Tri-State Outdoor News

Habitat and wildlife management are essential to keep nature in balance and both are included topics in the Indiana Hunter Education Program. Conservation officers and volunteer hunters instruct the course. The volunteer instructors receive their training through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division. South Region Hunter Education Coordinator Tim Beck explained that with only 200 conservation officers to instruct the classes needed for Indiana’s 92 counties the program couldn’t be done without the approximately 900 volunteer instructors from across the state. “The volunteer hunters are our main source. I mean they are the lifeblood of the program,” said Beck. “We are very grateful for these people.”

The program graduates about 18,000 hunters a year in Indiana. Hunter Education is offered in many schools including ones in Dubois, Gibson, Posey and Warrick Counties. According to Beck, all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and countries overseas recognize their program.

Conservation Officer Mike Kellner provided me with the book used in the classes Today* s Hunter: DNR Indiana’s Guide to Hunting Responsibly and Safely. This comprehensive book covers gun safety, responsible hunting skills, field safety and many respectful values. It also includes outdoor survival, first aid and habitat, wildlife management. Even if you don’t hunt, gun safety is valuable information; with all it includes, this program is a good educational opportunity for anyone interested in the outdoors. “When you pick up a firearm you’ve got a ton of responsibility…how it affects you, other people, the peoples property that you are on…” said Officer Kellner. “A lot of the lessons in the book are just good polite responsible ideas and apply everywhere.”

Hunter education and habitat make for big smiles during a recent Youth Turkey Hunter Seminar at Sugar Ridge Fish and Wildlife Area. Here, Conservation Officer Eric Stamps show off a target with his son Weston.

With a limited amount of habitat understanding the need for responsible wildlife management has become more important; participating in hunting and fishing activities creates funds that directly help conservation efforts. A habitat that supports wildlife such as deer^ turkey and ducks may also support songbirds, birds of prey, reptiles, amphibians and many beneficial insects. “When you manage for game species, you’re also managing for non-game,” Kellner said.

The quality and the availability of habitat is greatly reflected in our wildlife populations. Officer Kellner pointed out how important biologists are to wildlife management – they study wildlife and wildlife habitats around the state. The information that they provide is vital for making sound conservation decisions.

The volunteer instructors give a lot more than their time -they give their knowledge and their love for the outdoors. When volunteer instructor Jim Burdette was asked why he felt including habitat management in the program was important he said, “To better educate the public on the ecological balance that is needed on any parcel of land to benefit the health of wildlife.”

Our outdoor activities rely on providing and protecting habitat beyond our backyards. To find out more about the Hunter Education Program or how to become a volunteer instructor contact District 7 Conservation Officers Headquarters in Pike County (812) 789-9538, www.dnr.IN.gov or the local conservation officer in your area.

Thanks to all who volunteer.