Tri-State Outdoor News

When it comes to off-roading, it can be fairly simple to develop an over-inflated opinion of our knowledge and skills when it comes to our riding techniques and practices. There are risks in being over confident as well as not having a clue and hitting the trail, which can rise up and hit back at any time.

There’s a lot more to think about than hitting the gas and hanging on. I know for myself, the times I have been injured while riding were purely because of misuse and poor judgement. I’m not saying you can’t have an accident riding exactly how you should, but most of the time, we cause our own problems by not paying attention. The real fact of the matter is that the sport we choose to participate in does pose a risk to our health and we need to realize that. More »

As turkey hunters, being the stealthy types that we are, we generally like to move in as close to the roost as we can in the hopes of getting our intended quarry to pitch down our way. However, invariably we will at some point or another attempt to get too close and end up bumping the bird off the roost. Heck, on one occasion, I no doubt got close enough – too close – only to watch the bird soar out of the tree right over my head.

Last season, I found myself in a situation in which I felt like I needed to get as close as possible to a particular bird. I had nearly killed him the night before in a picked corn field. I called him in from about 250 yards away as he was making his way across the field towards his roost tree. His only saving grace that evening was an extremely low flying jet that spooked him at the last minute – just as I was beginning to put some tension on the trigger. More »

The DNR will offer youth hunters, 15 years old and younger, reserved turkey hunts during youth wild turkey
hunting season for both youth-season days, April 18 and 19, at 26 DNR properties.

The hunts are at Atterbury, Crosley, Glendale, Goose Pond, Hovey Lake, Jasper- Pulaski, Sugar Ridge, Kankakee, Kingsbury, LaSalle, Pigeon River, Tri-County, Minnehaha, Fairbanks Landing, Hillenbrand, Chinook, Winamac and Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Areas, as well as at Cagles Mill, Hardy, Monroe, Patoka, Salamonie, Brookville, Roush and Mississinewa lakes.

In an attempt to provide quality hunts, a limit will be placed on the number of youth hunters allowed to
hunt a respective property on each respective day. Each property will hold local early registrations and drawings at the property for the halfday hunts. Hunts will run one-half hour before sunrise until noon at properties in the Central Time Zone, and onehalf hour before sunrise until 1 p.m. on properties in the Eastern Time Zone. Those wanting to sign up for Fairbanks Landing, Chinook or Hillenbrand hunts may do so at Minnehaha FWA. More »

Brown County State Park’s mountain bike trails have been crowned as “among the best in North America”
in Bike Magazine’s March issue.

In its article “33 Best Rides in North America” the international magazine says the following about the trails,
which are located on the outskirts of Nashville, Ind.

“This expanding trail system is quickly becoming a favorite destination for Midwest riders … its 19 miles
of singletrack is among the most varied terrain east of the Mississippi. From berms to steep switchbacks to tight trees to rock gardens, these trails have it all. And even more are on the way, with an ambitious expansion plan already in the works. More »

A new tool on the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) Web site was unveiled Wednesday at the Indiana Geographic Information Council Annual conference in Bloomington. The tool will encourage the restoration and creation of wetlands, a vital part of Indiana’s ecosystem. Construction and other land disturbing projects often affect wetlands, which store rainwater and slow the movement of floodwater. Wetland replacement, which is required by law, is known as mitigation. Finding appropriate mitigation sites often takes a great deal of time.

IDEM and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) unveiled public portal for a new Volunteer Mitigation interactive site. The site will assist in the connection of property owners willing to provide land for mitigation and organizations that must complete mitigation as part of their project. The goal is to easily identify potential sites and streamline wetland restoration and creation. The public portal can be found at IdemMaps.idem.IN.gov/apps/MitigationVolunteer/ and is currently accepting entries from property owners.
IDEM developed the project in cooperation with INDOT, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. In recent months, the agencies have been testing a version of the site. More »

Indiana businesses, agricultural producers, governments, individuals, technical assistance organizations, educational groups and nonprofit organizations who can demonstrate extraordinary efforts in pollution prevention and environmental management are encouraged to apply for the 2009 Indiana’s Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence.

