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(Provided by IDNR)
Due to an editing error, dates in the 2016-17 DNR Hunting/Trapping Regulations Guide during which new rifle options for deer hunting in the deer reduction zone season are incorrect.
Legal rifle cartridges, including the new rifle options, can be used in deer reduction zones only from Nov. 12 through Jan. 31, 2017, and only where local ordinances allow the use of firearms.
The deer reduction zone season opened Sept. 15. Until Nov. 12, equipment choices are limited to archery and crossbows.
For more on the deer reduction zone season, see www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/8534.htm.
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Funding will improve Trail Creek fish habitat.
The LaPorte County Parks Department received a $64,000 grant from the Indiana DNR to be used for bank stabilization and fish habitat enhancement of a 600 foot section of Trail Creek at Creek Ridge County Park.
A section of stream bank recently washed out causing a section of trail to be closed and boardwalk removed. This grant will address the failed bank and implement six sites of habitat improvements such as j-hooks and cross vanes. The work must be completed by September 1, 2018.
LaPorte County Parks Superintendent Jeremy Sobecki states Our hope is to reduce the continued erosion of the hillside, improve fishing and hiking access and fish habitat. Once completed sedimentation will be reduced, fishing improved and access to the stream will be much safer for our visitors.
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(Provided by IDNR)
The Indiana DNR confirmed the presence of a black bear in and around Corydon in southern Indiana.
The bear was first reported around 9 p.m. Sunday. Indiana Conservation Officers received a call from a Harrison County homeowner of a bear going through the caller's garbage.
Conservation officers, sheriff's deputies and local animal control officers responded but did not locate a bear. On Monday morning, the bear was observed by several people, including conservation officers, in areas near State Road 62 and later in Corydon.
The sighting comes roughly a year after a black bear wandered into northwest Indiana from Michigan. That bear was the first verified presences of a bear in Indiana in more than 140 years. After spending several weeks in Indiana, the bear returned to Michigan.
Young black bears are known to disperse in the springtime as they seek new territory in which to settle. The bear is most likely wild and swam across the Ohio River from Kentucky. Kentucky has an expanding bear population.
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(Provided by IDNR)
The DNR Division of State Parks is seeking volunteer hunters to participate in managed deer reduction hunts at 18 locations later this year.
They are: Brown County, Chain O'Lakes, Charlestown, Clifty Falls, Fort Harrison, Indiana Dunes, McCormick's Creek, Ouabache, Pokagon, Prophetstown, Shakamak, Spring Mill, Summit Lake, Tippecanoe River, Turkey Run, Versailles, and Whitewater Memorial state parks, and Cave River Valley Natural Area (drawn in conjunction with Spring Mill).
Clifty Falls and Fort Harrison will be archery only reduction hunts.
The dates are Nov. 14-15 and Nov. 28-29.
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(Provided by IDNR)
Shakamak, Kickapoo and Lenape lakes in Shakamak State Park now have a 14-inch minimum length limit for black bass.
The change became effective July 1 as a way to help control gizzard shad populations in the park. The park is located in southwestern Indiana.
The previous regulation involved a 12- to 15-inch slot limit. It was enacted to encourage anglers to harvest more largemouth bass, thereby increasing the size of remaining bass.
The new regulation will result in decreased bass harvest. Decreased bass harvest will lead to increased predation on gizzard shad, helping protect panfishing at all three lakes.