Patoka Sportsman 9-15-18

Patoka Sportsman 9-15 & 9-16-18

Indiana hunters and trappers should note the following errors, corrections and clarifications in the print version of the 2018-19 Hunting & Trapping Guide. All have been corrected in the online version, which can be viewed at Hunting.IN.gov.
On page 14, the youth free hunting dates are incorrect. The correct dates for 2018 are Sept. 8-9 and Nov. 24-25.
On page 25, the date for using firearms in deer reduction zones is incorrect. Firearms can be used in reduction zones to count toward the reduction zone bag limit from Nov. 17, 2018 – Jan. 31, 2019 in locations where local ordinances allow the use of firearms. Those correct dates are listed on several other pages, including in the reduction zone explanation on page 24.
On page 25, under Rifles, second column, first full paragraph, the language “with a minimum 16-inch barrel” should be deleted. There is no longer a requirement that rifles have a minimum 16-inch barrel.
On page 32, in the squirrel section, the guide incorrectly states that red squirrels are a protected species in Indiana. Red (piney) squirrels are an exempted species and may be taken or possessed without a special permit.
On page 43, in the furbearer section, the regulation states that “Traps may not be set prior to 8 a.m. on opening day of trapping season.” The regulation that set starting and ending times for trapping was removed in administrative code earlier this year; therefore, the trapping of furbearers and river otters can start at 12:01 a.m. on the opening day of the season. The start and end dates for trapping furbearers remain the same.
On page 46, No. 21, Wilbur Wright Fish & Wildlife Area, the phone number is incorrect. It should be 260-468-2165.
Also on page 46, Nos. 3 and 10, Ferdinand State Forest and Pike State Forest, respectively, have a new phone number. The new phone number for both Ferdinand and Pike state forests is 812-827-2857.

Hunters can now apply online for a reserved waterfowl hunt by visiting hunting.IN.gov and clicking on the "Reserved Hunt Info" link.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. To be accepted, applications must be completed by the application deadline. Hunters will be selected through a computerized, random drawing. Drawing results will be posted at wildlife.IN.gov within two weeks after application deadlines. An email will be sent to applicants when results are posted.
Waterfowl hunt draw: Application must be submitted no later than Sept. 23.

Youth deer season is Sept. 29-30, 2018. Youth age 17 or younger on the date of the hunt can participate but must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years of age. The youth hunter must possess a valid license for hunting deer (youth hunt/trap or other) while in the field unless exempt from needing a license. The youth’s adult partner must possess a valid hunting license of any type that is not an apprentice license. All hunters must wear hunter orange.

The youth hunter can take an antlered deer and one (or more) antlerless deer. The youth hunter’s antlerless deer limit is determined by the bonus county quota for the county being hunted. A youth hunter can take only one antlerless deer in a county with a bonus antlerless quota of “A” during the special youth deer season. An antlered deer harvested during the youth season counts toward the statewide bag limit of one antlered deer.

The youth hunter must possess a valid deer hunting license while in the field, unless exempt from needing a license. The youth’s adult partner must possess a valid hunting license of any type that is not an apprentice license.

The youth hunter and adult partner must wear hunter orange. The youth hunter may use a legal firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow to take a deer. The adult partner cannot take a deer and may not possess a firearm, muzzleloader, bow and arrow, or crossbow while in the field with the youth hunter, except for a handgun carried lawfully. Only one antlerless deer may be taken on DNR-managed Fish and Wildlife areas and some other DNR properties. The youth hunter must comply with all other deer hunting regulations.

Reservations for put-and-take pheasant hunts on DNR properties will be accepted until midnight on Nov. 24. Put-and-take hunting reservations are selected on a first-come, first-served basis. All hunting days will start on a Saturday in mid to late November. Properties locally offering put-and-take hunts are Atterbury and Glendale wildlife areas. The cost for put-and-take hunts is $28 per person per slot, which is non-refundable. Put-and-take pheasant hunters must register each day of their hunt at the property office. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. local time. Put-and-take pheasant hunters may begin hunting at 9 a.m. local time.

National Hunting and Fishing Day is September 22.  It celebrates and recognizes hunters and anglers for their contributions to fish and wildlife conservation. Indiana’s sportsmen and women were among the first conservationists to support the establishment of the DNR to conserve fish, wildlife and their habitat and, through license fees, helped fund efforts to provide for healthy and sustainable natural resources. Last year, Indiana’s sportsmen and women generated close to $38 million to support the conservation efforts of wildlife. Indiana’s 867,000 hunters and anglers support the state’s economy by spending more than $924 million annually while engaged in their pursuits, supporting more than 14,000 jobs in Indiana and generating $103 million in state and local taxes.