Patoka Sportsman 8-24-19

Patoka Sportsman 8-24 & 8-25-19

The DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife is partnering with the Army Corps of Engineers, IN State Parks, Patoka Lake Regional Water & Sewer District and IN DNR Public Access on a Patoka Lake Fish Habitat Plan.  They have two main objectives:  to enhance in-lake fish habitat structure and to stabilize eroded shoreline. 

The focus of the Patoka Lake Fish Habitat Plan for 2019 includes the Painter Creek, Tillery Hill and main lake locations.  They plan on building and placing 260 Indiana pallet structures in the lake.  If anyone has pallets that they’d like to donate to the project you can drop them off in November. Build days are scheduled in December and January.  On the DNR’s wish list are 1,300 pallets and 2,080 cinder or concrete blocks.  If you can help with either materials or time to build the structures contact District 6 Fisheries in Winslow for drop off location.  Monetary donations are also welcome from groups and individuals interested in outdoor conservation projects. You can call Andrew Bueltmann at 812-789-2724 ext. 229 for more information.

To find out more about Indiana’s Reservoir Habitat Enhancement Program go to wildlife.in.gov/7665.htm. 

Mid-to-late summer is when most crossbow hunters prepare for the upcoming fall archery hunting season. Whether you are new to crossbows or you are a seasoned veteran, proper maintenance and tuning of your crossbow, proper arrow selection, and practicing your shooting routine are all activities that will help you to be ready for the arrival of hunting season. Proper maintenance of your crossbow is essential for accuracy, safety, and reliability. Always refer to your crossbow owner's manual for proper maintenance procedures.

Perform a visual inspection of the condition of the string and cables. Check the timing of the cams to be sure they are working in unison. TenPoint recommends changing the string and cables at least every two years, due to the stretching of the material that occurs over that period of time. A crossbow is a complex machine with many parts that must work together for the entire bow to function properly and consistently. Check all the screws and bolts and tighten any that are loose. Apply the appropriate amount of light gun oil to any parts that have the potential to rust or that work together and require lubricant. If your crossbow is due for a string and cable change or requires any other maintenance or repairs, schedule an appointment now with your local archery shop.

After performing maintenance on your crossbow and selecting a good arrow and broadhead combination, you should now be ready to field test your arrows and practice your shooting technique. Since there are many steps involved with the cocking, loading, and firing of a crossbow, you should develop a routine that you practice and maintain every time you cock and shoot it. Familiarize yourself with the correct method for using your cocking device and follow this method every time. Not only will this help you avoid cocking problems in the field, but it will also help to ensure that the string latch engages the string in a consistent fashion every time. If you currently cock your crossbow by hand, you may want to consider investing in a rope cocker or a mountable cocking device for consistency.

Next, practice loading your arrow the same way each time so that it makes contact with the flight rail and string, being careful not to put your fingers or hands in the path of the bowstring. The final steps of your routine should entail the process of taking the shot. It is important to shoot from a bench to establish the accuracy of your arrows; however, you should also shoot from positions or locations that mimic actual hunting situations that you will likely face during your time in the field.

Establishing a consistent shooting practice routine will help you be confident when the moment of truth arrives. These recommendations do not necessarily guarantee a successful hunt, but they will help you achieve better results this hunting season.

If you or a young hunter needs to take an Indiana Hunter Education course there’s one coming up at the Graber Post Sports Complex in Odon, IN Monday, Sept. 9 through Thursday, Sept. 12 from 5:30-8:30 PM each evening.  Attendance at all sessions is mandatory.  You will be taught firearms, archery and treestand safety plus a whole lot more.  Pre-registration is required.  Call 812-698-1632 or 812-254-7538 for more details or go to pass it on Indiana dot com to register.

The St. Philips Conservation Club in Evansville is hosting a Hunter Ed. Course Friday, Sept. 13 from 6-9 PM and Saturday, Sept. 14 from 8 AM to 4 PM.  Attendance both days is required for certification.  Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.  Lunch is provided on Saturday.  Times are Central Time.

The Washington Conservation Club is hosting an Indiana Hunter Education course on Monday, Sept. 16 through Thursday, Sept. 19 from 5:30-8:30 PM each evening.  Hunter Education is required by the state for anyone born after Dec. 31, 1986 in order to purchase a hunting license.  Attendance at all sessions is mandatory.

The Bedford Boat and Sportsman Club is sponsoring a course on Friday, Sept. 20 from 6-9 PM and Saturday, Sept. 21 from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.  Snacks and meals are provided.  They will be outdoors on Saturday. This class as are all the other Hunter Ed. Classes are free. 

The Clarksville Bass pro Shop is sponsoring a Hunter Ed. Course on Saturday, Sept. 21 and Sunday, Sept. 22 from 1-6 PM each day.  You must attend both days to complete the class.  Please bring pencil or pen and highlighter.  To sign up for this or any Indiana Hunter Education Course go to pass it on Indiana dot com.