Search Site   
News Stories at a Glance
Deere 4440 cab tractor racked up $18,000 at farm retirement auction
Indiana legislature passes bills for ag land purchases, broadband grants
Make spring planting safety plans early to avoid injuries
Michigan soybean grower visits Dubai to showcase U.S. products
Scientists are interested in eclipse effects on crops and livestock
U.S. retail meat demand for pork and beef both decreased in 2023
Iowa one of the few states to see farms increase in 2022 Ag Census
Trade, E15, GREET, tax credits the talk at Commodity Classic
Ohioan travels to Malta as part of US Grains Council trade mission
FFA members learn about Australian culture, agriculture during trip
Timing of Dicamba ruling may cause issues for 2024 planting
   
Archive
Search Archive  
   
Indiana planning two state park deer hunts in late fall

Two Indiana state park deer hunt reduction efforts will take place Nov. 16-17 and Nov. 30-Dec. 1. Application deadline for both hunt dates is Aug. 28. Applications are available online at www.indianaoutdoor.IN.gov

State parks conducting deer hunt reductions with firearms are Chain O’Lakes, Charlestown, Harmonie, Lincoln, Ouabache, Pokagon, Potato Creek, Prophetstown, Shades, Shakamak, Spring Mill, Tippecanoe River, Turkey Run, Versailles and Whitewater Memorial. The two state parks conducting deer hunt reductions with hunters using archery equipment are Fort Harrison and Clifty Falls.

Applicants must be Indiana residents and at least 18 years of age by Nov. 16, 2009, and possess at least one valid Indiana deer license to apply. Each person may apply only once for each state park deer hunt reduction effort, regardless of primary or buddy status. All applications sharing duplicate names will be disqualified. Designated areas are available for participants with special needs.
State park deer hunt reductions are held specifically to reduce the ecological impact from whitetail deer in certain state parks. Details are available in the 2009-10 Indiana Hunting and Trapping Guide, available at retail stores and at www.IN.gov/dnr/fishwild/2343.htm and potential applicants should review details in the guide before applying.

Biologists evaluate which parks require a deer hunt reduction each year based on floral recovery and previous hunter success. The state parks are home to more than 32 state-endangered plants. The deer hunt reductions help maintain browsing by deer to a level needed to help plant ecosystems recover throughout the state parks.

According to Mike Mycroft, chief of natural resources for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of State Parks and Reservoirs, “The deer hunt reduction efforts are a great way for hunters to lend their time and skill to help the resources at their favorite parks.

“Furthermore, since the deer taken at the deer hunt reductions are in addition to regular statewide bag limits, it’s a great opportunity for those who are serious about putting meat on the table.”
Though the parks have had much success since their first deer hunt reduction in 1993, Mycroft said a high no-show rate of those drawn and overselective hunting remain challenges for the program, and he hopes to see improvements in those areas this year.

Reserved hunt applications,
including military, online


Hunters may apply for a reserved hunt online by visiting www.Indiana Outdoor.IN.gov and clicking on the “Register for a Reserved Hunt” link. The online method will be the only way to apply for the reserved hunts.

All applicants must possess a pertinent hunting license for the hunt for which they apply. All applications must be completed by the application deadline to be eligible for the drawing. Hunters will be selected through a random drawing.

All drawing results will be posted at www.IN.gov/dnr/fishwild or www.wild life.IN.gov within a week after application deadlines.
For the Military/Refuge Deer Hunt draw, the online application must be completed by Aug. 28. For the Dove Hunt draw, the online application must be completed by July 31.

For the Indiana State Park Deer Reduction Hunts, the online application must be completed by Aug. 28. For the Pheasant Hunt draw, the online application must be completed by Oct. 2.
For the Wild Turkey Hunt draw, the online application must be completed by March 26, 2010.

Applications for waterfowl draw hunts typically begin in late August. Pheasant put-and-take reserved hunts will be available Sept. 1.
Additional Military/Refuge hunts this year include a firearm hunt at Naval Support Activity Crane, and archery and firearm hunts at Newport Chemical Depot. Permit allotments and dates for other military and refuge areas are also being expanded.

For answers to questions about military/refuge hunt opportunities, call 812-334-3795 from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. This is not a toll-free call. Hunters may see more information in the online Indiana Hunting & Trapping Guide.

Hunting and Trapping
Guide online

The 2009-10 DNR Hunting and Trapping Guide is now available on the DNR website at www.in.gov/dnr – additionally, the guide will be available free of charge at most DNR properties, various sporting goods stores, hunting license vendors and other locations around the state.

The 44-page publication’s cover shows a hunter participating in a deer reduction hunt last winter at Tippecanoe River State Park. In addition to providing hunting and trapping rules and regulations, the guide includes articles on the 10 “unwritten” rules of hunting; why Kade Carter, sixth-grade son of DNR Director Robert E. Carter Jr., likes to hunt; and how science plays a role in determining hunting rules and seasons.

The guide is a must, not only for veteran Hoosier hunters and trappers but also for those new to the state, and is a fitting addition to any neighborhood welcome package.

Volunteers needed for Indiana
State Fair fishing pond

For the last three years, the free DNR Fishin’ Pond has been a highlight of the Indiana State Fair, and the DNR needs volunteers to keep the tradition going this year. Fair dates are Aug. 7-23 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.

Volunteers not only make the feature enjoyable and educational, they also receive a free ticket to the fair, good for the entire day of their four-hour shift.

No experience is needed. Optional training, which is highly recommended for new volunteers, is offered twice in July and will serve as a chance for early ticket pickup. All volunteers also receive a T-shirt to wear during their shifts.

Training for new volunteers will be July 24 from 3-5 p.m. and July 25 from 10 a.m.-noon. The same material will be covered in both sessions, so volunteers need attend only a single session.
There are morning and evening four-hour shifts available at the Fishin’ Pond. Shift times run from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and from 3:30-7:30 p.m. There are four types of opportunities: fishing instructors, equipment workers, registration workers and educators (crafts).

Participants 18 and older who are interested may register at www.IN.gov/ dnr/5495.htm or contact the GoFishIN program at 317-562-1338, or e-mail fishpond@dnr.IN.gov with questions or to register a minor (under 18).

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.

7/15/2009