An executive order issued by the president of the United States will spell more hunting opportunities and enhanced conservation efforts, according to the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA), the nation’s premier sportsmen’s rights advocacy organization.

On Aug. 17, President Bush released the order, entitled “Facilitation of Hunting and Wildlife Conservation.” It directs all relevant federal agencies to facilitate the expansion and enhancement of hunting opportunities, wildlife management and habitat.

“The executive order is a great milestone for sportsmen and wildlife conservation,” said Bud Pidgeon, president and CEO of USSA. “It clearly demonstrates that the president understands the unbreakable bond between successful wildlife conservation and hunting – that sportsmen are the key to abundant wildlife and habitat.”

The USSA proposed the White House issue an executive order on hunting early in Bush’s first term, and again in 2005. The order, number 13,443, directs federal agencies who manage public land, outdoor recreation and wildlife management to address declining trends and implement actions expanding and enhancing hunting opportunities; consider the economic and recreational value of hunting; manage wildlife and habitat in a manner that expands and enhances hunting opportunities; work collaboratively with states to manage wildlife in a manner respecting private property rights and state authority over wildlife; and establish goals with the states to foster healthy game populations.

“The order gives federal agencies a clear-cut directive that they work to increase hunting opportunities with state wildlife agencies,” said Pidgeon. “It will result in more resources directed at preserving the future of hunting and greater access to public land. The president is to be commended.”

USSA is a national association of sportsmen working to protect the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs.
For more information about USSA and its work, call 614-888-4868 or visit its website, www.ussportsmen.org

Camping yard sale at Shades State Park
Got camping stuff? Need camping stuff? Head to Shades State Park to sell or trade surplus camping gear during its inaugural Fall Camping Weekend, Sept. 7-9.

Campers can sell anything from tents and camping rigs to coolers and Dutch ovens, but anything for sale must be directly related to camping. No sales of guns, knives or food, or anything else not directly related to camping as judged by park personnel, will be permitted.

The camping yard sale will be widely advertised, so don’t miss this opportunity to find a ready market for your surplus camping gear. Professional dealers and commercial vendors will be prohibited, except by special permit. To apply for a special permit, or for more information, call 765-597-2654.

Shades State Park offers secluded, primitive campsites with access to modern restrooms and showers. The Division of Fish & Wildlife says campsites are going quickly, so hurry and reserve your site at www.CAMP.IN.gov or call 866-6CAMPIN (622-6746).

What it takes to become a conservation officer
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is always looking for potential conservation officer candidates. Now, potential candidates can look back – and find out what training to become an Indiana conservation officer is like, at www.dnr.in.gov

Though there aren’t any immediate openings at this time, anyone interested in a fulfilling career should go to this website, click on “Divisions,” click on “Law Enforcement,” then click on “Career Opportunities.” The site offers an opportunity to view videos and photos of past recruit classes, and to register for the next available screening test.

Since the training is physically demanding, those considering becoming an officer should take advantage of the opportunity to view the basic requirements from a convenient source.

Time to think about hunter education courses
Indiana conservation officers are encouraging hunters needing to complete the Indiana Hunter Education Course to plan ahead and enroll early.

According to Conservation Officer J.P. Salb, hunters sometimes wait until the last minute to find a class in which to enroll. “We’ve had hunters call asking for information on hunter education courses 10 days before leaving on a hunting trip they may have been planning for months.” Salb said.

He encourages hunters to decide on a course location, enroll in it and then stick with the chosen date. Hunters may find a complete outline of all hunter education courses through the DNR website at www.in.gov/dnr

Salb reminds hunters that anyone born after Dec. 31, 1986, must successfully complete a hunter education course in order to purchase an Indiana hunting license.

In addition, hunters wanting to learn more about changes to the 2007-08 hunting and trapping season and those needing general hunting information concerning rules, regulations, seasons and bag limits, or information concerning reserved hunts, are encouraged to pick up the new 2007-08 Indiana Hunting and Trapping Guide, available at license vendors statewide.

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 can contact Jack Spaulding by e-mail at jackspaulding@hughes.net or by writing to him in care of this publication.

This farm news was published in the Aug. 29, 2007 issue of Farm World, serving Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee.