As a result of Indiana’s positive detection of Chronic Wasting Disease in April, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources has restricted moving deer from any CWD positive area for rehabilitation purposes.

CWD, described in detail at on.IN.gov/cwd, is a fatal neurological disease in white-tailed deer.

With the change, an individual who finds an orphaned, sick, or injured deer in a CWD positive area may only surrender the deer to a DNR-permitted wild animal rehabilitator located within the CWD positive area.

“This restriction is to help minimize the spread of CWD to new parts of the state, as fawns can carry this disease without appearing sick,” said DNR’s deer program lead, Joe Caudell.

Currently, there is one CWD positive area in Indiana. It includes the counties of LaGrange, Steuben, Noble, and DeKalb. The state’s first positive case of CWD in white-tailed deer was confirmed by DNR in LaGrange County. While no deer have been documented in Steuben, Noble, or DeKalb counties, these counties are considered part of the CWD Positive Area because of their proximity to where the CWD-positive deer was found.

During their first few weeks of life, fawns often hide by themselves, motionless, to avoid predators while the mother seeks food.

“If you find a fawn alone, remember this, and help keep wildlife wild by letting it be, giving it space, and leaving the area,” Caudell said, “Its mother is likely nearby.”

If you encounter a deer appearing to be injured, consider letting the circle of life take its course, as difficult as the decision might be. If you plan to intervene with an injured or orphaned animal, learn about best practices at on.IN.gov/keepwildlifewild.

Before contacting a permitted wildlife rehabilitator for assistance, confirm the deer is truly injured or orphaned. Look for obvious signs of injury, lethargy, constant vocalization, or an infestation of insects. Another reason for contacting a wildlife rehabilitator for assistance is having knowledge the mother has been killed or hasn’t returned in several days (remembering the mother may return only at night). A list of permitted rehabilitators is at on.IN.gov/wildliferehab.

If you see a deer appearing diseased, keep your distance and report it at on.IN.gov/sickwildlife. A DNR health biologist will review the case and determine if action is needed.

 

DNR needs feedback on accessibility

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources invites Hoosiers to share with them their experiences with accessibility at DNR properties across the state. An online, five-question survey is now available at on.IN.gov/2024-guest-survey. It can be completed in about five minutes.

Creating a welcoming environment for all guests while retaining natural experiences is a key priority for the DNR. The department’s new accessibility webpage at on.IN.gov/dnr-accessibility provides information on accessible activities like visiting beaches and pools, fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, exploring trails, and more.

“Exploring Indiana’s great outdoors is a pastime that must be available to everyone,” said Dan Bortner, DNR director. “It’s exciting to see people find new experiences to enjoy through the accessibility webpage we launched this year. Through feedback we receive on the survey, we will continue working to improve accessibility and help overcome barriers that may prevent people from experiencing Indiana’s incredible natural and cultural wonders.”

As the Indiana DNR adds and refines accessible activities based on feedback from the survey, the webpage will continue to be updated with new activities and places to explore.

“The DNR continues to make strides toward improving access, and we encourage people to reach out to our properties with accessibility questions,” said Ric Edwards, DNR director of ADA compliance. “We are fully committed to creating memorable, natural outdoors experiences for everyone to enjoy.”

Suspect arrested following shooting at Pokagon State Park

On July 6, Indiana Conservation Officers, the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department and Indiana State Police investigated a shooting incident at Pokagon State Park. At approximately 10:45 p.m., officers responded to reports of a shooting in a parking lot at the park. The suspect was apprehended immediately.

A male victim suffered a gunshot wound to the leg. Two additional victims, including a 9-year-old female and a 38-year-old male, suffered injuries from bullet fragments.

Maung Oker Aung, 25, of Fort Wayne, was taken into custody and booked into the Steuben County Jail. He faces preliminary charges of battery with a deadly weapon, a Level 5 Felony, and Criminal Recklessness, a Level 6 Felony.

Under the law, criminal charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.

Bodies of two men recovered from Lake Michigan

On July 12, the bodies of Eduardo Rivera Jr., 45, and Salvador Lopez, 32, both of Elk Grove, Ill., were recovered from Lake Michigan. Both victims were located approximately one and a half miles from where they were last seen on July 5.

A third man was found and released after receiving medical treatment.

Assisting agencies included the U.S. Coast Guard Marine and Aviation Units, Lake County Sheriff’s Department Marine and Aviation Units, the Hammond Fire Department, the Hammond Police Department, and the Hammond Port Authority.

Readers can contact the author by writing to this publication or e-mail Jack at jackspaulding1971@outlook.com

Spaulding’s books, “The Best Of Spaulding Outdoors” and “The Coon Hunter And The Kid,” are available from Amazon.com as a paperback or Kindle download.