IndianaOutdoorNews_AugSept2015

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AUGUST-SEPTEMBER OUTDOOR CALENDARS - PAGE 3

®

VOL. 2015 • No. 8

INSIDE:

www.IndianaOutdoorNews.net

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2015

LAKE AND RIVER ENHANCEMENT GRANTS HAVE BEEN AWARDED

NEW OWNER OF ION PAGE 5

BEHIND THE BADGE PAGE 6-7

DEER HUNTING PAGE 8

New grants for the care of Indiana's water bodies totaling $1,290,880 have been awarded through the Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) program in the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife.

The grants help fund 33 projects in 26 counties. Local sponsors submit applications for LARE assistance and commit to sharing a portion of the total cost. DNR's share comes from a fee paid annually by boat owners when registering their boats with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

The new grants include projects to control erosion and enhance aquatic habitat on rivers and lakes. T h i r t e e n grants for watershed land treatment were awarded to County Soil and Wa t e r Conservation Districts (SWCDs) to complement their e fforts with local landowners to reduce sediment and nutrient runoff. Preventing these pollutants from entering water is more economical and eff e ctive than trying to remove them from lakes and streams.

Some projects targ e t watersheds that have received recent national attention, including the Western Lake

Erie Basin. Installing measures to reduce phosphorous on Indiana lands will help reduce the level of phosphorus that a ffects Lake Erie. In 2014, Toledo, Ohio residents experienced water shortages due to toxic algae blooms in Lake Erie caused in part by phosphorous. Parts of DeKalb, Allen, Adams and Wells counties drain into Lake Erie through the St. Joseph, Maumee and St. Marys rivers.

Other projects include creating habitat elements such as r i ffles and pools, stream meanders and wetlands that provide shelter areas for fish and other aquatic org a n i s m s .

Such habitat enhancements encourage biological diversity in the streams and more opportunities for game fish, mussels, amphibians, turtles and other aquatic organisms to thrive. This also benefits the animals and birds that eat aquatic organisms.

Some projects use bioengineering techniques, which are growing in popularity as a way to address bank erosion on rivers and lakes. T h e s e techniques use glacial stone, native plantings and fiber mats instead of concrete.

Grants include projects to control erosions and enhance aquatic habitat. These enhancements encourage biological diversity and allow more opportunities for game fish, mussels, amphibians, turtles and other aquatic organisms to survive. “ We are pleased to partner with the sponsoring org a n i z ations at the local level, and this cooperation helps create improved recreational opportunities for boating and fishing,” said Mark Reiter, director of the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife. “Enhancing habitat for fish and other o rganisms while addressing erosion is a clear win-win for both the resources and the citizens of Indiana.”

The list of projects by water body, county, project type and grant award:

August 2015 LARE Grant Aw a r d s : Water body (County) Project type Grant award: Big Cedar Lake (Whitley) Design/build $8,000 Big Pine Watershed $40,000

Creek (Benton) land treatment

Big Pine Watershed $20,000

Creek (Wa r r e n ) land treatment

Continued On Page 5

EARLY SEASON MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING DATES PROPOSED GADGETS & GEAR PAGE 10

BANKS OUTDOORS PAGE 13

INVESTMENT IN FUTURE PAGE 14

THE

The regular-season waterfowl dates, as proposed to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) by the Indiana DNR, are listed below.

The dates are not final until approved by the USFWS in mid- to late-September. Look for another announcement around that time that will either confirm or amend these dates. Historically, they have been accepted as proposed.

The DNR’s recommended dates for ducks, coots and mergansers are: • North Zone: Oct. 24 to Dec. 13 and Dec. 19-27 • Central Zone: Oct. 31 to Nov. 8 and Nov. 21 to Jan. 10 • South Zone: Oct. 31 to Nov. 8 and Nov. 28 to Jan. 17 The daily bag limit for ducks in all zones is six, including no more than four mallards (of which no more than two can be hens), three scaup, three wood ducks, two pintails, two redheads, two canvasbacks, one black duck and one mottled duck.

