Tri-State Outdoor News

Bedford, IN—The U.S. Forest Service–Hoosier National Forest, received $1.09 million funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for roads maintenance and decommissioning and associated watershed restoration that were first announced by U. S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on June 2, 2009. This project is among the 106 projects, funded at more than $228 million, located on Forest Service land in 31 states.

In his announcement earlier this month, Vilsack stated, “These road maintenance projects will provide for public health and safety, resource protection, and access to lands in the National Forests.” More »

All dates, times and programs subject to change; check fair program for updates.

Multiple-Day Events

9 a.m.–Noon Youth DNR Fishin’ Pond (except Aug. 7, 8, and 17-21)

10 a.m. Snakes Alive Talk, DNR Amphitheater, every day

7 p.m. Architectural Fairground Trolley Tour, from DNR Building, 8/7 and 13

4:30 p.m. Live Raptor Show, DNR Amphitheater (except 8/10-14, 17-19, and 23)

4:30 p.m. Indiana’s Birds of Prey, DNR Amphitheater (8/10, 14, 17) More »

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

Volunteers not only make this feature enjoyable and educational, they 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 pick-up. All volunteers also receive a T-shirt to wear during their shift. More »

Deer hunters in need of a place to hunt, and farmers/landowners in need of crop damage relief now have a way to contact each other using a tool developed by the Department of Natural Resources.

To participate, deer hunters may submit an online application, July 1 through Aug. 30, at http://www.IN.gov/dnr/fishwild to hunt private land in Indiana. Hunters submit for up to two counties they would like to hunt. Farmers/landowners then select individuals to interview for rights to hunt.

The program does not alter normal DNR deer hunting regulations. Hunters must adhere to all bag limits, county antlerless deer quotas and license fees. Farmers/landowners determine whether hunters may harvest antlerless deer or deer of either sex. More »

The 2009-2010 DNR Hunting and Trapping Guide is now available on the DNR Web site, dnr.IN.gov.

Within the next week or two, 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. More »

The 2009 spring season harvest was Indiana’s second highest since modern-day turkey seasons began 40 years ago, exceeding the 2008 harvest by 789 birds.

Of the approximately 59,000 hunters who pursued wild turkey in the state this spring, 12,993 were successful. Wild turkeys were killed in 88 of the 92 counties open to turkey hunting during the regular season, April 22 to May 10, and the youth season, April 18 and 19. More »

Hunters may apply for a reserved hunt online by visiting www.IndianaOutdoor.IN.gov and clicking on the “Register for a Reserved Hunt” link, beginning July 1. The online method will be the only way to apply.

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.wildlife.IN.gov) within a week after application deadlines. More »

Michael Thompson’s artwork “Wonders in the Wood Pile” will be featured at Patoka Lake Visitor Center ArtSpace Exhibit through July 30th daily from 8:30a.m. – 4p.m. eastern time.

As a biologist with a Masters degree in zoology, his work has taken him outdoors as a photographer, poet, craftsman, gardener and found object artist. Michael gathers and cuts his own wood for winter heat. In his gatherings, he often sees natural scenes and creatures in the wood, pulling the natural world out for all to enjoy. More »

Lincoln City, IN – With the Indiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission having hosted the dedication of Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza at Lincoln State Park on Friday, the tribute to Lincoln is now available daily for visitors to enjoy.

The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza consists of a large, bisected circular plaza. Visitors first enter an area punctuated with limestone pedestals and interpretive signs signifying key milestones in Lincoln’s formative Indiana years between ages 7 and 21. More »

Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of several new hunting, fishing and trapping licenses, effective July 1.

The changes include: (1) creation of non-resident youth hunting and trapping licenses, (2) a change so that youth under age 18 no longer need a fishing license to fish in Indiana public waters, (3) the resident youth consolidated hunting license now includes trapping, and (4) seniors who are not required to purchase a fishing license may now purchase a voluntary senior annual fishing license, if they want to do so as a contribution to the benefit of fish and wildlife.

These licenses will be available on the DNR’s automated sport licensing system and at license retailers. To purchase online or for more information, see www.IndianaOutdoor.IN.gov.