As of July 6, hunters can apply for reserved hunts online at GoOutdoorsIN.com. Reserved hunts included in this round include private and public land hunts.

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. A $1 tech fee is charged for each hunt application purchased.

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 29. For a complete list of hunts available, see on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.

Hunters at each participating property will be selected through random computerized draws and will be able to view results online. An email will be sent to all applicants when the drawings have been completed.

Reserved hunts in this application period include:

Dove hunts at the following Fish & Wildlife areas (FWAs): Atterbury FWA; Blue Grass FWA; Jasper-Pulaski FWA; Kankakee FWA; Kingsbury FWA; Pigeon River FWA; and Wilbur Wright FWA.

Game Bird Areas

Teal and early goose hunts on Indiana Private Lands Access (IPLA) sites in the following counties:

Bartholomew; DeKalb and Sullivan.

Squirrel game hunts on IPLA sites in the following counties: Bartholomew and Scott.

Youth deer hunts on IPLA sites in the following counties: LaPorte, Cass, Sullivan, Bartholomew and Scott.

Deer hunts on National Wildlife Refuges (NWR): Muscatatuck NWR Youth Deer and Big Oaks NWR Youth Deer.

An important note about applying for a hunt: As a reminder, DNR launched a new license system in December 2024, which replaced the former system. To purchase a license or apply for a reserved hunt, follow the instructions below.

Click the login button on the home page of GoOutdoorsIN.com. From there, you will be taken to Access Indiana, where you will be required to log in or create an account. Once logged in through Access Indiana, you will automatically be directed back to the Activity Hub. From there, you will be able to purchase a license and apply for reserved hunts. Note: If it’s your first time using the new license system, you will need to look yourself up in the system and verify your personal information is correct.

Indiana DNR to expand state park-managed land in northern Indiana

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources announced more than 1,400 additional acres of forestland in northern Indiana will soon be part of Indiana State Parks, with Salamonie River and Frances Slocum state forests transitioning in management from the DNR Division of Forestry.

“Our state parks are some of Indiana’s most cherished places, where families make memories, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with the natural beauty of our state,” Gov. Mike Braun said. “Expanding Indiana State Parks to include Salamonie River and Frances Slocum state forests will help more Hoosiers and visitors experience these special places while preserving them for future generations.”

Effective July 1, Salamonie River State Forest will be managed as part of Salamonie Lake, and Frances Slocum State Forest will be managed through Mississinewa Lake. Recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting and horseback riding, will continue to be available at both properties, and both properties will maintain staffing. Primitive and horseman’s campsites at Salamonie River State Forest can be reserved via the Indiana State Parks reservation system starting in August for reservations beginning on Sept. 1.

“By managing Salamonie River and Frances Slocum state forests through Indiana State Parks, we’re providing a warm welcome for guests to come check out these two great forests,” said Alan Morrison, DNR director.

The Indiana State Parks system manages 24 state parks and seven small satellite locations, eight reservoir properties, two state forest recreation areas, and two off-road riding areas.

Missing man’s body recovered

The body of Erik C. Neithers, 54, of Indianapolis, was recovered June 26 around 3:30 p.m. near the area where he was reported missing. Indiana Conservation Officer scuba teams had been searching for the man who went missing after a canoe capsized in a retention pond.

The man and three family members were canoeing the evening of June 25 on a retention pond in The Willows housing addition on the northwest side of Indianapolis when their canoe overturned, throwing all four occupants into the water. Three of the individuals were rescued, and two were transported to local hospitals. Both have since been released.

Search crews used side-scan sonar, underwater cameras, and scuba divers in an effort to locate the man’s body.

‘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.