The daily bag limit for coots is 15.

The daily bag limit for mergansers, separate from ducks, is five, of which no more than two can be hooded mergansers. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service estimates the mallard breed¬ing population at a recordhigh 11.6 million, 7 percent higher than last year and 51 percent higher than the long-term average.

Estimates of most species were similar to last year’s record-setting estimates. Total ducks, gadwalls, greenand blue-winged teal, shovelers and redheads remain at or near record levels in 2015.

For Canada geese, white-fronted geese, brant and light geese, the proposed dates are: • North Zone: Oct. 24 to Nov. 22 and Dec. 12 to Jan. 24 • Central Zone: Oct. 31 to Nov. 8 and Nov. 21 to Jan. 24 • South Zone: Oct. 31 to Nov. 8 and Nov. 28 to Jan. 31 The bag limit for all dark geese (Canada, white-fronted and brant) has changed this year. The new limit is five, no more than three of which can be Canada geese. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. The daily bag limit for light geese (snow, blue and/or Ross’ geese) is 20, with no possession limit for light geese.

The proposed late season for Canada geese is Feb. 1–15. The counties open during the late season are: Adams, Allen, Boone, Clay, DeKalb, Elkhart, Greene, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Huntington,

Johnson, Kosciusko, LaPorte, LaGrange, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan, Noble, Parke, St. Joseph, Shelby, Steuben, Starke, Sullivan, Vermillion, Vigo, Wells and Whitley.

The daily bag limit during this season is three Canada geese, with a possession limit of nine.

The proposed light goose conservation order is Feb. 1 to March 31, statewide, except for those counties that have a late season on Canada geese. For those counties with a late season on Canada geese, the proposed light goose conservation order season is Feb. 16 to March 31.

The light goose conservation order has no bag or possession limit. A free permit is required.

COMPLIMENTS OF:

Details will be available later in the winter. The DNR’s recommended dates for youth waterfowl season are: • North Zone: Oct. 17-18 • Central Zone: Oct. 24-25 • South Zone: Oct. 24-25 Bag and possession limits are the same as the regular seasons. The youth waterfowl season is open to youths age 15 and younger, accompanied by an adult. DNR’s recommended dates for extended falconry season for ducks, coots and mergansers are: • North Zone: Sept. 27-30 and Feb. 15 to March 10 • Central Zone: Oct. 24-30 and Feb. 18 to March 10 • South Zone: Oct. 24-30 and Feb. 18 to March 10

Page 2

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

August-September 2015

Greetings From Your New Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

MEGANSMITH I am both proud and excited to announce that I have assumed the positions of Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Indiana Outdoor News from the previous Publisher, who also happens to be my father and greatest role model, Brian Smith.

When I was only two years old, my father took me along on my first hunt; we would later come to realize that that hunt was only the beginning of an obsession with the outdoors. I live for hunting season; during

the off-seasons, I'm biting my nails waiting for opening day, dreaming of bagging that trophy 12-pointer or boss tom. I am truly blessed to have grown up so immersed in the outdoors, to have been taught everything I know from my father and uncle, to have harvested so many trophies, memories and meals.

Hunting and fishing are my life.

As I grew older, I became involved in helping my father run Indiana Outdoor News.

Anything I could help with, I jumped at the opportunity. From passing out magazines at tradeshows to mailing subscriptions, to picking up freshly printed papers and making deliveries across the state, I loved helping out. I always knew that one day I would take over the family business, so when my father came to me and proposed the idea of my new ownership of ION I was overjoyed. Finally, my chance to continue on my

father's legacy had come.

The timing could not be more perfect. Not only have I taken ownership of ION, but I am also majoring in Journalism with a double minor in Photography and Graphic Design at Indiana University of South Bend. Not only will my courses at IU supplement my new endeavor with ION, but as well my experiences as Publisher and Editor-i n - C h i e f will supplement my coursework.

It's the perfect win-win situation.

