(Provided by national park service)
Two local men were apprehended hunting illegally in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore stemming from two separate incidents.
On Nov. 15, National Park Service rangers located a Buchanan, Mich. man hunting in a tree stand approximately 75 yards inside the park boundary near Mount Baldy. Rangers had discovered the illegal tree stand and bait site several weeks prior and had been watching the area for any activity. The man was found to be in possession of a compound bow, arrows, hunting knife, gallon jug of molasses and corn cobs. The man was charged with hunting in the park, feeding wildlife and possession of a weapon in the park. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources was also contacted as the individual did not possess a valid hunting license for the state of Indiana.
On Nov. 16, a ranger was on patrol in the Pinhook Bog area of the park and discovered a Valparaiso man standing in an illegal tree stand approximately 150 yards inside the park boundary. The man was in possession of a compound bow, several arrows, hunting knife and other assorted hunting gear. The man was charged with hunting in the park and possession of a weapon in the park.
Hunting within Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is prohibited under federal law. Anyone caught hunting in the national lakeshore may be charged with violations up to, and including, felonies. Violators will be subject to the seizure and forfeiture of all equipment, including firearms, vehicles, stock, tack, and other equipment and may be required to appear before the U.S. Magistrate. Violators are subject to a maximum fine of up $5000 and up to six months in jail for each offense.
Hunters may not pursue, dress out, or transport legally wounded or killed animals that end up within park boundaries unless they are accompanied by a park ranger. Hunters should call 1-800-ParkTip to report any such incidents and to request assistance. Legally taken animals may not be stored overnight anywhere in the park, including campgrounds, parking lots, or any other visitor facilities. All park roads are closed to the transportation of lawfully taken wildlife, unless specifically approved in writing by a park ranger. Individuals hunting near the park boundary are reminded to be familiar with the location of the park and to confirm that the area they are hunting in is not inside the boundary.