Patoka Sportsman 1-16-21
Patoka Sportsman 1-16 & 1-17-21
Indiana Conservation Officer James Schreck has been selected as the 2020 District 8 Officer of the Year.
Schreck is assigned Harrison County, and has been a conservation officer for 17 years.
In addition to his normal duties as a field officer, he has also served as a K-9 handler, cave rescue team member, public relations officer, field training officer, taser instructor, and use of force instructor.
District 8 includes Clark, Crawford, Floyd, Harrison, Jackson, Lawrence, Orange, Perry, Scott, and Washington counties in south-central Indiana.
The district award puts Schreck in the running for the Pitzer Award, which is given to the top overall conservation officer in Indiana and is selected from the 10 district award winners.
The award is named for Master Officer James D. Pitzer, who was fatally shot while investigating illegal hunting activity on January 2, 1961 in Jay County.
The Indiana State Trappers Association is sponsoring a habitat and Predator management Class March 20 starting at 9 AM EST at the Duff Conservation Club. Topics covered include: habitat management, benefits of predator management, predator calling and predator trapping. You will be outside so dress for the weather. For more information contact Matt Badger at 765-615-2394. Cost is $35 for adults. Kids 16 and under are $20. There will be a limit of 25 students. Lunch will be provided.
In 2020, DNR began a gray fox research project in collaboration with the Wildlife Ecology Institute and Luther College. You can help make the project successful by reporting gray fox sightings. Gray foxes have brown legs and ear backs, and a black stripe down the top of their tail, as opposed to red foxes, which have black legs and ear backs, and usually a white tip on the tail. Learn more about the project and find a form to submit sightings online.
Reserved spring turkey hunt applications opened on Jan. 4 and will close Feb. 22. No late entries will be accepted. The online method is the only way to apply. Applicants must possess a hunting license that is valid for the hunt for which they are applying. Even though there is no fee to apply, you must still add the registration to the cart, “Proceed to Checkout,” and “Place Order”. Applicants must place an order to complete the application process. Non-hunting partners who plan to call in turkeys must be properly licensed. Draw result notifications will be emailed within two weeks after the application deadline. All regulations and bag limits apply. Click here to begin your application and have your Customer ID handy.
The 2021 Indiana state park passes, lake permits, off-road cycling permits, and horse tags are now available at property offices and front gates, and online. A resident annual entrance pass costs $50. A non-resident annual entrance pass for visitors who live outside the state costs $70. Golden Hoosier Passports cost $25 and are available to all Hoosier residents 65 and older.
On Jan. 18, help celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by taking on the 5 gallon challenge at any DNR property across the state.
Bring a small bag or bucket to a DNR property and pick up trash as you enjoy your visit. Your small act of kindness will help keep public lands and waterways healthy and beautiful for people and wildlife. Find a property to visit on Jan. 18 at on.IN.gov/recfinder. If you post a picture on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, tag Indiana DNR and use #bucketINtrashOUT to share your good work.
While many animals slow down during the winter months, some are becoming increasingly active. Coyote sightings are more common during wintertime, and other wildlife will be looking for warm places to seek shelter and feed. Individuals interested in learning more about living with wildlife, whether their intention is to dissuade wild animals from their backyard or invite them in, are encouraged to check out recorded webinars with DNR’s urban biologists.
Featured webinars include Living with Wildlife (Backyard Edition), which highlights ways to increase positive interactions with wildlife and help our wild neighbors. A two-part series on Building Backyard Habitat is also available to viewers. Individuals who have questions about wildlife in their area are always welcome to reach out to their district wildlife biologist.
Please consider donating to the Indiana Natural Resource Foundation’s year-end campaign. You can help ensure that public lands are accessible, critical habitats are preserved and protected, and educational opportunities are made available to cultivate future Hoosier conservationists.
As part of ongoing research with Purdue University, the DNR needs teeth from coyotes hunted or trapped during the regulated season. Teeth are needed from 30 Indiana counties including: Brown, Crawford, Floyd, Greene, Harrison, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Orange and Perry. The DNR needs several hundred coyote teeth to make this project successful. You can request teeth envelopes and an instruction sheet by emailing [email protected] or calling 812-822-3304.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources continues to adjust adjusted services, events and operations to protect Hoosiers and prevent further spread of COVID-19. Hoosiers should follow posted restrictions and practice social distancing. Every individual within the State of Indiana shall wear a face covering over the nose and mouth when inside public buildings and in outdoor public spaces where it is not feasible to maintain six feet of social distancing. For exemptions and more information on the Governor’s Executive Order, please view the document .
All DNR properties, including state parks, inns and restaurants, state forests, fish & wildlife areas, nature preserves, state recreation areas are OPEN for the most part but there are some exceptions.
The St. Anthony Conservation Club will hold their 10th Annual 3D 30 target Archery Expo on Saturday, march 27. 3D registration is from 8AM – 1 PM. Raffle and activities will run from 8AM – 3:30 PM. The event will follow current CDC guidelines. There is a $10 entry fee. If shooters are 10 or younger they can shoot for free. Shooters will be entered for a chance to win a St. Anthony Mill mineral package. Prizes will be awarded including a prize target shooting for over $3,000 in prizes. An official scorer will also be there. Food and drinks will be available. Make sure to check out the on-site vendors, DNR, new truck & ATV displays. Bowhunter Magazine founder M.R. James will also be there to share stories. Tickets are available on site or from any club member. For more information follow St. Anthony Conservation Club on Facebook or call 812-630-1670.