There are so many new ideas and changes to the magazine that I am excited to try. As a young woman with a passion for the outdoors, I will be adding a fresh, new perspective as well as new technologies to ION. Being more in-tune with the new technologies of the times than my father was, I am eager to introduce ION to more social media, including Twitter and Instagram, as well as incorporate smart-

A Father’s Legacy: Passing it On to the Next Generation By Brian Smith Days are growing shorter marking the beginning of fall.

Though there will still be plenty of end of summer and back to school activities on our agenda, I can't help but let my mind ponder the excitement of the coming hunting seasons here in Indiana. Amid all the pre-season preparations I have begun to reflect on the history of Indiana Outdoor News, the trials and successes. And just as our seasons transition so are we.

This issue will mark the beginning of a new beginning for ION. A new generation is taking over the reigns, picking

up the proverbial ball and running with it. My oldest daughter, Miss Megan Smith, has been named the new Publisher as well as Editor-In-Chief. I choke back the tears of joy thinking about the first time Megan and I went hunting together. She was two years old at the time, however to my surprise and amazement she was completely in tune with the days events. As I watched her grow into a beautiful young woman and yes to her fathers chagrin began to have boys chase her, I noticed her love for outdoor pursuits never wearied.

In fact, they grew stronger.

On many occasions Megan would set out on her own when Dad could not tag along.

Coming home with successful harvests and stories of the days hunting or fishing activities.

Most times she out shot everyone in the blind or guided a first timer to a turkey or landed the largest fish on the boat. All stories confirmed by photos and those who shared in the day's events. Each story filling me with pride I realized that her mother and I raised her properly.

Instilling in her the responsibility of a well educated and dedicated outdoorswoman.

phone apps that will bring the magazine to life in the palms of our readers' hands. These are only a select few of the plethora of ideas that I plan to incorporate into ION. With that said, h o w eve r, the main purpose My father and I on my first hunt ever, when I was only and traditions 2 years old. of Indiana Outdoor News will always a dream may seem, as long as remain the same: providing it's you set your mind and heart to it, readers with the latest outdoor as long as you believe in yourtips, stories, and news in the self and have a passion for your state. work, absolutely nothing is Yes, there are many who do impossible. I am incredibly not believe that I am capable of enthusiastic and optimistic about running my own business at my new adventure, and I am such a young age or whilst greatly looking forward to growattending college fulltime, but I ing, expanding and enhancing am here to prove them wrong. I every aspect of Indiana Outdoor believe that no matter how crazy News.

Instinctively applying these ethics to her everyday life, Megan has grown into a very well rounded and successful young woman.

When I was faced with the uncertainty that new technology was bombarding our company with, Megan stepped up to the plate and insisted that she take the lead. It is no secret that Indiana Outdoor News was my first baby, and now my first child wanted to sit in the drivers seat. Having grown and groomed both the irony of a legacy hit me full force. I am equally proud of both and I know that Megan will take ION to new heights and larger successes.

Ushering in the new genera-

tion and a new chapter of life will also strike a monumental chord with the rest of the outdoor industry. With this announcement, Megan Smith will become the first woman publisher of a hook and bullet magazine. Historically outdoor (hunting and fishing) magazines have been the target of men.

Just as new technology encompasses the world, so does the fact that more than ever before women are establishing themselves as hunters and fishers and trappers. This new era is exciting for all of us. Especially me with the passing of the torch to not only an excellent writer, publisher and educated young lady but also an in-the-field outdoorswoman.

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Publisher: Megan E. Smith Publisher Emeritus: Brian E. Smith Editor-in-Chief: Megan E. Smith Field Editor: John Martino, Central Indiana Field Photographer: Bill Konway, www.BillKonway.com Advertising Sales: Contact@ION4U.net Distribution Manager: Megan E. Smith Editorial Submissions: submit@raghorn.com Subscription Info: Subscriptions@Raghorn.com Web Site: www.IndianaOutdoorNews.net Business & Publication Office: Mailing Address: P.O. Box 69, Granger, Indiana 46530 Toll Free: 844-RAGHORN (724-4676) or 800-309-8260 Email: Publisher@Raghorn.com

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INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS® is the official publication of Raghorn Incorporated, and is published monthly at 16828 Barryknoll Way, Granger, IN 46530. For home delivery, look for the subscription card in this publication. Editorial contributions may be submitted to the above address. No material can be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope.

