Patoka Sportsman 4-3-21
Patoka Sportsman 4-3 & 4-4-21
Spring is here. Walleye and sauger are running upstream. Crappie are moving into shallower water. Bass are becoming more active. All these mean it’s time to go fishing!
Your 2020-2021 fishing license expired on March 31. To renew your license visit on.IN.gov/INhuntfish. You can also purchase your license through a local retailer. If you enjoy hunting and fishing, you can save money and increase your impact on fish and wildlife conservation funding by choosing the Hunt/Fish Combo license.
Your participation helps the Division of Fish & Wildlife increase access, create healthier habitats, and provide more rewarding experiences. To discover a new fishing spot near you, explore our Where to Fish map and stay up to date with important information in the new Fishing Guide
If you'll be fishing at one of the fish & wildlife areas (FWAs), visit a self-service booth to pick up a one-day access permit. The information you provide on these permits helps the DNR identify ways to improve Indiana's FWAs. If you have questions, visit the property website or stop in the property's office.
Your guide to Indiana's best values in outdoor recreation is available now at on.IN.gov/recguide. And your guide to Indiana fishing is also available online. Free printed copies of each are available at local retail outlets, state parks, lakes, state forests and other DNR properties all over the Hoosier state. The DNR’s 2021 Indiana Recreation Guide is the one-stop source for information on state parks, state forests, lakes, fish & wildlife areas, nature preserves, state park inns, and other DNR properties. Warmer weather will soon make Indiana’s woods and fields more inviting. As you take to the woods in search of spring wildflowers and tasty morel mushrooms, remember to check property rules.
The spring turkey hunting season begins with the youth season taking place April 17-18 and the regular season running from April 21 – May 9.
The Natural Rsources Commission has granted final approval to administrative rule changes that will allow a .410 and .28 gauge shotguns using Tungsten super shot No. 9 and 10 to be used for turkey hunting. These changes gives turkey hunters greater flexibility with hunting equipment by youth and others. DNR Director Dan Bortner authorized the emergency rule to take affect this spring.
Final adoption was also granted to amend 312 IAC 9-3-3 to allow muzzleloaders that have the powder loaded from the breech end and requires only that the bullet be loaded from the muzzle end to be used during firearms, youth, late special antlerless and reduction zones when firearms are allowed for deer.
Trappers can now take beavers at any time of day on the opening and closing days of the existing season for trapping beavers.
The merger between the Division of Outdoor Recreation and Division of State Parks and the Division of Oil & Gas was allowed to become the Division of Reclamation. These actions will be presented to the Governor’s office for final approval.
The DNR plans to request preliminary adoption of these rule changes in a future NRC meeting. More information can be found at nrc.IN.gov/2354.htm.
DNR properties may have restrictions on when visitors participating in different activities can be in the field or in certain areas. For properties run by the Division of Fish & Wildlife, turkey and mushroom hunters are allowed in the field at only certain times. Check with the property you are interested in visiting for more information on what restrictions may be in place.
There will be a 3-D Broken Arrow Archery shoot Sunday April 11 at Beaver Lake. Sign-in will be from sunrise till noon. A practice range will be available, and concessions will available. The entry fee is $10 for all adults, $8 for children age 11-17, and free for the cub class (10 and younger) and active military members. There will also be a new class for the kids in the archery programs at school. The fee for that class is $5. They will shoot from 8-12 yard stake (white stake). They will have to bring their bows from school. For more information , call Cliff Fleck at (812)630-0454 or Karla Brames at 8128273756.
Spencer County will have a Hunter Education Class at the Chrisney 4 H Center on Hwy 70 Friday, April 9th 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM (CST) AND Saturday, April 10th from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM (CST). Students MUST attend both classes to receive their certificate. The class and materials are free and classes are conducted by local Conservation Officers and certified volunteer instructors. State protocols will be enforced; face masks will be required, hand sanitizer will be available and social distancing will be used. Bring snacks and/or drinks, pencils and highlighters. Lunch will not be provided. Seats are limited; register at passitonindiana.com before Thursday, April 8 6:00 PM. Any questions contact [email protected].
Redemption Church in Loogootee will hold a Hunter Ed. Course on Friday April 9 from 6-9:30 PM and Saturday, April 10 from 8 AM – 3:30 PM.
The Gibson Count chapter of Whitetails Unlimited will host a banquet on Saturday, April 17 at the Gibson Co. 4-H Fair Exhibit Hall in Princeton. Games, raffles and social hour will begin at 5 PM. Dinner will start at 6:30. Tickets are $40 for a single and $25 for a spouse. Ticket order deadline is April 16. A WTU membership is included with a single ticket. Tickets will not be sold at the door. This fundraising event will include a dinner, auction and prizes with a wide array of products such as firearms, outfitter packages, hunting and outdoor related equipment, artwork and collectibles only available at WTU events. For tickets or for more information contact Bike at 812-449-2167 or Bill at 812-568-8698 or buy online at www.whitetailsunlimited.com.
Purdue University in conjunction with Extension Forestry & Natural Resources, Forestry DNR, Four Rivers Forestry Committee and the Dubois County Soil and Water Conservation District will sponsor an event on tree planting for conservation timber and wildlife on April 22 from 4-6 PM EDT at the Ken Otto Property on Whooderville Rd. in Jasper. There is no cost involved and you can register by April 19 by calling Ron at 812-678-5049 or Judi at 812-482-1171.
Red Dawn Archery in Princeton is offering an introduction to archery for women only. This 5 week class will be taught by certified instructors. You will learn the basics of all types of archery in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. All equipment is provided. No experience is necessary. Classes start may 5 from 6-7:30 PM nightly for 5 weeks. For more information call (812) 385-4741.