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IDNR Report
Indiana’s reserved hunt application periods opened July 1 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.
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St. Joseph County Parks will continue its deer management program at St. Patrick’s County Park during the upcoming archery season.
The main purpose of the program is to harvest antlerless deer to maintain a healthy deer population. The area where the archery management program will take place is primarily limited to 105-acres in the southeast corner of St. Patrick’s County Park and hunters will be assigned to hunt in a specific zone within this area.
Six hunters (four alternates) will be selected by lottery. All hunters must be Indiana-licensed archery hunters (October 1 – January 5, 2019.) A proficiency test and mandatory safety meeting is required. Dates for meeting will be announced after drawing.
Individuals should log onto the St. Joseph County Parks’ web site (www.sjcparks.org) for the Archer Application forms listed under “Deer Management Information.” Applications are due August 2.
For more information, call 574-654-3155.
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Invasive black carp are getting close to Indiana waters.
In June, two black carp were captured in the Ohio River about 10 miles downstream of the Indiana state line.
Black carp are native to eastern Asia and were brought to the United States during the 1970-80s. They have since escaped captivity and have been moving throughout the Mississippi River basin.
Black carp feed on mollusks and pose a serious threat to Indiana's mussel populations. Many of the mussel species native to Indiana are already listed as species of special concern or endangered due to pollution and changes in river habitat. For more information about the important role mussels play in the state's rivers, visit wildlife.IN.gov/8684.htm.
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IDNR Report
DNR grants totaling $632,880 will be used to fight aquatic invasive plants in Indiana's lakes.
The grants were awarded by DNR director Cameron F. Clark through the Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) program in the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife.
The 42 projects involve 62 lakes and one river in 15 counties. The applications were submitted by local sponsors who share at least 20 percent of the total cost.
Click here to see attached listing of those waters and groups receiving grants.
LARE grants are funded through the LARE fee paid by boat owners annually when they register their boats with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. This user-funded program benefits boaters all over the state. The grants allow for the completion of projects that would be difficult for many local organizations to fund on their own.
"Using LARE grants to control aquatic invasive plants in lakes is just one aspect of our ongoing efforts to restore or improve aquatic habitat for fish," said Mark Reiter, director of DNR Fish & Wildlife. "Controlling invasive species gives native vegetation a better chance to propagate which can improve recreational opportunities for anglers and boaters on many popular public lakes."
The grants will help control or manage aggressive non-native species, including Eurasian watermilfoil, curly-leaf pondweed, and starry stonewort, that can take over and clog lakes. The grants can also provide economic benefits to lake communities by improving and increasing public access opportunities for those who fish or pleasure boat.
Learn more about LARE at wildlife.IN.gov/2364.htm
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IDNR Report
The emergency order restricting the operation of motorized watercraft has been rescinded for the Indian Lakes (Dallas) Chain in LaGrange County, and normal boating operations may resume. The Indian Lakes Chain consists of Dallas, Witmer, Hackenberg, Westler and Messick lakes.
The emergency order for the West Lakes Chain (Dukeís Bridge), which consists of Waldron, Steinbarger, Tamarack and Jones lakes in Noble County, will continue, due to continued concern regarding high-water levels. The order limits the operation of motorized watercraft to idle speed on the lakes in that chain.