Photographs are accepted and greatly appreciated. All materials submitted become the property of Raghorn Incorporated and are subject to editing to meet the objectives of this publication. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual authors, not the editors, staff or any other representative of RAGHORN’S INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS or Raghorn, Inc. “Raghorn’s Indiana Outdoor News” is a registered Trademark of Raghorn Incorporated. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this publication may be used or copied without prior written consent of Raghorn Inc. Violation of copyright laws will be prosecuted.

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August-September 2015

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

Indiana Outdoor Calendar August thru September 2015 August 29: Indiana Dunes State Park’s 90th Birthday Party. More info at www.interpretiveservices.IN.gov September 1: Opening Day for Dove Season September 5-7: Fiber Arts Weekend at Spring Mills State Park. More info at (812) 849-3534 or springmillstatepark@dnr.IN.gov September 7: Last day for 3 Dunes Cleanup Challenge at Indiana Dues.

More info at www.3DuneChallenge.com September 12: September’s Second Saturday at Salmonie Lake will focus on “Animal Tracks and Scat.” More info at (260) 468-2127 September 19: Trine State Recreation Area “Lace up for Literacy” 5k running and walking event. More info at www.steubenliteracy.org September 26: Civilian Conservation Corps reunion at Brown County State Park. RSVP to Vicki Basman at vbasman@dnr.IN.gov or call (317) 234-4926 • A variety of Hunter Education courses are offered around the state this month. For details, visit www.in.gov/dnr/lawenfor/4812.htm.

• Check http://www.ducks.org/indiana/events/ for a complete list of Ducks Unlimited events throughout Indiana this month.

• Check http://www.nwtf.org/indiana/hh_banquets.html for a complete

August’s Best Hunting & Fishing Times...

01 Sat 02 Sun 03 Mon 04 Tue 05 Wed 06 Thu 07 Fri 08 Sat 09 Sun 10 Mon 11 Tue 12 Wed 13 Thu 14 Fri 15 Sat 16 Sun 17 Mon 18 Tue 19 Wed 20 Thu 21 Fri 22 Sat 23 Sun 24 Mon 25 Tue 26 Wed 27 Thu 28 Fri 29 Sat 30 Sun 31 Mon

list of National Wild Turkey Federation banquets in Indiana this month.

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Page 3

A.M. Minor 8:07 9:19 10:30 11:40 ----12:16 12:56 1:40 2:26 3:16 4:10 5:05 6:01 6:58 7:55 8:51 9:47 10:42 11:38 12:33 ----12:16 12:55 1:41 2:32 3:30 4:34 5:43 6:55 8:07 9:20

A.M Major 2:34 3:31 4:26 5:20 6:13 7:06 7:58 8:51 9:43 10:34 11:25 ----12:42 1:29 2:15 2:59 3:42 4:24 5:07 5:50 6:35 7:21 8:09 9:00 9:52 10:47 ----12:17 1:15 2:12 3:08

P. M. Minor 9:44 10:23 11:01 11:38 12:49 1:56 3:01 4:03 5:00 5:53 6:41 7:23 8:01 8:36 9:07 9:38 10:07 10:37 11:07 11:40 1:30 2:26 3:23 4:19 5:13 6:04 6:52 7:36 8:17 8:56 9:35

P.M. Major 2:55-3:51 4:45 5:39 6:32 7:26 8:20 9:14 10:08 11:01 11:53 12:14 1:01 1:47 2:31 3:14 3:57 4:39 5:22 6:06 6:53 7:40 8:32 9:25 10:21 11:19 12:43 12:39 1:36 2:31 3:27

