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IDNR Report
Indiana Conservation Officer Dylan Mast, who serves Noble County, has been selected as the 2024 District 2 Officer of the Year.Â
Mast has served as a conservation officer for three years.
In addition to his normal duties as a field officer, Mast serves as a field training officer and background investigator for the Department of Natural Resources Division of Law Enforcement.
District 2 includes Adams, Dekalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wells, and Whitley counties.
The district award puts Mast in the running for the Pitzer Award, which is presented to the top overall conservation officer in the state and is selected from the 10 district winners.Â
The Pitzer Award is named after Conservation Officer James D. Pitzer, who was fatally shot while investigating illegal hunting activity on Jan. 2, 1961, in Jay County.
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Renfro Report
For seven decades, the Ford Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show has brought families together, inspiring them to embrace the beauty and adventure of the great outdoors. The 2025 show, held February 14-16 and 19-23 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, is a celebration of this incredible legacy—and it promises to be bigger and better than ever.
In conjunction with that show, visitors can also attend the Deer, Turkey and Waterfowl Show in a nearby building Feb. 21-23. A ticket to one gets you in the other.
With more than 750,000 square feet of the great outdoors brought indoors, this year’s show offers something for everyone.
Boat, Sport and Travel Show
Explore the largest selection of boats and RVs in the Midwest, with more than five and a half acres of boats and four and a half acres of RVs on display. Whether you're planning the trip of a lifetime, comparing models for your next purchase, or simply dreaming of new adventures, the show has everything you need. Expert vendors and manufacturers are on hand to provide insights and help you find the perfect gear for your outdoor lifestyle.
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IDNR Report
Indiana Conservation Officer Jacob Bolt, who serves Kosciusko County, has been selected as the 2024 District 1 Officer of the Year.
Bolt has served as a conservation officer for three years. He served in Starke County before transferring to Kosciusko County, where he has served since 2024.
In addition to his normal duties as a field officer, Bolt serves as scuba diver, unmanned aerial vehicle operator, background investigator, and field training officer for the Department of Natural Resources Division of Law Enforcement.
District 1 includes Elkhart, St. Joseph, Marshall, Kosciusko, Fulton, Miami, and Wabash counties.
The district award puts Bolt in the running for the Pitzer Award, which is presented to the top overall conservation officer in the state and is selected from the 10 district winners.
The Pitzer Award is named after Conservation Officer James D. Pitzer, who was fatally shot while investigating illegal hunting activity on Jan. 2, 1961, in Jay County.
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Renfro Report
Mark your calendars for the 27th Annual Indiana Deer, Turkey & Waterfowl Expo on February 21-23.
As the Midwest’s premier hunting expo, this 3-day event offers everything hunters and outdoor enthusiasts could want and more. Even better, your ticket to the Ford Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show or Indiana Motorcycle & Powersports Expo (valid February 21-23) grants you access to this incredible event!
This year’s expo promises an action-packed lineup of features designed to inspire, educate, and equip hunters of all ages and skill levels. Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Archery Alley & Manufacturer Demo Lanes – Test the latest equipment and refine your aim.
- Hoosier Record Book Trophy Buck Display – Marvel at Indiana’s most impressive bucks.
- Deer Scoring – Bring in your own trophy to be scored by the pros.
- Outfitters from Around the Globe – Plan your dream hunting adventure with expert guides.
- Waterfowl Flyways – Explore a vast selection of waterfowl hunting gear and accessories.
- Indiana Hunter Education – Learn safe and ethical hunting practices.
- Youth Archery Range – A free, family-friendly activity that gets kids excited about the outdoors.
Learn from the Best at the Seminar Series
Don’t miss this year’s engaging seminar series, where seasoned professionals share their knowledge, tips, and techniques to help you become a more successful hunter.
Highlights include:
- C.J. Winand, Wildlife Biologist – Hunting Deer with a Wildlife Biologist: Insights from a biologist’s perspective.
- Bill Epeards – Talking Turkey: All things gobbler, from calling to hunting strategies.
- Tom Mesnard – Land Management: Techniques for consistently harvesting big bucks.
- Chris Miller – Tracking with Dogs & Drones: Innovative tools and methods for deer recovery.
- Jeff Foiles – Mallard, Honkers, Calling, Setup & Bringing to the Table: Elevate your waterfowl game with expert tips.
For the full seminar schedule, visit IndianaDeerandTurkeyExpo.com/speakers.
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IDNR Report
Sonar search efforts are underway for a missing man who was last seen in the Ohio River.
At 9 a.m., emergency responders were notified of a person missing in the water approximately 1 mile east of the Grandview boat ramp.Â
Initial investigation revealed that Hunter Conner, 22, of Newburgh, was waterfowl hunting, when the kayak he was in capsized as he tried to retrieve a duck.Â
Responders completed unsuccessful water surface and bank searches of the area yesterday.
Other agencies assisting on scene include the Spencer County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police, Spencer County Emergency Management Agency, Spencer County Emergency Ambulance Service, Grandview Fire Department, Chrisney Fire Department, Lewisport Fire Department, Yelvington Fire Department, Boonville Fire Department, Owensboro Fire Department, Daviess County (Kentucky) Fire and Rescue, Air Evac, and Hancock County (Kentucky) Emergency Management .
Indiana Conservation Officers strongly encourage the use of life jackets while participating in activities on or near the water.