Patoka Sportsman 6-12-21

Each year, birds molt (shed) to replace damaged or lost feathers. Waterfowl are unusual in that they replace all their flight feathers at once, rendering them flightless as they grow their new feathers. Adult Canada geese molt in late June and early July, and during this time, they are unable to fly. If you or your community are conducting harassment techniques to dissuade Canada geese from using an area, it’s best to stop during the flightless period as the geese are unable to fly away.

Warmer temperatures encourage Indiana’s snakes, lizards, and turtles to become active. You’re more likely to spot a gartersnake basking in your garden or a turtle crossing the road this time of year.

While some Hoosiers may not be thrilled to find a snake close to home, keep in mind that only four of Indiana’s 32 snake species are venomous, and only one of those four is common – the Northern copperhead. All of Indiana’s venomous snakes are not aggressive unless provoked. If you find a snake and are unsure of what it is, leave it be and give it space. Your odds of getting bitten greatly increase if you try to handle it. Learn more about Indiana’s snakes.

Many of Indiana’s turtles are also nesting this time of year, which means turtles you encounter crossing roads are likely females. Support wild populations by assisting these turtles with crossing the road when it’s safe to do so. Always move a turtle to the side of the road it was heading towards; otherwise, it will likely just cross back.

There will be a 3-D Broken Arrow Archery shoot Sunday June 13th at Beaver Lake CR 325 E Jasper IN. 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

Indiana paddlers have an opportunity to observe wildlife while enjoying Indiana’s water resources. DNR would like more information about the wildlife that spend time around Indiana’s waterways and is asking paddlers for help. Volunteer paddlers will document wildlife they observe while floating, from June 1 to July 31, by completing paddling trip postcards. Volunteers will be mailed a packet upon sign-up. The information paddlers collect allows wildlife managers to estimate changes in key wildlife populations more accurately over time.

The Full Moon 5K Run/Walk will be held Friday, July 23 at Patoka Lake beginning at 9:30 PM. The race course will be lit by moonlight and luminaries. All proceeds from this event will benefit Patoka's non-releasable birds of prey; a bald eagle, eastern screech owl and red-tailed hawk. Register online at http://fullmoon5K.itsyourrace.com. Entry fee until June 30 is $25. Entry fee on site or after June 30 is $35. Participants registering before July 1 will receive a race shirt. Chip timing by Crossroads Events.