Beginning July 8, hunters may apply for reserved hunts online by visiting on.IN.gov/reservedhunt. The online application method is the only way to apply for the hunts listed. No late entries will be accepted. Applicants must possess a hunting license valid for the hunt for which they are applying.

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on August 4. More specific hunt information for individual properties can be found at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.

Dove hunts are on Fish & Wildlife areas (FWAs): Atterbury FWA, Deer Creek FWA, Goose Pond FWA, Jasper Pulaski FWA, Kingsbury FWA, Pigeon River FWA and Wilbur Wright FWA.

Deer hunts are on National Wildlife Refuges: Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge: firearms, archery, and primitive muzzleloader deer and Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge: youth deer.

Youth deer hunts are on Indiana Private Land Access (IPLA) sites in the following counties: Bartholomew County, Cass County, Greene County, Harrison County, LaPorte County, Sullivan County and Scott County.

Archery deer hunts are on IPLA sites in the following counties: Bartholomew County, Cass County, Harrison County, LaPorte County, Sullivan County and Scott County.

Small game hunts are on IPLA sites in the following counties:

Bartholomew County, Harrison County and Scott County.

Teal and early goose hunts are on IPLA sites in the following counties: Bartholomew County, Dekalb County and Sullivan County.

Hunters will be selected through a random computerized drawing. Applicants will be able to view draw results online within two weeks after the application period closes. An email will be sent to all applicants when the draws have been completed.

Please note only one application per hunt is allowed. No changes may be made once an application is submitted. More information is available at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.

Public hearing on proposed otter trapping rule changes postponed

The public comment period continues to be open to the Indiana Natural Resources Commission (NRC) for proposed changes to the state’s river otter trapping rules as the previously scheduled June 25 public hearing on the issue has been postponed. The public hearing will be rescheduled when a new date is determined.

Public comments can be submitted online at IN.gov/nrc/rules/rulemaking-docket by locating the “Submit Comments Here” link in the Rulemaking Docket for the River Otter Trapping Rule. Comments may also be mailed to: Natural Resources Commission, Indiana Government Center North, 100 North Senate Ave., Room N103, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

The deadline for submitting public comments will be posted at a later date.  For more information on the proposed rule changes, visit wildlife.IN.gov/rule-regulation-changes.

Questions about the proposed otter rule changes should be directed to Geriann Albers at 812-822-3304 or galbers@dnr.IN.gov.

Submit art and photos for DNR’s Durable License Card contest

Do you know any nature-loving artists or photographers? If you do, the Division of Fish & Wildlife is hosting an art and photo contest for Indiana residents of all ages. Four artists’ submissions will be chosen for the background artwork of new durable license cards which will be available for purchase by early 2025 (for a nominal fee).

Durable license cards have been a highly requested item over the years, so Indiana is celebrating by featuring talented Hoosiers. The contest runs through to August 2, and participants may submit up to two nature-themed artworks via email to DFWContests@dnr.IN.gov. Find more contest guidelines on our website.

Report 2024 Turkey Brood Count

Indiana’s DNR needs your help monitoring our wild turkey population. Participate in our Turkey Brood Count this summer by reporting turkey hens with poults (broods) and hens without poults. Report your 2024 observations with us online until Aug. 31.

Poults began hatching in May and will continue to hatch over the next several months throughout Indiana. Reporting observations takes only a few minutes, and no login is required.

Brood reports have been collected since 1993 to calculate the annual Wild Turkey Production Index, which informs biologists about population status and guides wildlife management for the species.

Information on documenting brood counts can be found at: https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/files/fw-Documenting_Turkey_Broods.pdf.

Help us top last year’s count. In 2023, DNR received more than 3,500 reports across all 92 counties, and we are hoping for even more this year. We appreciate your observations!

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.