Deer hunters are usually introduced to the sport by a relative or a close friend. For many hunters, a father, grandfather or someone like an Uncle Buck may have been the first to put them in a tree stand and give them some tips. But, some outdoor lovers weren’t lucky enough to have a deer-hunting mentor.

Rather than sit back wishing you knew about the ins and outs of deer hunting, there is a chance in the near future to get you on the right track. Becoming an ethical and effective deer hunter requires a level of education and the Hoosier Outdoor Experience Sept. 26-27 is a good place to learn the necessary basic skills from experts.
“There is much more to deer hunting than simply walking out in the woods and shooting a deer. New hunters need someone to teach them what to look for in the woods, how to act ethically and the rules and regulations of where they are hunting,” said Captain Dave Windsor, Indiana Conservation officer.

The Indiana Deer Hunters Assoc. will offer its Whitetail Deer Sensory Trail to attendees of the Hoosier Outdoor Experience, who can experience much of what it’s like to be a deer hunter.

“The sensory trail will introduce participants to many different scenarios they may encounter while deer hunting. It is set up to explain “deer sign” (for example, how to tell if deer have been in the vicinity recently), equipment used in deer hunting, what to do with a deer after it’s been killed and much more,” said Kevin Smith, IDHA member.

Those who take the sensory trail will leave with the basic knowledge necessary to begin deer hunting. The event is geared toward beginning and intermediary hunters looking to gain valuable knowledge.

The Hoosier Outdoor Experience is a family-friendly multi-seminar experience billed as the first of its kind in Indiana. Unlike traditional trade shows, visitors will be able to enjoy hands-on experiences in a wide range of outdoor activities, such as fly fishing, target shooting, archery, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, camping and much more.

The Hoosier Outdoor Experience is presented by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation, with sponsorship support from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, Ball Brothers Foundation, WXIN-Fox 59, Indianapolis and numerous other sponsors.

Parking, admission, activities, demonstrations and seminars are free to the public, but online registration is required. To register, go to www.in.gov/dnr/5009.htm and click on the yellow “registration” icon. Event updates can be found online there or on Facebook and Twitter.

Zebra mussels invade
the St. Joseph River

A lone zebra mussel was found attached to a rock in the St. Joseph River in Fort Wayne in August, during a routine sampling led by Saint Francis University assistant professor Warren Pryor. The one single little striped shell could signal big trouble for waters in the area, maybe as much trouble as the mussel’s presence has caused in other areas.

Though found in more than 75 bodies of water in 43 counties throughout Indiana, the discovery marks the first time the mussel has been found in Allen County. Zebra mussels were also discovered earlier in the year in Sylvan Lake, the first find in Noble County.

Doug Keller, aquatic invasive species coordinator with the DNR, said the effect of zebra mussels can be devastating where the invasive species successfully colonizes.

“Zebra mussels can rapidly multiply and are known for clogging drainage and filtration pipes,” Keller said. “Besides pipes, they can attach to virtually anything in the water column, including rocks, limbs, piers or even boats.”

Zebra mussels are originally from Europe and spread rapidly across North America in the 1990s. Aside from being a costly nuisance to humans, zebra mussels may also cause declines in fish populations.

By filtering tiny plants, called phytoplankton, out of the water column, zebra mussels diminish the base of the food chain, potentially causing declines in all other aquatic life, including fish.
Keller said there are few options for eradicating the mussel short of eliminating every other living thing in the river. The best means of control, he said, is by educating boaters about preventing further spread of the mussel. Typically, zebra mussels are transported by human recreational activities such as boating or fishing.

A few simple tasks can prevent the spread of zebra mussels and other invasive species. Removing all aquatic vegetation and draining live wells, bilge, water lines and boat trailers at access ramps will prevent transport of the mollusk to other waters. Drying equipment after each use also is important.

“Letting all equipment dry for five days after a boating trip will prevent the spread of both adults and larvae,” Keller said. “However, if you plan to visit a body of water sooner, you can use a solution of 5 percent bleach (in) water to clean and disinfect all of your equipment.”

The DNR has posted informational signs at all DNR-owned boat ramps to remind users of these procedures. For more information, visit www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3123.htm or call Keller at 317-234-3883.

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.