Spaulding Outdoors by Jack Spaulding The state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Fish & Wildlife has submitted to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) proposed 2015 dates for early season hunting of migratory birds in Indiana. As in other years, the dates are not final until the FWS approves them, which typically happens by the end of August. The season dates fall within the framework provided by FWS, so no changes are anticipated. Indiana’s requested seasons have never been altered by FWS after submission; however, there is always a slight possibility of change. Therefore, the dates below should not be interpreted as final. The DNR will issue a news release once dates are approved, and if any changes are made. Canada goose: Statewide, Sept. 1-15; five-bird bag/15-bird possession limit Mourning doves: Statewide, Sept. 1-Oct. 18, Nov. 1-8, Dec. 12-Jan. 10, 2016; 15-bird bag/45-bird possession limit Rail (Sora only): Statewide, Sept. 1-Nov. 9; 25-bird bag/75-bird possession limit Snipe: Statewide, Sept. 1-Dec. 16; eight-bird bag/24-bird possession limit Teal: Statewide, Sept. 5-20; six-bird bag/18-bird possession limit Woodcock: Statewide, Oct. 15-Nov. 28; three-bird bag/nine-bird possession limit The season is closed on moorhens. Ohio’s ‘Trash Unused Bait’ Wanted: Dead, not alive! Asian carp have been the scourge of America’s lakes and rivers for nearly a century. The Ohio DNR recently partnered with Wildlife Forever reminding anglers to "Trash Unused Bait" to help stop the spread of Asian carp and other aquatic invasive species (AIS). Highway billboards, "wanted" posters and soon-to-be-released ads in local papers distributed throughout the state advise anglers how they can help. "Asian carp are on the doorstep to the Great Lakes. As juvenile fish, Asian carp look very similar to Gizzard Shad and other baitfish, so it’s critical that anglers put unused bait in the trash to prevent further spread," said John Navarro, AIS program administrator for the Ohio DNR Division of Wildlife. Both Bighead and Silver Carp are established in the Ohio River watershed but have not been detected in the Lake Erie watershed. Anglers are an important line of defense in preventing invasive fish, plants and diseases from spreading. Most bait in Ohio comes from local dealers who could unknowingly distribute young Asian carp and other potentially invasive species to anglers. In addition to asking for help from anglers, DNR initiated an outreach program to help bait dealers identify Asian carp at the retail end of the supply chain. Bait collected for personal use is another way invasive species can spread. Catching baitfish in one body of water and fishing with it in another body of water is legal (in Ohio), but dumping unused bait is illegal because it places a healthy body of water in potential danger. Wildlife officials encourage all anglers to trash unused bait to prevent accidental release of Asian carp and other AIS. "Educating anglers on the importance of preventing invasive species spread is critical. It’s going to take state, federal and industry partnerships to invest in education to protect our natural resources. I’m glad to see Ohio making that commitment", said Pat Conzemius, conservation director for Wildlife Forever. Indiana fishery managers might want to take a lesson from our Buckeye neighbors and implement a similar advertising program. The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with comments may contact Jack Spaulding by email at jackspaulding@hughes.net or by writing to him in care of this publication. |
