 20 rounds, with no caliber limit.

Pistol shooters will earn five drawing tickets for each bull’s-eye and one ticket for hitting the inside circle of provided targets. Drawing prizes for the pistol shoot are winner’s choice of a Terry Redlin print, $50 cash and 25 silhouette targets.

The shotgun shoot includes 25 clays standing and 25 clays cross-shoot. Shooters will receive one drawing ticket for every three clay targets broken. Shooters who break 25 clays will get 25 drawing tickets. Drawing prizes are winner’s choice of a shotgun, a 10-bird pheasant hunt at Hillside Shooting Preserve and 100 clay targets.
The range master’s decisions regarding each competition are final. For information on ticket sales, call Andrew Arney at 260-704-5743, Jeff Reed at 260-468-2165 or the range at 260-468-2416.

The shooting range is located east of Highway 5 on Division Road in Huntington County. Regular hours are Tuesdays through Sundays, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Beginning in September, the range will close at 6 p.m. Hearing and eye protection are required and may be purchased, along with targets and ammunition, from the range master’s headquarters at the range.

The normal fees for days other than the fun shoot are $4 for adults and $2 for those 16 and under. An annual range pass is available for $80. The range pass is not interchangeable with regular property entrance permits.

For more information or directions to the range, call 260-468-2165.
‘Wheelin’ in the Fish’

Patoka Lake’s free fishing event promotes the accessible features for participants with special needs and their families on Sept. 20. Join in the fun at Patoka’s Osborne Boat Ramp, Highway 145, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The DNR, Patoka Bass Anglers and Southern Indiana Center for Independent Living (SICIL) host this annual event. Fishing poles, tackle and bait are provided while supplies last. Picnic lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Recreational opportunities, combined with outdoor experiences, are guaranteed to bring folks together. Bring lawn chairs, sunscreen, insect repellent and enjoy the day at Patoka Lake. Door prizes are certificates awarded to all participants.

For more information, contact the Patoka Lake Visitor Center 812-685-2447.

Waterfowl Reservation Hunts (Sportsmen Notice)
Indiana’s waterfowl reservation hunt system will be radically different this year. Tight schedules and a more “connected” outdoor sports network is moving the venue strictly online.

Indiana’s Waterfowl Reservation System will be online only this year through Sept. 26. Because of the tight deadlines caused by federal control of waterfowl hunting dates and various other factors, there is not sufficient time to give waterfowl hunters the option of registering for the drawing and receiving a reply via the U.S. Postal Service.

This year, registration for the drawing and the replies regarding its results will be available online only. Registration will close Sept. 26.
Look for the buttons for registering and for reading the results of the drawing on the website, at www.in.gov/dnr/fish wild
Indiana State Park Fall Road Rally is this weekend

This year’s annual fall State Park Road Rally, Sept. 21-23, features many points of interest and natural wonders with one overnight stay each at Abe Martin Lodge at Brown County State Park and the Canyon Inn at McCormick’s Creek State Park.

The fun starts at Abe Martin Lodge on Sunday afternoon and concludes on Tuesday night at Spring Mill Inn at Spring Mill State Park, with an awards ceremony/banquet ending by 7 p.m.

Participants will pilot their own vehicles, as a navigator steers them to the area’s historic sites and natural wonders. Highlights include crossing the longest double-span Howe truss covered bridge in the state and visiting the third-longest railroad trestle in the world. Standing more than 150 feet above the ground and stretching more than 2,300 feet long, this is an Indiana sight to see.

Participants also will participate in a daily “on-the-road” scavenger hunt. By searching for various assigned items, they will learn Indiana trivia and facts, accumulating points over both days. The teams with the most points will be awarded their prize at the awards banquet on the last night.

Cost is $214 per person (based on double occupancy), which includes two nights of lodging, breakfasts and dinners, an award ceremony/dinner, two days of road rally events and nightly entertainment. Reservations can be made only by calling 877-LODGES1 (563-4371).

For more information about this event, download www.scenicroadrallies.com/ downloads/2008IndianaStateParksFallEdition.pdf
 
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 e-mail at jackspaulding@hughes.net or by writing to him in care of this publication.