Hoosiers are reminded when they see, hear or learn about someone illegally stealing wildlife there’s an easy way to alert authorities by using the Turn in a Poacher (TIP) program.

Indiana’s DNR manages wildlife for everyone, and every person can help TIP support the DNR efforts by reporting potential violations at 1-800-TIP-IDNR (800-847-4367) or tip.IN.gov. Doing so will help conserve wildlife for future generations.

If a “TIP” leads to an arrest, the individual reporting it may receive as much as a $500 reward, or remain anonymous if they choose. In 2024, TIP received nearly 1,025 tips and paid thousands of dollars in rewards for tips leading to the arrest of a suspect.

To support Indiana’s TIP program, Indiana Conservation Officers have added a new poaching awareness display trailer to help highlight how poaching affects Indiana’s natural resources while advertising the TIP program. The trailer features evidence related to actual Indiana wildlife cases, allowing visitors to learn details of the cases.

The trailer was purchased under the direction of the International Wildlife Crimestoppers and in a partnership effort between the DNR Division of Law Enforcement and the Indiana Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. The trailer’s wrap was provided by the TIP program.

TIP is a nonprofit conservation organization partnering with Indiana’s DNR to protect fish and wildlife resources by increasing public support and involvement in bringing violators to justice.

Three great accessible birding locations for the spring migration

1. Indiana Dunes State Park – Bird Observation Platform – Situated above Dunes Prairie Nature Preserve and Lake Michigan, this is a wonderful place to spot diverse wildlife and view the beautiful lake. The ramp has a minimum 60 inches width for passing space and handrails. The slope is no more than 5 percent. Accessible parking and arrival/drop-off area are available. Accessible bathrooms are available at or near the Pavilion, which is on the beach.

2. Fort Harrison State Park – Harrison Trace Trail – The trail runs with a flat grade from the Walnut trailhead to Delaware Lake. This is an asphalt-surface trail with widths of no less than 60 inches. After passing Delaware Lake, the trail follows the rolling upland above Fall Creek. Expect some hills and grades greater than 5 percent. Much of the trail is tree-covered, and wildflowers grow next to it during spring and summer. Accessible parking is available at the Walnut trailhead, Shafter picnic area, Cherry Tree Lake, and Delaware Lake. Accessible restrooms are available at all the parking locations except for the Walnut trailhead.

3. Falls of the Ohio State Park – Outdoor Deck and River Viewing Room – Perched above the 390-million-year-old fossil beds, the deck and river viewing room looks out over the fossil beds, Ohio River, McAlpine Dam, railroad bridge, Louisville skyline, and amazing sunsets. The deck has a flat and sturdy surface with paved routes to the parking lot at the back of the Interpretive Center and to its drop-off area in front. The deck has railings along its edge and benches. Accessible bathrooms are available inside the center during open hours.

Unsung heroes of Indiana state parks

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was among the first of the New Deal programs Franklin D. Roosevelt established upon assuming the presidency in March 1933. A number of Indiana State Parks were built, improved, or expanded by the CCC, which was and remains one of the most popular programs of the New Deal.

The CCC was designed as a work program for young men from age 18 to 25. The young men signed up for a renewable six-month term in which they would work on projects mostly related to land management and park construction. They received room and board and a $30 per month stipend, $25 of which was sent home to their families.

But it wasn’t all conservation work for the CCC. The men not only learned valuable trade skills, but also received classroom educations. Classes were on a variety of topics including mechanical drawing, typing, foreign languages and art. Extracurricular activities included boxing, debating, singing in a quartet, and even playing on baseball teams.

Indiana had 56 CCC companies. Many Indiana state parks hosted CCC companies. You will find many of our properties where these companies worked maintain fine examples of the CCC’s hard work and craftsmanship.

The CCC worked at Brown County, Clifty Falls, Fort Harrison, Indiana Dunes, Lincoln, McCormick’s Creek, O’Bannon Woods, Ouabache, Pokagon, Shakamak, Spring Mill, Turkey Run, and Versailles state parks and at Salamonie Lake.

‘till next time,  

Jack

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.