Turkey hunts, hunting dates, and free fishing days

Indiana Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 02/01/2017 06:45 AM EST

Help vulnerable wildlife survive

You can help wildlife species such as bald eagles, peregrine falcons, barn owls, box turtles, black bears and more by donating to the Indiana Nongame Wildlife Fund as you do your taxes.

In 2016, donations through the tax check-off dropped dramatically. This was most likely due to a change that required donations from tax forms to be on a separate page, Schedule IN-5. This year, a code is also required to donate, which also may complicate the procedure for donating. The Indiana Nongame Wildlife Fund code is “200.”

Watch a video explaining the new process.

You can also become a wildlife donor online by clicking the box below.

If you would like to stay up-to-date on all the projects and programs, sign up for the nongame wildlife newsletter at EndangeredWildlife.IN.gov

Turkey hunt applications accepted online

Hunters can apply online for a reserved turkey hunt by visiting hunting.IN.gov and clicking on the "Reserved Hunt Info" link. The application period is Feb. 1 through March 19. No late entries will be accepted. The online method is the only way to apply. Applicants must possess a hunting license valid for the hunt for which they are applying.

Deer Creek Shooting Range opens on Feb. 17

Deer Creek Fish & Wildlife Area now offers a state-of-the-art shooting range that will open to the public on Feb. 17. The range will be open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. More information can be found on the Deer Creek FWA website.

2017-18 hunting seasons dates now available

The 2017-18 hunting seasons are now posted. Dates for migratory birds and waterfowl seasons will become available in the summer. Their seasons are set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in cooperation with DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife.

Reminder:
Your 2016 hunting and fishing licenses are valid through March 31, 2017.

Have Canada geese become a nuisance?

Most goose problems occur from March through June, during the nesting season. While defending nests and their young, geese can become very aggressive - sometimes running toward people while flapping and biting.

Geese can also cause damage when many young are hatched in one area. Once out of the egg, goslings are not able to fly for about 70 days, so young birds and their parents are stuck in one place.

Geese enjoy eating tender turf grass and garden plants. Damage to landscaping can be significant, and large amounts of manure can render areas unfit for human use.

Fortunately, many goose-related problems are preventable. There are several options for managing immediate nuisance goose issues.

Get event details right to your inbox

Are you interested in learning how to hunt, fish, trap, or target shooting? If so, the Indiana Division of Fish & Wildlife has a program for you.

Our learn-to-hunt program will teach the skills needed to successfully harvest game, ranging from squirrels to white-tailed deer. Subscribe to the learn-to-hunt email to stay informed about upcoming programs.

Our learn-to-fish program will teach you the basics of how to become a successful angler. Subscribe to the learn-to-fish email to stay informed about upcoming programs.

Most of our workshops are free of charge and open to the whole family.

DNR launches CORRIDORS for grassland and pollinator habitats

Songbirds, gamebirds, butterflies and bees are among the many animals that will benefit from a new DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife program to improve grassland and pollinator habitat.

The program is called CORRIDORS, an acronym for Conservation on Rivers and Roadways Intended to Develop Opportunities for Resources and Species.

CORRIDORS will focus on four priority areas in the state: Indiana State Wildlife Action Plan Conservation Opportunity Areas; rights-of-way on interstates and state and federal highways; 100-year floodplains of rivers; and areas adjacent to a body of water.

Free fishing days announced for 2017

Four free fishing days have been announced for the 2017 fishing season, April 15, May 20, and June 3–4. This means Indiana residents do not need a fishing license or a trout stamp to fish in public waters on these days. Several fishing events will be going on throughout the state.

DNR to stock rainbow trout at Spring Mill Lake

The DNR will be stocking Spring Mill Lake in Spring Mill State Park with rainbow trout.

The 26-acre lake has a history of rainbow trout stockings. However, in 2006 the DNR stopped stocking Spring Mill Lake because it had become filled with sediment and public access and interest in fishing was limited.

A recent dredging project removed the sediment, and park staff rededicated the lake last year. In the works are a new boat ramp, boat rentals, fishing docks and fishing education programs.

Stocking will take place between March 1 and mid-April, depending on weather.

Bovine TB program enters next phase; progress means scaled-back plans

The ongoing bovine tuberculosis (bTB) surveillance in Franklin County is about to enter a new phase as cattle herd testing winds down and wild white-tailed deer sampling scales back to a special permit program.

Thanks to great support from area deer hunters, cattle farmers and landowners, state officials are optimistic about closing out this surveillance effort by the end of March.

About Fish and Wildlife Management in Indiana

Fish and wildlife management and public access are funded by fishing and hunting license revenue and also through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs administered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. These programs collect excise taxes on sporting arms and ammunition, archery equipment, fishing equipment, and motor boat fuels. The money is distributed among state fish and wildlife agencies based on land size and the number of licensed anglers and hunters in each state. Find out more information about fish and wildlife management in Indiana at www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild.

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