Sportsmen and citizens wanting to change or modify existing DNR rules and regulations are requested to submit their ideas to the Indiana Natural Resources Commission (NRC) for consideration.
The NRC has received nearly 800 suggestions from the public as part of an ongoing comprehensive review and enhancement of fish and wildlife rules for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

“We are grateful to everyone who already has taken an active role in this process,” said Bryan Poynter, chairman of the NRC. “The intent all along has been to organize and update a user-friendly set of rules that encourage people to hunt and fish rather than hinder their participation. The level of public input so far has helped move us closer to that goal.”

Substantive rule change suggestions are the third stage of a four-stage process recommended last year by a steering committee. Suggestions can be made through a Web-based interactive form by going to www.in.gov/nrc and clicking on the “Submit a Suggestion” link. The suggestion form will be available until April 1.

An advisory group will review the suggestions and conduct public hearings to determine the merit of them. The group will report its findings and recommendations to the NRC in late 2009. Actual proposal of substantive rule amendments are not expected to be presented to the NRC until early 2010.

The first stage of the project was to re-adopt all Fish and Wildlife Rules (312 IAC 9) without change to ensure the rules did not expire while the remainder of the project progresses. The readopted rules became effective on Dec. 24, 2008.

The Stage 2 goal is to provide clarity and consistency of interpretation, and to improve enforceability with only minor amendments to the rules in three segments. The NRC has granted preliminary adoption to the first segment of amendments on deer hunting and hunter education rules.

Additional segments will address rules associated with wild animals (except deer), mammals and game birds (March 17) and reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates, commercial licenses and permits (May 2009). It is hoped Stage 2 will be completed and approved by October or November.

The final stage provides an option to work with the state legislature to enact necessary amendments to existing statutes.

DNR closes several
northern Indiana lakes

In response to unusually high water levels in Kosciusko County, the DNR has closed the following lakes to motorized watercraft: Tippecanoe Lake, Oswego Lake, James Lake, Big Barbee Lake, Little Barbee Lake, Irish Lake, Kuhn Lake, Sechcrist Lake and Winona Lake.

The executive order, signed by DNR Director Robert E. Carter, is effective immediately and will continue until the threat of flooding has passed and the order is lifted. People with interests on those lakes are asked to monitor local media outlets for the current operational status of the lake in their area.

Non-motorized watercraft (canoes, kayaks, et cetera) are not affected by the order.

Mushrooms, delicious & deadly

The Upper Wabash Interpretive Services gears up for mushroom season on April 18 at 9:30 a.m. The program includes an informative talk by John Mason. He will share images and information about morels and other edible mushrooms, and items of interest about poisonous fungus as well.

Sample mushroom bread and receive a mushroom book during the program. Then, take a hike to scout for prime hunting habitat for mushrooms. The program fee is $10 per person. Space is limited and pre-registration is required; call 260-468-2127 to register for the event.

Mississinewa Reservoir’s DNR office is located in the Miami State Recreation Area west of U.S. Highway 31 on 500 S. The drive is eight miles from Peru and 30 miles from Logansport and Kokomo. From Wabash, take Highway 124 to Miami CR 675 East for a 15-mile route to the program.

Visit the website at www.in.gov/dnr/uwis for more information about available programs.

Register for Cabela’s King
Kat catfishing tournament

The Cabela’s King Kat tournament trail will hit the waters of the Ohio River at Henderson, Ky., April 25. The tournament is the opportunity for local catfish anglers to compete for cash, prizes and a chance to advance to the Cabela’s King Kat Classic to be held on the Pickwick/Wilson Lakes at Sheffield, Ala., Oct. 16-17.

The tournament is the opportunity for catfish anglers and clubs to advance to a new level with a major payback and media recognition for their abilities. The trail is a team event. Teams will consist of one or two persons, with one exception: A third person may accompany the team provided the third person is under 16 years of age or over 65.

Entry fees for qualifier tournaments are $200 per team. The tournament offers a guaranteed payback of $5,000 to the top 15 percent of the field.

The tournament weigh-in will be at the Riverfront Park in Henderson. Tournament hours are 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m. All anglers must be in weigh-in line by 4 p.m., with a five-fish limit per team.
To help preserve the sport, only live fish will be weighed in, and all fish will be released after the tournament. For a complete list of rules phone or visit the website listed below.

Participants may enter by mail or at the late registration to be held at the host hotel from 5-7 p.m. or at the mandatory meeting at 5:30 the tournament morning, at the weigh-in site. Deadline for mail-in entries is 14 days prior to the event. All entries after the deadline will pay a $25 late fee.

The top 20 teams at each qualifying event will qualify for the Cabela’s King Kat Classic. For entry forms or information phone 270-395-6774, fax 270-395-4381 or visit www.kingkatusa.com

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.