Sunrise 6:45 6:46 6:47 6:47 6:48 6:49 6:50 6:51 6:52 6:53 6:54 6:55 6:56 6:57 6:58 6:59 7:00 7:01 7:01 7:02 7:03 7:04 7:05 7:06 7:07 7:08 7:09 7:10 7:11 7:12 7:13

Sunset 8:56 8:55 8:54 8:52 8:51 8:50 8:49 8:48 8:47 8:45 8:44 8:43 8:42 8:40 8:39 8:38 8:36 8:35 8:33 8:32 8:31 8:29 8:28 8:26 8:25 8:23 8:22 8:20 8:19 8:17 8:16

Quality / Notes Good Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Good Good Excellent Excellent Good Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Fair Good Excellent Excellent Fair

All times are for the Eastern Time zone and are calibrated for Indianapolis

September’s Best Hunting & Fishing Times...

01 Tue 02 Wed 03 Thu 04 Fri 05 Sat 06 Sun 07 Mon 08 Tue 09 Wed 10 Thu 11 Fri 12 Sat 13 Sun 14 Mon 15 Tue 16 Wed 17 Thu 18 Fri 19 Sat 20 Sun 21 Mon 22 Tue 23 Wed 24 Thu 25 Fri 26 Sat 27 Sun 28 Mon 29 Tue 30 Wed

A.M. Minor 10:32 11:42 12:50 ----12:24 1:14 2:06 3:01 3:57 4:53 5:49 6:45 7:41 8:36 9:31 10:27 11:23 12:19 1:14 ----12:23 1:17 2:16 3:21 4:29 5:40 6:53 8:06 9:19 10:31

A.M Major 4:03 4:58 5:52 6:46 7:39 8:32 9:22 10:12 10:59 ----12:13 12:57 1:40 2:23 3:05 3:48 4:32 5:17 6:04 6:52 7:43 8:35 9:28 10:23 11:18 ----12:50 1:46 2:42 3:39

P. M. Minor 10:14 10:54 11:38 1:55 2:55 3:50 4:39 5:23 6:02 6:37 7:10 7:40 8:10 8:39 9:10 9:41 10:16 10:54 11:36 2:09 3:03 3:53 4:41 5:26 6:07 6:47 7:26 8:06 8:47 9:30

P.M. Major 4:23 5:18 6:14 7:09 8:04 8:58 9:50 10:40 11:27 11:45 12:29 1:12 1:55 2:37 3:20 4:04 4:49 5:36 6:25 7:16 8:10 9:04 10:01 10:56 11:53 12:13 1:09 2:06 3:03 4:00

Sunrise Sunset 7:14 8:14 7:15 8:12 7:16 8:11 7:16 8:09 7:17 8:08 7:18 8:06 7:19 8:04 7:20 8:03 7:21 8:01 7:22 8:00 7:23 7:58 7:24 7:56 7:25 7:55 7:26 7:53 7:27 7:51 7:28 7:50 7:29 7:48 7:29 7:46 7:30 7:45 7:31 7:43 7:32 7:42 7:33 7:40 7:34 7:38 7:35 7:37 7:36 7:35 7:37 7:33 7:38 7:32 7:39 7:30 7:40 7:28 7:41 7:27

Quality / Notes Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Bad Bad Poor Fair Good Excellent Excellent Excellent Good Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Bad Bad Bad Fair Good Good Excellent Fair Poor

Page 4

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

BP SETTLEMENT EARMARKED FOR RECOVERY Agreement on Settlement Dollars Puts Gulf on Road to Recovery NEW ORLEANS, LA - BP, the U.S. Justice Department, and the five Gulf states made public the terms of a settlement agreement regarding the company’s role in the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. BP will pay $18.7 billion in penalties and damages for its role in the largest offshore oil spill in U.S. history.

Steve Bender, director of Vanishing Paradise – a national coalition of more than 800 sportsman and outdoors groups, organizations and businesses working on Gulf Coast and Mississippi River Delta restoration – released the following statement in response: “Today‘s settlement moves the wildlife and habitat of the Gulf Coast forward on the road to recovery. It’s time to look ahead to the future and work toward getting real, on-the-ground restoration projects done.

