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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 center’s 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 Indiana’s 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.”
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(Provided by Indiana DNR)
Growth of Eurasian watermilfoil, a non-native, invasive aquatic plant, poses a threat to recreation at Waubee Lake in Kosciusko County.
However, DNR officials say more watermilfoil is not necessarily bad given the scarcity of other, native plants in the 187-acre lake.
Based on sampling by DNR fisheries biologists, coverage of Eurasian watermilfoil in Waubee Lake has increased five-fold since 2010. It is now the second most abundant plant, up from ninth in 2010. Where present, it is also denser than in 2010.
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(Provided by Indiana DNR)
Private landowners looking to improve wildlife habitat on their property may qualify for financial assistance through the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife, particularly if they want to benefit bobwhite quail and ring-neck pheasants.
Bobwhite quail and ring-neck pheasant are prized game birds. However, populations of both have suffered from permanent habitat loss or lack of maintenance on existing habitat.