IDNR Report
Hunters can now apply online for a reserved hunt by visiting www.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 valid for the hunt for which they are applying. 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, and an email will be sent to applicants when results are posted.
Applications are currently open for:
Dove hunt draw: Applications must be completed by July 28. Applicants may select their desired date and property. Properties participating are Atterbury, Jasper-Pulaski, Kankakee, LaSalle, Pigeon River, J.E. Roush Lake, Willow Slough, Blue Grass and Winamac fish & wildlife areas.
Various other fish & wildlife area hunts: Applications must be completed by Aug. 21.†Properties include Deer Creek and Fairbanks Landing fish & wildlife areas and Tern Bar Slough Wildlife Diversity Conservation Area.
Military/refuge firearm, primitive and archery deer hunt draw: Applications must be completed by Aug. 21. Hunts on military/refuge properties may be cancelled at any time.
Youth firearm deer hunt at Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge: Applications must be completed by Aug. 21
Pheasant hunt draw: Applications must be completed by Sept. 27. The Nov. 3 hunt is reserved for youth hunters only (ages 17 and younger).
State park deer reduction draw hunts: Applications must be completed by Aug. 20.
Only one application per hunt is allowed. No changes can be made once the application is submitted. More information is at wildlife.IN.gov/5834.htm.
An Indiana law that went into effect July 1 allows landowners to mark no-trespassing areas of their properties with purple paint instead of signs.
The purple paint perimeter now serves the same legal purpose as signage.
The painting can be done around the area where entry is denied either on trees or posts.
So when out and about on private land, be on the lookout for those purple markings.
IDNR Report
DNR grants totaling Nnearly $660,000 will be used to fight invasive aquatic 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 40 projects involve 63 lakes in 15 counties. Grant applications were submitted by local sponsors who share at least 20 percent of the total cost.
IDNR Report
An emerging fungal disease lethal to some snakes has been found in Indiana.
Snake fungal disease, caused by the fungus, Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola, is not a risk to people, but in snakes it can cause facial swelling, disfigurement, skin and scale lesions, internal lesions and death.
A team of researchers led by Matt Allender and Sarah Baker of the University of Illinois discovered the disease in southern Indiana woodlots during a 2017 surveillance.
By Louie Stout
St. Joseph County Parks announced it is participating with the Berkley Fishing Line Company’s line recycling program.
Anglers can pass along used fishing line to a park employee at St. Patrick’s or the Ferrettie-Baugo Creek parks or place it in one of the collection tubes near the water.
Only monofilament and fluorocarbon line materials will be accepted for recycling. Braided or superlines cannot be recycled at this time.
Carelessly discarded fishing line can create problems for wildlife and other anglers. The parks department will send the collected line to Berkley where it will be used to make benches and fish habitat.
For more information, call 574-674-9765.