“Because Congress passed the RESTORE Act in 2012, 80 percent of the money BP pays as a result of the Clean Water Act penalty will be returned to the Gulf Coast for much needed restoration and to improve the region’s long-term resiliency. Repairing the ongoing damage from the oil spill is also of utmost importance going forward, and the settlement dollars BP pays through the Natural Resource Damage Assessment will help the areas devastated by the spill – including habitat that supports world-class hunting and fishing.

“The Gulf Coast region is an ecological and economic driver for the entire nation, and sportsmen and women care about ensuring this national treasure is restored for future generations to enjoy. With aswomen care about ensuring this national treasure is restored for future generations to enjoy. With as many as 14 million waterfowl migrating to the Gulf’s warm shores annually, and salt and freshwater fishing unlike anywhere else on the planet, we must make sure this entire region – including the endangered Mississippi River Delta – is on the path forward to long-term health and recovery.

We look forward to working with federal and state offi-

cials and the RESTORE Council to make sure every dime of oil disaster money goes to meaningful, comprehensive restoration.”

Background: Since the Gulf oil disaster more than five years ago, ongoing findings deliver truths omitted by BP’s ads: the oil disaster’s negative effects are increasingly clear, present and far from resolved. A recent infographic depicts ongoing impacts of the Gulf oil disaster five years later. And over the past year alone, new scientific research has surfaced: -A 2014 study found evidence of a 1,250-squaremile area of oil contamination on the ocean floor around the Macondo wellhead in deep Gulf sedi ments.

-A previous NOAA study found a large number of dead dolphins in heavily oiled places, includ ing Barataria Bay, La. -Recent studies estimate 1,000,000 birds died as a result of being exposed to BP oil.

-Modeling for a recent stock assessment projected t hat between 20,000 and 60,000 Kemp’s ridley sea turtles died in 2010 as a result of the spill.

-A 2014 study found concentrations of PAH (poly cyclic aromatic hydrocarbon) – which can cause harmful effects in many birds, fish and wildlife – in Barataria and Terrebonne marshes, which may per sist for decades.

-A 2012 study found that oiled marshes in Barataria Bay eroded at double the rate of non- oiled marsh es.

-A recent survey found that 70 percent of Americans believe BP should pay maximum fines under the Clean Water Act for its role in the 2010 Gulf oil spill.

-Our Coalition has identified 19 projects from Louisiana’s Comprehensive Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast that have the greatest potential to restore our coast.

Auguast-September 2015

BONUS DEER ANTLERLESS QUOTAS SET FOR 2015 Quotas have been reduced in eight counties and increased in one. As a result, 60 counties will be included in the special antlerless season compared to 63 in 2014-15.

In addition to basic bag limits, hunters can purchase bonus licenses to take additional antlerless deer based on the quota assigned to the county in which they hunt. Bonus antlerless licenses can be used in any season, except the Reduction Zone Season, using the equipment that is legal for that season.

Bonus licenses may be used in any county, but hunters may not take more than the county quota for bonus antlerless deer in any specific county.

County quotas range from A to 8. For counties designated as an “A,” a bonus antlerless license can be used to take one antlerless deer from Nov. 26 through Jan. 3, 2016 (the last four days of the regular firearms season, plus muzzleloader and archery seasons).

Bonus antlerless licenses cannot be used in an “A” county prior to Nov. 26.

Since 2011, the number of counties with a bonus quota of 8 has dropped from 45 to 23 this coming season.

THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA PARTNER WITH TAKE ME FISHING TO GIVE SCOUTS A POSITIVE FISHING EXPERIENCE A L E X A N D R I A , VA - A t t h e r e c e n t I C A S T t r a d e s h o w , Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) President and CEO Frank Peterson and BSA's Fishing Committee Chairman Ben Jelsema signed a partnership agreement to support Boy Scout fishing through its BSA Certified Angling Instructor program. The BSA Certified Angling Instructor program transforms BSA fishing advocates into more effective t r a i n e d i n s t r u c t o rs a c r o s s t h e c o u n t r y, t e a c h i n g S c o u t s o f a l l ages the basics of fishing.

