Free hunting days for 2011 for Indiana youth are Nov. 26-27. Any Indiana resident age 17 or younger on the date of the hunt, and accompanied by an adult of at least 18 years of age, can take any legal game in season during these youth free hunting days.

The youth hunter does not have to possess a hunting license, HIP number or any state stamp, but must comply with all other hunting regulations. To hunt waterfowl, all persons 16 years or older must have a federal duck stamp. 

The accompanying adult must be in close enough proximity to monitor and communicate with the youth hunter at all times and may assist the youth hunter, including game calling, but may not carry a firearm or bow and arrow. The accompanying adult must possess a valid hunting license, unless exempted from needing a license.

Youth Deer Season is Sept. 24-25. Youth age 17 and younger on the date of the hunt, and accompanied by an adult of at least 18 years of age, can take either an antlered or antlerless deer. If the youth hunter takes an antlered deer during the youth deer season, the youth cannot take another antlered deer during the normal deer seasons (i.e., firearm, archery or muzzleloader seasons).

The youth hunter must possess a valid license to take deer (resident youth hunt/trap, non-resident youth deer or lifetime comprehensive), and the accompanying adult must also possess a valid hunting license of any type while in the field with the youth hunter. The youth must comply with all deer hunting regulations including tagging and checking their kill at a deer check station within 48 hours of the take. The youth hunter and accompanying adult must both wear hunter orange.

The youth hunter may use a legal firearm, bow and arrow or crossbow to take the deer. The accompanying adult cannot take a deer and may not possess a firearm, muzzleloader, bow and arrow or crossbow while in the field with the youth.

Events held on any Division of Fish and Wildlife property involving the handling and shooting of firearms will be strictly organized and conducted by responsible, experienced adults. They will be paired with young participants to constantly monitor their actions while they are holding, handling and shooting firearms. They will act as mentors to teach firearm safety and safe hunting practices.

To see the list of events by property visit www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/ 2701.htm

The 10th annual “Wheelin’ IN the Fish” will be held at Osborne Boat Ramp at Patoka Lake on Sept. 17 from 10 a.m.-2p.m. The free fishing event promotes the accessible features of Patoka Lake for participants with special needs and their families.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Patoka Bass Anglers and Southern Indiana Center for Independent Living host the 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, such as fishing and pontoon boat rides, are guaranteed to bring folks together. Bring lawn chairs, sunscreen, insect repellent and enjoy the day at Patoka Lake. There are chances at door prizes, and certificates will be awarded to all participants.

Osborne Boat Ramp is located off Highway 145 just two miles north of the State Road 164 intersection and 14 miles south of French Lick, Ind. Watch for the signs. For more information regarding activities & programs, call the Visitor Center at 812-685-2447.

Mark the calendar: The third annual Hoosier Outdoor Experience is coming to Indianapolis’ Fort Harrison State Park Sept. 17-18, and it’s free to the public. Doing more than 50 hands-on outdoor activities requires no fees, all day, both days, for men, women and children. Food booths will be available, but you’re welcome to pack a lunch.

During last year’s event more than 18,400 people attended, an increase of about 5,000 from the inaugural event. Plenty of room for more attendees waits in the state park’s sprawling 700 acres. There will be something for everyone who enjoys being outdoors, from canoeing and bicycling, to a few types of fishing.

“If you ever wanted to learn about basic fishing, fly fishing or even bow fishing but weren’t sure how to get started, here’s your chance,” said Bill James, DNR’s chief of fisheries.

For bow fishing at the event, the targets will be fish decoys floating on Delaware Lake. Experienced volunteers will coach participants and oversee safety as participants try their aim and reel in the arrows.

“If you’re looking for a unique hands-on experience, be sure to stop by the bow fishing venue,” James said. “You might find you have a hidden talent that would make Robin Hood jealous.”

The Hoosier Outdoor Experience, which runs 9 a.m.-6 p.m. each day, is presented by the DNR and the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation. Their goal is to introduce people to new outdoor activities. Other activities include hands-on target shooting, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking and much more.

Online advance registration at www.hoosieroutdoorexperience.IN.gov is requested to assist with staffing and planning. Watch for event updates online or at Facebook.com/Hoosier OutdoorExperience

If you already enjoy outdoor sports and recreation and want to help others learn to enjoy them as much as you do, sign up to volunteer at www.dnr.IN.gov/ 5412.htm

Indiana’s reciprocal agreement with the state of Ohio, allowing people who live in the Buckeye State and own land in Indiana to hunt and fish in the Hoosier State without an Indiana license, has expired. The change is in reaction to the Ohio legislature’s recent passage of a bill eliminating Indiana residents who own property in Ohio to hunt or fish their Ohio property without a license.

With the law change in Ohio, its residents who own land in Indiana and want to hunt or fish on their land or any other land in the Hoosier State must now purchase a non-resident license before they can hunt or fish in Indiana.

Similarly, Indiana residents who own land in Ohio will need to buy a non-resident Ohio hunting or fishing license to hunt or fish on their land or other land in the Buckeye State.

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.