I have discovered the amount of feeding on my bird suet cakes is an indicator of how much freezing weather we have had during the previous days. My conjecture is absolutely not scientifically based, but there seems to be a direct correlation between freezing weather and the amount of suet consumed by the birds at my feeding station.

I guess frozen trees are harder for woodpeckers to peck, and possibly the extreme cold makes the larvae and grubs in the wood far less active. Woodpeckers peck and then cock their heads and listen for any insect activity. The combination of frozen wood and sedated grubs and insects sends the woodpeckers in mass to the suet blocks.

My theory holds up well until warmer weather arrives. Then, for no apparent weather-related reason… the woodpeckers will vary their amount of suet consumption. 

Observing their feeding habits just makes for a more interesting experience when feeding our little feathered friends.

DNR Seeks Input On Proposed Wildlife Rule Changes

The DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife is seeking public comment on proposed wildlife rule changes. The changes include updates to rules regarding legal equipment for turkey hunting, muzzleloaders for deer hunting, and beaver trapping season starting and ending times. For a complete list of proposed amendments with additional information about each proposal, see wildlife.IN.gov/2362.htm.

There are three ways to comment on the proposed changes. A virtual public hearing will be held at 6 pm ET on Tuesday, February 9 using WebEx. Individuals may join the public hearing in two ways:

1) To join by phone using only audio, please dial 415-655-0001. When prompted, enter access code 180 633 9948##.

2) To join using video, go to ly/39sp38C. Enter the meeting number 180 633 9948 and password KxfcMPqS932. Note: Individuals who have never used WebEx before should log on at least 10 minutes early to allow the application to download prior to joining the meeting. For technical assistance, please contact Billie Franklin at 317-232-0156 or bifranklin@nrc.IN.gov. 

Public comments may also be submitted online at IN.gov/nrc/2377.htm. Locate the “comment on this rule” link in the Rules Docket for the FW Deer and Turkey Hunting Equipment Amendments. Comments submitted in writing are equally as important as comments given at the public hearing. The deadline for public comments is Feb. 12 at 11:59 p.m.

Comments may also be mailed to: Natural Resources Commission, Indiana Government Center North, 100 North Senate Ave., Room N103, Indianapolis, IN 46204

The NRC will review the public comments before voting on final adoption of the changes in March. Rule changes given final adoption must still be approved by the Indiana Attorney General’s and Governor’s offices and filed with the Indiana Register before taking effect.

Shooting Range Hours Change For January and February

Through February, all shooting ranges operated by the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife will operate under adjusted hours.

During this period, the ranges at the following fish & wildlife areas will be open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm ET or 8 am to 4 pm CT, depending on their location: Crosley, Deer Creek, J.E. Roush Lake, Jasper-Pulaski, Kingsbury, Pigeon River, Sugar Ridge, Tri-County, Wilbur Wright, and Winamac.

Regular shooting range hours will resume March 1.

Archery ranges at DNR properties remain open daily from sunrise to sunset.

The Division of Fish & Wildlife strives to provide clean, safe shooting ranges, with most of them being free to the public. The ranges are staffed by trained range safety officers during all operating hours, making them a perfect place to develop your skills with a new gun or sight in your firearm to prepare for your next hunting adventure.

For more information on shooting range hours, visit wildlife.IN.gov/3648..htm.

Division Of Forestry Virtual Open House

The DNR Division of Forestry will host a virtual open house through Microsoft Teams on February 11 from 6 to 8 pm ET. 

The open house will feature a brief state forest overview of 2020 and include what to expect in 2021. During the meeting, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and comment on ideas and issues. Individuals may submit written comments or questions after the meeting and may do so at dnr.IN.gov/forestry/8122.htm. 

Overviews for each property and instructions for attending the virtual event can be viewed at forestry.IN.gov/3631.htm. 

“These open house events provide Hoosiers with a chance to receive first-hand information about how the state forests are working to provide diverse wildlife habitat, forest products and recreational opportunities,” said State Forester John Seifert. “They also allow us to receive valuable feedback from our neighbors and users about state forest management — I encourage everyone who has an interest to participate.”

Property staff members are usually available during normal business hours, which are 7 am to 3:30pm daily. See forestry.IN.gov/3631.htm for contact information. 

The DNR Division of Forestry promotes and practices good stewardship of natural, recreational and cultural resources on Indiana’s public and private forest lands. Stewardship produces continuing benefits, both tangible and intangible, for present and future generations.

Readers can contact the author by writing to this publication, or e-mail to jackspaulding@hughes.net.

Spaulding’s books, “The Best of Spaulding Outdoors,” and his latest, “The Coon Hunter And The Kid” are now available from Amazon.com.