I cringe every time I review my Indiana Law Enforcement updates reporting ATV accidents in Indiana, such as the examples below. A disregard for safety is injuring and killing too many children and young people.

Adults need to remember as well that ATVs are not a toy, and safety equipment – helmets and seat belts – should be mandatory!

Two-year-old airlifted after ORV crash in Jennings County: Indiana conservation officers are investigating an off-road vehicle (ORV) crash injuring a 2-year-old child.

Sometime on the afternoon of Sunday Jan. 28, Cody Kissich, 25, was operating a Polaris Sportsman 335 ORV near the 4100 block of South County Road 350 West near Lovett. Kissich’s 2-year-old son was sitting on the ORV in front of him.

The ORV overturned and ejected both occupants. Neither occupant was wearing a helmet or any other protective gear at the time of the crash.

Kissich took the child to St. Vincent Hospital in North Vernon and the child was airlifted to Riley Hospital in Indianapolis. The extent of the child’s injuries are not known at this time.

At 2:25 p.m., Indiana conservation officers were dispatched and arrived at St. Vincent Hospital shortly after. The crash is currently under investigation.

Sunman juvenile airlifted after ORV crash (Dearborn County): Indiana conservation officers are investigating an ORV crash seriously injuring a 14-year-old juvenile.

On the afternoon of Feb. 3, a 14-year-old was operating a 2000 Honda Rancher ES 350 ORV on private property at the 22000 block of Shale Road in Sunman. According to witnesses who were riding with the juvenile, they had been riding on the county roadway and entered the driveway on private property.

The juvenile lost control of the ORV and hit a tree, ejecting him approximately 8 feet down and into a creek. Witnesses quickly pulled him from the creek and called 911. The juvenile was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

The victim was airlifted to the University of Cincinnati Hospital for his sustained injuries. The full extent of the young man’s injuries are not known at this time.

Indiana conservation officers, Dearborn County deputies and Manchester Fire and EMS arrived shortly after the crash occurred. The crash is currently under investigation.

Conservation officers strongly encourage all ATV and ORV riders to wear a helmet and necessary safety equipment, as well as understand all laws while operating any ORV on and off of Indiana roadways.

Reserved turkey hunt applications

Hunters can apply online now for a reserved turkey hunt by visiting www.hunting.IN.gov and clicking on the "Reserved Hunt Info" link. The application period ends March 19 and no late entries will be accepted.

The online method is the only way to apply. Applicants must possess a hunting license valid for the hunt for which they are applying.

Hunters will be selected through a computerized, random drawing. Drawing results will be posted at www.wildlife.IN.gov within two weeks after application deadlines, and an email will be sent to applicants when results are posted. Turkey hunts open for application are as follows:

•Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area (FWA): April 25-27 and 28-30

•Aukiki Wetland Conservation Area: April 25-27 and 28-29, April 30-May 2, May 3-5, 6-8, 9-11 and 12-13

•Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge: April 25-27 and 28-30

•Chinook FWA: April 25-27 and 28-29

•Crosley Fish & Wildlife Area: April 25-27 and 28-30

•Deer Creek FWA: April 25-27 and 28-29

•Fairbanks Landing FWA: April 25-27 and 28-30

•Glendale FWA: April 25-27 and 28-29

•Goose Pond FWA: April 25-27 and 28-30

•Hillenbrand FWA: April 25-27 and 28-30

•Hovey Lake FWA: April 25-27 and 28-29

•J.E. Roush Lake FWA: April 25-27 and 28-29, April 30-May 2, May 3-5, 6-8, 9-11 and 12-13

•Jasper-Pulaski FWA: April 25-27 and 28-29, April 30-May 2, May 3-5, 6-8, 9-11 and 12-13

•Kingsbury FWA: April 25-27 and 28-29, April 30-May 2, May 3-5, 6-8, 9-11 and 12-13

•LaSalle FWA: April 25-27 and 28-29, April 30-May 2, May 3-5, 6-8, 9-11 and 12-13

•Mississinewa Lake: April 25-27 and 28-29, April 30-May 2, May 3-5, 6-8, 9-11 and 12-13

•Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge: April 25-26, 27-28, and 29-30 (Youth only, April 21-22)

•Pigeon River FWA: April 25-27 and 28-29, April 30-May 2, May 3-5, 6-8, 9-11 and 12-13

•Salamonie Lake: April 25-27 and 28-30, May 1-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-13

•Sugar Ridge FWA: April 25-27 and 28-29

•Tri-County FWA: April 25-27 and 28-29, April 30-May 2, May 3-5, 6-8, 9-11 and 12-13

•Willow Slough FWA: April 25-27 and 28-29, April 30-May 2, May 3-5, 6-8, 9-11 and 12-13

•Winamac FWA: April 25-27 and 28-29; April 30-May 2, May 3-5, 6-8, 9-11 and 12-13

Only one application is allowed per license holder. No changes may be made once the application is submitted. More information is available at www.dnr.IN.gov/fishwild/5834.htm

DNR at Indy Boat, Sport and Travel Show

I always use the Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show as my opportunity to purchase all of my license and bird and fish stamp needs for the coming year. Catching up and having the chance to see old friends, along with one-stop shopping for permits and license needs, is just the best.

As in years past, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will have a strong presence at the show, Feb. 16-25, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The show is presented by Renfro Productions and opens at 1 p.m. on Feb. 16.

The DNR's main location is in Tackle Town, in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion. The booth is a convenient shopping opportunity for licenses, state park passes, lake-use permits, Outdoor Indiana magazine, new recreation guide, the latest fishing guide and a State Parks GO! (Get Outside) promotion. Go FishIN staff and volunteers will also be on hand.

A live birds of prey program will be presented Feb. 17 and 25, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. A presentation of live snakes will be offered Feb. 18 and 24, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. A presentation featuring DNR Law Enforcement K9s will be offered Feb. 24, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. All times are subject to change.

Also – just to bring this back around to my first point this week – watch for the ATV Safety Sam and Safety Sara robot at the Abate booth at the motorcycle expo, on Feb. 16-17.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments may contact Jack Spaulding by email at jackspaulding@hughes.net or by writing to him in care of this publication.