Awards will be given for three categories, Energy/Renewable Resources, Pollution Prevention and Five Years’ Continuous Improvement. These awards are open to all Indiana facilities, state and local units of government, individuals, and technical assistance organizations that implement exemplary environmental projects with measurable results.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is accepting applications until 5 p.m. on Monday, April 20. Winners will be invited to a banquet to celebrate their accomplishments.

“These awards exemplify that Indiana industry and IDEM can work together to ensure that thoughtful environmental action can strengthen both the economy and the environment,” said Thomas Easterly, IDEM commissioner.” Working toward common goals is something that benefits the entire state.”

For additional information on how to apply, contact Anthony Sullivan at (800) 988-7901 or by e-mail at asulliva@idem.IN.gov. For a nomination form, visit IDEM’s Web site at www.IN.gov/idem/5147.htm.

Interactive map to focus on Indiana Wetlands

One of Indiana’s most overlooked natural resources are spectacular wetland ecosystems, and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has created a newWeb site to offer a glimpse into the state’s varied wetland ecosystems.The newest Internet offering, a Wetlands virtual tour can be found at www.wetlands.IN.gov.

Wetlands, which store rainwater and slow the movement of floodwater, can be affected by construction projects. IDEM administers several permits regarding construction, excavation, and dredging projects that propose to impact Indiana’s wetlands, streams, rivers, and lakes.

“This Web-based educational component highlights just a few of the vibrant wetlands across the state of Indiana,” said Thomas Easterly, IDEM commissioner. “Our goal is to help children and adults learn about the significance and beauty of these important natural resources.”

The interactive map features short videos about 15 unique wetland sites located around the state of Indiana. Topics covered in the videos include information about each property and its history, as well as the wetland plants, trees and wildlife that can be found at the site. In addition to interesting facts about each property, the map also offers information on the activities and amenities that are available.

Hoosiers planning construction projects should contact IDEM’s Wetlands program at (800) 451-6027 or visit the IDEM Web site at www.wetlands.IN.gov.

The DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife’s “Where to Hunt” interactive Web site has bagged a state award for the department. Staff members Kevin Hoffman (Division of Fish and Wildlife) and Mike Martin (Division of Management Information Systems) developed the tool to help Hoosiers find a great place to hunt.

The Indiana Geographic Information Council (IGIC) http://www.in.gov/igic/, which annually recognizes creative and practical applications of GIS in Indiana, presented the Department with its Excellence in GIS Award, State or Federal Agency category.

IGIC presents up to six “Excellence in GIS” awards in the following categories: Small Community (population less than 50,000), Large Community (population more than 50,000), County, Educational, State or Federal Agency, Business or Commercial.

The 2009 DNR Fishing Guide is now available, free of charge, at most DNR properties, various sporting goods stores, fishing license vendors and other locations around the state. The 2009 Recreation Guide is at many of the same places or will be shortly.

Longtime fans of the DNR Fishing and Recreation Guide will notice a change this year. For the past few years, this was one publication. This year, to better serve each interest group, they are separate publications. Those who are interested in both topics should be sure to get both publications. Both are available, free of charge, at most of the same locations around the state.

The 40-page Fishing Guide’s cover shows a pair of anglers enjoying success on Steuben County’s Clear Lake. In addition to providing fishing rules and regulations, the new Fishing Guide includes articles on Indiana’s fisheries program, fishing for walleye, and research on catfish done on the Wabash River. More »

The day will consist of over 50 exhibitors with activities, displays, entertainment, music and food. The Aebersold’s Jazz Quartet performs at 1:30 and Jungle John’s “Silly Safari” live animal show, from noon to 4:00.

His Earth friendly message is presented in delightful interactions with the audience and his furry – and not so furry – friends.

Sign up to Win Bikes from Clarksville Schwinn and KAIRE, Kite flying plus there will be face painting, seed
planting, free tree seedlings and more.

Take your picture with Smokey Bear and enjoy the Junk Genius’ Robots, made out of recycled toys. Examine gas-electric vehicles close-up and look at ways to use solar energy and energy efficient lighting.

Be creative with driftwood art to take home and admire local artists’ colorful nature photography.

Various Environmental groups will share ideas for being good stewards of the Earth and local businesses will celebrate Earth Day with demonstrations of Earth -friendly products and activities.

Want to learn more? Call 812-280-9970.