Patoka Sportsman 7-18-20

Patoka Sportsman 7-18 & 7-19-20

Patoka Lake Bowhunters is having a 40 target shoot Sunday. A quick reminder that 164 is closed just east of Celestine. If you’re traveling East from Jasper you’ll need to turn and go past the Celestine Community Club and N. Celestine Rd. will come out on 545. Registration is from daylight until noon. For more info call 812-309-9373.

During the 2020 spring season, hunters harvested 14,492 wild turkeys in 90 of 92 Indiana counties. This spring’s harvest is a 21% increase compared to that of the 2019 spring season. The 2020 spring season also broke the 2010 record high harvest of 13,742 birds. Spring harvests increased in 76 counties with 12 counties exceeding 300 birds, compared to three in 2019. A total of 1,635 birds (11% of total harvest) were taken during the youth-only weekend prior to the regular season. The estimated number of hunters afield was 74,500 in 2020 (25% increase compared to 2019) with an estimated hunter success of 19%. A detailed breakdown of spring harvest data, including previous seasons, is available on the wild turkey spring harvest data website.

Volunteers can help DNR learn more about Indiana’s wild turkey populations by reporting turkey broods through Aug. 31. Each summer, wildlife biologists and volunteers conduct brood surveys, counting the number of young wild turkeys observed with turkey hens to estimate how many young turkeys live through the summer. Summer brood survival is one of the primary factors influencing wild turkey population trends in various regions of the state and informs wild turkey management.

Reserved hunt applications for dove, waterfowl, deer, and pheasant will be accepted until Aug. 17. Individuals must apply online for these hunts. To apply, go to on.IN.gov/reservedhunt and click “Apply for a reserved hunt.” Only one application per hunt is allowed, and no changes can be made once an application is submitted. Applicants must possess a valid hunting license for the hunt for which they are applying. To find out more about reserved hunt applications that are open or opening soon, visit on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.

Indiana State Parks have created a new comment card that lets users share thoughts about service, hospitality and facilities. Printed comment cards are available in park offices, nature centers and other public buildings to share thoughts about state park service, hospitality and facilities. The comment card is now also available for easy completion online at stateparks.IN.gov. Anyone who completes and submits a printed or online comment card along with contact information will be entered in a drawing for a 2021 annual pass later this year.

Indiana Conservation Officers are concerned with the number of people who drown on our waterways each year. 51 people were lost in 2017 and 53 in 2018. Wearing a life jacket could have prevented most, if not all, of these tragedies. The largest percentage of victims are over the age of 20. Lifejackets are for everyone. Indiana DNR’s Law Enforcement Division is partnering with the National Safe Boating Council, United States Coast Guard and private industry to encourage boaters and swimmers to use life jackets when enjoying Indiana waterways. Throughout the boating season, Indiana Conservation Officers will visit popular boat ramps and remind boaters that life jackets save lives. Please help spread the word. Learn more about the work of Indiana Conservation Officers on the Division of Law Enforcement's web site.

With summer in full swing, Indiana Conservation Officers remind Hoosiers to make safety a priority when recreating around bodies of water. If you are going to be recreating around water, follow these basic safety tips: Discuss the dangers of water with your family and loved ones before going out. Wear a life jacket. Tell someone where you are going and when you will return. Go with a buddy. Do not venture around flooded or fast-moving waterways. Avoid alcohol.