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Hunters can apply for an Indiana reserved hunt online by visiting IndianaOutdoor.IN.gov and clicking on the "Register for a Reserved Hunt" link.
The online method is the only way to apply.
All applicants must possess a valid hunting license for the hunt for which they apply. All applications must be completed by the application deadline to be eligible for the drawing. Hunters will be selected through a random drawing. All drawing results will be posted at Wildlife.IN.gov within a week after application deadlines.
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A Lake Michigan angler caught more than he bargained for earlier this month when he reeled in an 8-pound, exotic Amazonian catfish commonly known as a redtail catfish.
The redtail catfish was caught at Portage Lakefront Park by Mike Durfee. Its native to South Americas Amazon River system and is a popular aquarium fish in the United States. The fish would not have survived the cold water of Lake Michigan during Indianas winter.
Like many other aquarium species, the redtail catfish can grow large. The International Game Fish Association world record was caught in 2010 on the Amazon River and weighed over 123 pounds.
The fish Durfee caught likely was purchased when it was 2 to 4 inches long and raised in an aquarium until it outgrew the aquarium, according to Eric Fischer, aquatic invasive species coordinator in the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife.
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Indian DNR biologists are partnering with Ball State University biologists to determine how white-tailed deer fawns move in urban areas compared to rural areas.
The study kicked off this spring with more than 30 fawns being collared with lightweight radio transmitters to track their movement in and around Bloomington, Ind. The collars are not easily seen and will not make it easier for predators to spot the deer in the wild.
The project will last two years and the data collected will be used to help with statewide management of white-tailed deer. The data will also provide insight into the differences in the lives of urban and rural fawns.
As deer populations increase in urban areas such as Bloomington, more deer and human conflicts arise, including deer-vehicle accidents and deer eating landscaping and gardens. This study will research the types of urban locations deer frequent or may even prefer. Researchers are also collecting deer hair and saliva to determine stress levels of the fawns in both areas.
The project will continue next spring, with additional fawns being tracked.
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The computer system that the state uses to sell Indiana hunting and fishing licenses will shut down from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, for maintenance.
People will be unable to buy hunting or fishing licenses on this day. The shutdown affects all forms of license sales, including authorized license retailers and online purchasing through the DNR website.
Anyone in need of a license for that day is encouraged to buy one in advance.
Before the shutdown, licenses will be available for purchase online at IndianaOutdoor.IN.gov, or in person at the DNR Customer Service Center or one of the many authorized license retailers throughout the state.
The DNR Customer Service Center is at 402 W. Washington St., Room W160 Indianapolis. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The service centers phone number is (317) 232-4200.
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Anglers fishing Indiana waters can affix up to three hooks, three artificial lures, or a combination of hooks or lures not to exceed three per pole under a temporary rule that takes effect May 24.
The long-standing permanent rule allowed just two hooks per pole. Other changes in the temporary rule define artificial lure, bait, fly, hook, pole and line.
These changes were needed to clarify Indianas fishing regulations so that everyone can more easily determine what fishing tackle can be used, said DNR director Cameron Clark. New devices are always coming onto the market and in the past, it has not always been clear if they were permissible.