Volunteer hunters took 1,004 deer during the controlled hunts held at 18 state parks and one state natural area in November and December 2014, according to Mike Mycroft, chief of natural resources for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of State Parks. The controlled hunts were Nov. 17-18 and Dec. 1-2 at Brown County, Chain O’Lakes, Charlestown, Clifty Falls, Fort Harrison, Harmonie, Indiana Dunes, Lincoln, McCormick’s Creek, Ouabache, Pokagon, Potato Creek, Prophetstown, Shakamak, Spring Mill, Summit Lake, Tippecanoe River and Whitewater Memorial state parks, and at Cave River Valley State Natural Area.

Indiana state parks cover more than 65,000 acres of land and are home to unique plants and valuable wildlife habitat. Controlled hunts help protect the overpopulated areas by reducing browsing and allowing vegetation to recover.

“The overall quality of habitat has been greatly improved for several plants and animals, including the deer,” Mycroft said. “But the program also ensures healthier forests, wetlands, savannas and prairies moving into the future.”

Each park is evaluated annually to determine which require a controlled hunt the next year.  Decisions are based largely on previous harvest information. About one-third of the parks have achieved a maintenance status and regularly take a year off from controlled hunts.

A full report is available at www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/files/sp-DeerRMRR.pdf

Hunters interested in participating in 2015 can find details of the reduction control hunts starting in July at www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/5834.htm

Nuisance Canada geese

If Canada geese have become a problem on your property, helpful information is available through the Indiana DNR website. Most goose problems occur from March through June, during nesting season. It is also the time when geese are especially aggressive, sometimes even attacking and nipping at people. Geese also can cause localized damage if many young are hatched in one area. After hatching, goslings are incapable of flight for about 70 days, so the young birds and their parents will graze near the hatching area. Damage to landscaping can be significant, and large amounts of excrement can render areas unfit for human use. Information on how property owners can manage Canada geese is at www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/2996.htm

Solutions range from habitat modification to daily goose harassment through noise-making devices, to supporting goose hunt-ing or obtaining a DNR trapping permit. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) also allows landowners who are properly registered to destroy resident Canada goose eggs and nests on their property. It is against federal law to destroy a Canada goose nest containing one or more eggs without first securing permission through the FWS. It’s best to use preventive measures such as habitat modification before geese become a nuisance. More information on registering for federal permission to destroy eggs and nests is at https://epermits.fws.gov/ercgr/gesi.aspx

Visit DNR at the Indy Boat,

Sport & Travel Show

The Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show runs through March 1 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.  Make sure to check out Indiana’s DNR while you are at the show. Raptors and birds of prey from Hardy Lake, snakes from O’Bannon Woods and conservation officers with their K-9 partners will be on hand. Stop by the Indiana DNR booth and get your hands on an Outdoor Indiana 2015 calendar. It’s available at the boat show at a 50 percent savings, for only $5.

Be sure to pick up a free copy of the 2015 DNR Fishing Regulations Guidebook or buy your hunting and fishing license, stamps and permits. SPR GO! Savings Packs will be available. Enjoy the outdoors in 2015 and save money, too. SPR GO! Trails and Waves packages will be available for purchase at the Boat, Sport and Travel Show. The value packages are a great way to get 2015 annual passes and other permits. You may also buy them online.

Campground hosts wanted

Indiana’s state parks and reservoir properties are seeking volunteers to serve as campground hosts in exchange for free camping during their service.

Properties seek dedicated campers who enjoy working outdoors, with the public and with DNR staff. Selected hosts work a minimum of 20 hours per week. The volunteer period varies at sites, based on the number of applicants and the amount and type of work required.

A complete list of site availability and detailed information about hosting duties is at www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2404.htm or by contacting the property where you would like to serve. Completion of a volunteer application is required.

Individuals can download a volunteer application form at www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2443.htm

Indiana Master Naturalist class

Outdoor lovers will have the opportunity to become an Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) through classes at Salamonie Interpretive Center March 19-May 7. Classes will be Thursdays from 6-9 p.m., with the exception of one Tuesday evening and one Saturday morning class.

Students will learn about wetlands, astronomy, mammals, birds, spiders, geology and soils, wildflowers and forestry. Students must be 18 or older.

Participants must attend the March 19 orientation. Students must attend no fewer than eight of the nine sessions and complete a final exam. Following completion of the sessions, each graduate will be required to work 30 volunteer hours to obtain their IMN certification.

Cost is $80 per person. Registration and fee payment are due by March 10. Space is limited to 30 people. Register by contacting the Upper Wabash Interpretive Services at 260-468-2127. The Upper Wabash Interpretive Services is located at 3691S. New Holland Road, Andrews, IN 46702.