Patoka Sportsman 1-2-21

Patoka Sportsman 1-2 & 1-3-21

Here’s a list of the hunting seasons still open.  The special antlerless Firearm season runs through January 3.  Fall archery season for turkeys also continues through January 3. Gray and fox squirrel season runs through January 31.  Rabbit season continues through February 28. Coyote season runs through March 15. Waterfowl hunters still have an opportunity to harvest Ducks in the south zone until January 24 and geese until February 14.

Reserved spring turkey hunt applications open on Jan. 4 and close Feb. 22 for the properties listed below. No late entries will be accepted. The online method is the only way to apply. Click here to begin your application and have your Customer ID handy. Applicants must possess a hunting license that is valid for the hunt for which they are applying. Even though there is no fee to apply, you must still add the registration to the cart, “Proceed to Checkout,” and “Place Order”. Applicants must place an order to complete the application process. Non-hunting partners who plan to call in turkeys must be properly licensed. Draw result notifications will be emailed within two weeks after the application deadline. All regulations and bag limits apply.

The bald eagle is officially recovered in the state of Indiana. The bald eagle was previously listed as a species of special concern. In 2020, DNR biologists estimated Indiana supported about 300 nesting pairs across 84 counties. DNR reintroduced bald eagles to the state from 1985–1989, an effort funded by the Indiana Nongame Wildlife Fund. In just 35 years, bald eagles went from nonexistent on the Hoosier landscape to a thriving population statewide. The recovery of the bald eagle is one of the greatest conservation success stories in Indiana.

The 2021 Indiana state park passes, lake permits, off-road cycling permits, and horse tags are now available at property offices and front gates, and online. A resident annual entrance pass costs $50. A non-resident annual entrance pass for visitors who live outside the state costs $70. Golden Hoosier Passports cost $25 and are available to all Hoosier residents 65 and older.

On Jan. 18, help celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by taking on the 5 gallon challenge at any DNR property across the state.
Bring a small bag or bucket to a DNR property and pick up trash as you enjoy your visit. Your small act of kindness will help keep public lands and waterways healthy and beautiful for people and wildlife. Find a property to visit on Jan. 18 at on.IN.gov/recfinder. If you post a picture on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, tag Indiana DNR and use #bucketINtrashOUT to share your good work.

While many animals slow down during the winter months, some are becoming increasingly active. Coyote sightings are more common during wintertime, and other wildlife will be looking for warm places to seek shelter and feed. Individuals interested in learning more about living with wildlife, whether their intention is to dissuade wild animals from their backyard or invite them in, are encouraged to check out recorded webinars with DNR’s urban biologists.
Featured webinars include Living with Wildlife (Backyard Edition), which highlights ways to increase positive interactions with wildlife and help our wild neighbors. A two-part series on Building Backyard Habitat is also available to viewers. Individuals who have questions about wildlife in their area are always welcome to reach out to their district wildlife biologist.

This holiday season, please consider donating to the Indiana Natural Resource Foundation’s year-end campaign. You can help ensure that public lands are accessible, critical habitats are preserved and protected, and educational opportunities are made available to cultivate future Hoosier conservationists.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources continues to adjust adjusted services, events and operations to protect Hoosiers and prevent further spread of COVID-19. Hoosiers should follow posted restrictions and practice social distancing. Every individual within the State of Indiana shall wear a face covering over the nose and mouth when inside public buildings and in outdoor public spaces where it is not feasible to maintain six feet of social distancing. For exemptions and more information on the Governor’s Executive Order, please view the document .

All DNR properties, including state parks, inns and restaurants, state forests, fish & wildlife areas, nature preserves, state recreation areas are OPEN for the most part but there are some exceptions.