Patoka Sportsman 7-27-19

Patoka Sportsman 7-27 & 7-28-19

On July 1, reserved hunt application periods opened for dove, waterfowl, deer and pheasant. The application period for dove will close July 29, and the application period for deer will close Aug. 26. Waterfowl and pheasant application periods will close on Sept. 16. You can only apply for these hunts online. To get started with an application, go to on.IN.gov/reservedhunt and click on “Apply for a reserved hunt.” Only one application per hunt is allowed, and no changes can be made once an application is submitted. Applicants must possess a hunting license valid for the hunt for which they are applying. To find out more about reserved hunt applications that are open or opening soon visit on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.

The DNR’S turkey brood survey runs from July 1 to Aug. 31, 2019. While you are out this summer, you are asked that you help them count the number of young wild turkeys (poults) with turkey hens. These surveys provide the DNR with information about turkey poult survival and inform wild turkey management. Create an account and start reporting your observations at on.IN.gov/turkeybrood.

More than 100 people are needed to assist kids around the Fishin' Pond during the 17 days of the Indiana State Fair, which runs Aug. 2-18. Volunteers get free admission to the fair on the day they work, a free Fishin’ Pond T-shirt, and the opportunity to fish with kids for a few hours at the pond. Volunteers can also help sign up kids to fish and help them with a fish coloring activity when they are finished fishing.

Smokey Bear’s birthday will be celebrated on Saturday, August 4 at the Patoka Lake Nature Center from 10a.m. – 12 p.m. Bring family and friends and enjoy activities and fun for all ages. Bring a camera and take pictures with Smokey Bear. The Orange County Southeast Township Volunteer Fire Department will give a special presentation on fire safety which will include a demonstration with the Jaws of Life device! PetSense of Jasper will be onsite to talk about pet fire safety. Play games and make a special craft to take home.  Celebrate with cupcakes and refreshments. Come and join this free event for Smokey’s birthday bash! The entrance fee of $7 per vehicle for Indiana residents ($9 out of state) is required for the Newton Stewart State Recreation area, Patoka Reservoir, located north of Wickliffe Indiana, Highway 164. 

As the summer continues to heat up, many of our rivers and streams will start to lower, exposing large sand and rock bars. If you have ever walked along these areas, you may have encountered a stranded freshwater mussel or noticed a trail in the sand as a mussel tries to get to deeper water. Mussels have a single foot, similar to your tongue, which they use to move. This makes it difficult to move quickly and get to safety. While it might be tempting to use a mussel as fish bait or to take home some shells for your rock garden, remember that it is illegal in Indiana to take live freshwater mussels or shell material.

Deer hunters can sign up for the chance to hunt on land owned by participating landowners with the new Deer Hunt Registry system administered by DNR’s Division of Fish & Wildlife. The Deer Hunt Registry connects deer hunters with landowners, golf courses, parks, land trusts, farmers, or communities. The registry will provide interested parties with a list of hunters in the area willing to help. The Deer Hunt Registry system is replacing the former Hunters Helping Farmers program and incorporating the Community Hunter Access Program (CHAP). To learn more about CHAP, see wildlife.IN.gov/9420.htm. Hunters will be able to sign up for the chance to hunt starting July 1, 2019. Signing up on the Deer Hunt Registry does not guarantee additional hunting opportunities or placement in a managed hunt. For more information or to sign up, see on.IN.gov/deerhuntregistry.

The Patoka Lake Watershed Steering Committee encourages individuals, families, friends and service groups to save the date for the 13^th annual Patoka Lake Clean Up on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at the Patoka Lake Dam. Participants of all ages and abilities can sign up on location at 8 am EDT and will be assigned an area to pick up trash and recycling along the shore.

At 11 am, all volunteers return to the dam to be treated to a fish fry, music, door prizes, goody bags and of course, a free event t-shirt! Service and youth groups are asked to please register in advance!  Join in the fun and help rid Patoka Lake Watershed of unsightly, unhealthy trash!

Each year volunteers pick up over 2000 pounds of trash and recycling during this event.

All supplies are provided; volunteers just need to show up! The event takes place at the Patoka Lake Corps of Engineers office at the Patoka Lake Dam at 4512 N. Cuzco Road, Dubois. For information or to register a group in advance, call the Patoka Lake Nature Center at 812-685-2447 or check the Patoka Lake Watershed Steering Committee Facebook page for updates.

The 28^th Annual Star Party is scheduled for Saturday, July 27 from 10:00a.m. -2:30p.m. at the Patoka Lake Nature Center then from 6:00p.m.- 10:00p.m. (or later) at the Patoka Lake Beach. Enjoy a special presentation by members of the Louisville & Evansville Astronomical Societies and the Stonebelt Stargazers of Bedford, IN as they share their knowledge of the solar system.