Brown County State Park unveils 7 Vista Challenge
The park’s 7 Vista Challenge takes visitors on a quest to find the most beautiful view in the park by visiting seven different vistas. Those who complete the challenge will get a free sticker and can purchase a challenge T-shirt.
Brown County State Park has also created a way for guests to experience the park’s unique cultural and natural history from the comfort of their own vehicles.
The park’s auto tour guides guests to five stops along the park’s south loop. Signs will be posted at each location. There are several vista overlooks along the drive.
Indiana Archaeology Month starts Sept. 1
|
September marks the 25th annual statewide celebration of Archaeology Month, an opportunity for all ages to learn about archaeology in Indiana.
Hoosier history buffs can meet archaeologists and learn about the state’s past at events held by universities, museums and other organizations and individuals throughout Indiana.
|
|
 |
New Indiana Hunting & Trapping Guide
The new 2020-21 Indiana Hunting & Trapping Guide is now available online. Printed copies will be available at local hunting license retailers and DNR properties soon, if not already. |
|
 |
Free Fishing on National Hunting & Fishing Day, Sept. 26
National Hunting & Fishing Day celebrates the sportsmen and women whose recreational activities have impacted fish and wildlife conservation.
To align with National Hunting & Fishing Day, the last Free Fishing Day of the year is Sept. 26. Anglers are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to bring someone new along to enjoy the pastime they love.
This also marks the start of Youth Deer Season, Sept. 26-27, a chance for hunters to pass on their passion to the next generation. Recreational shooters are encouraged to enjoy the 12 public shooting ranges and 10 archery ranges that DNR has to offer: on.IN.gov/dnrshootingranges.
 State adds two new state forests
Gov. Eric J. Holcomb announced the establishment of two new Indiana state forests at a ceremony on Aug. 14 in Morgan County.
Ravinia State Forest, near Paragon, encompasses 1,500 acres of wooded rolling hills, valleys and restored cropland. The area now known as Mountain Tea State Forest consists of more than 1,150 acres east of Nashville. The state’s public lands now include 15 officially designated state forests.
Recreation opportunities at the new state forests include wildlife viewing, hiking, and gathering wild berries, nuts, and mushrooms. Hunting is also permitted in state forests.
Give back to public lands on Sept. 26
Sept. 26 is National Public Lands Day – the largest, single-day volunteer event for public lands.
During the weekend of Sept. 26-27, celebrate National Public Lands Day by choosing your own adventure at your favorite DNR property:
1. Give back to an area you love by volunteering – find events near you.
2. Get outside and enjoy your favorite recreational activity.
3. Can't choose? Do both. Grab a bucket and take on the five gallon challenge while you enjoy the recreational pastime of your choosing.
To find a property near you, visit on.IN.gov/recfinder. Indiana State Parks will be offering free admission for visitors to enjoy the fall season on Sept. 27.
 McCormick’s Creek SP fire tower re-opens
The fire tower at McCormick’s Creek has re-opened to the public after decades of being closed.
During the 1980s, the cab atop the tower was locked by park management due to vandalism and for safety reasons, and it wasn’t until the Friends of McCormick’s Creek group funded the tower’s restoration in 2019 that the public was able to enter — but only during guided hikes.
 2020: The Year of the Outdoors
With only 4% of Indiana’s land public and accessible to anyone who wishes to spend time outdoors, little space is left for protected wildlife and areas where people can recreate. Indiana ranks 43rd out of 50 states in terms of percentage of public land. One of our main priorities is to increase the public lands available to Indiana residents, and the need for more land has been made clear in the last several months.
Quarantining and social distancing led many Hoosiers to seek the great outdoors. Indiana’s state parks have seen a large increase in the number of visitors.
Top Indiana conservation officers receive awards
The DNR Division of Law Enforcement recently recognized top conservation officers at an awards ceremony in Indianapolis.
Officer Jordan Brand, assigned to Delaware County, was selected as the James D. Pitzer Indiana Conservation Officer of the Year. Brand was selected from the 10 District Officer of the Year winners, and the award establishes him as the top conservation officer of 2019.
 Multiple hunting seasons begin in September
Fall weather means hunters will take to the fields as several seasons open in September. Starting Sept. 1, gamebird seasons, including dove, snipe, and sora rail, will open. Sept. 12 marks the start of waterfowl season for early teal and geese. Deer reduction zone season starts Sept. 15. You can find the designated locations for this season on our website.
Outdoor recreationists should check with DNR property offices before visiting if they plan to go off the trails. Certain areas may be closed for reserved hunts or designated seasons. Individuals can wear hunter orange as an additional precaution when entering areas where hunters may be present.
Black bear in Kentucky may cross into Indiana
A black bear has been confirmed by the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife north of Prospect, Kentucky, near Clark County, Indiana.
Because bears are strong swimmers, the bear may cross the Ohio River into the Hoosier state. According to DNR nongame mammalogist Brad Westrich, the sighting is not a cause for alarm but a time to prepare so negative interactions with the bear can be avoided.
Learn to hunt or fish this fall
Hunting and fishing are excellent ways to fill your fridge or freezer with local, fresh food.
If you’re interested in learning how to gather your own food or take part in a new outdoor pastime, consider attending one of DNR’s free educational workshops through the Learn to Hunt, Trap, & Shoot Program or the Learn to Fish Program. Equipment is provided at most workshops.
Sept. 19 – Learn to Hunt Waterfowl, Kankakee FWA
Sept. 26 – Learn to Catch & Cook, Indianapolis
Sept. 26 – Learn to Catch & Cook, South Bend
Sept. 26 – Learn to Fish, Part 1: The Basics, Fort Harrison State Park Sept. 26 – Family Learn to Fish, Cicero
Oct. 3 – Learn to Fish, Part 2: Catch & Cook, Fort Harrison State Park
Additional workshops listing can be found at wildlife.IN.gov.
 Snapshot Indiana volunteers needed
DNR is seeking applicants to volunteer for Snapshot Indiana, a citizen-science trail camera project that collects information about Indiana wildlife.
Applicants must have access to at least 10 acres of private land and have no bait or feed near where the camera will be set. Selected applicants host a DNR-provided trail camera on their property during October and November and then return the camera to DNR.
Selected applicants will receive the best photos from their camera after all photos are processed. Learn more or submit an application
 Get your copy of Outdoor Indiana
The new Outdoor Indiana features the photo essay 'Fall for Indiana", which shows some classic Hoosier autumn scenery. Read excerpts from feature stories on DNR K-9s and a marshbird survey at OutdoorIndiana.org and subscribe today
DNR Response to COVID-19
The DNR is committed to ensuring that our guests and staff continue to have safe and memorable outdoor experiences at our state parks, state forests, fish & wildlife areas, nature preserves and state recreation areas in light of COVID-19. We are following the lead of the Indiana State Department of Health and many local county health departments as we monitor the virus and its potential impacts on DNR properties.
VIEW WHAT IS OPEN, CLOSED AND CANCELED >>
 |
|
The Foundation celebrates and preserves Indiana’s natural legacy by raising funds to support the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and its programs.
|
|