The key objectives to introduce Scouts to the joys of fishing are to help them catch their first fish, provide opportunities for ongoing fishing experiences, and encourage a progressive interest in fishing while increasing their skill levels. RBFF will provide resources including educational and instructional content from its Passport to Fishing and Boating Program and Ta k e M e F i s h i n g . o r g . I n a d d i t i o n , R B F F w i l l l e v e r a g e m a t e r i a l s from its industry network to the Boy Scouts of America to aid in teaching youth the enjoyment of getting outdoors, enjoying boating and fishing activities and protecting our precious outdoor environment and waterways.

"Our goal is to double the number of Certified Angling Instructors with BSA, increasing the opportunities for Scouts ages 6-12 to get involved in fishing," said Peterson. "This partnership aligns nicely with our mission to get more people out on the water fishing and boating, in turn generating critical funds for state aquatic conservation activities."

For over 100 years, fishing has been an important activity for Boy Scouts. The Fishing merit badge was one of the original merit badges and in 2015 the 2,000,000th youth earned the Fishing merit badge.

Surveys indicate that 83% of Scouts like to fish and it is the 4th most popular outdoor activity (surpassed only by camping, swimming and bicycling). Surveys further revealed Scouts are spending 23.3 million hours fishing every year, and spend approximately $70 million dollars on fishing equipment.

A newly-introduced recognition for Scouts is to become a "COMPLETE ANGLER." It is earned by completing the Fishing, Fly fishing and Fish and Wildlife merit badges. It all begins with their first catch, and both BSA and RBFF are committed to ensuring Scouts' first fishing experience is fun, exciting and memorable!

Shaded counties are participating in the special antlerless only firearms season, December 26, 2015 to January 3, 2016. Photo courtesy of IDNR.

DNR HAPPY WITH OUTCOME OF WEST BOGGS LAKE PROJECT D N R R E P O RT - D N R o ff i c i a l s a r e h a p p y w i t h t h e o u t c o m e o f a p r o j e c t t o i m p r o v e f i s h i n g a t We s t B o g g s Lake in Daviess and Martin counties.

In fall 2014, officials drained and treated the lake to eradicate gizzard shad and other undesirable species in a n e ff o r t t o r e s t o r e a b a l a n c e d f i s h e r y.

After the renovation, the lake was restocked with 104,374 largemouth bass, 462,476 bluegills and 195,245 redear sunfish, all fingerlings. A total of 816 adult largemouth bass also were restocked after being salvaged by anglers during spring bass tournaments and by biologists during fall electrofishing. There were 55 adult channel catfish returned as well.

DNR biologist sampled the lake on June 22 to monitor the survival and growth of fish stocked last fall.

The fish appeared to be in good shape. More import a n t l y, n o g i z z a r d s h a d w e r e d e t e c t e d .

Largemouth bass fingerlings, which averaged 3.9 inches when stocked last fall, now average 7 inches and are fat, according to fisheries biologists. Bass collected ranged in length from 1.9 to 12 inches and the elect r o f i s h i n g c a t c h r a t e w a s 2 1 3 b a s s p e r h o u r. S p a w n i n g activity by salvaged bass was also evident by the presence of new fingerlings.

Bluegills and redear sunfish are making excellent gains in growth, too. During surveying, bluegills were collected that measured as long as 6.7 inches. When s t o c k e d l a s t O c t o b e r, b l u e g i l l s a v e r a g e d 1 i n c h ; t h e y now average 3.6 inches. The electrofishing catch rate w a s 3 9 b l u e g i l l s p e r h o u r. R e d e a r s u n f i s h w e r e c o l l e c t ed up to 3.9 inches, and averaged 3.8 inches.

Black crappie are scheduled to be stocked this fall.

August-September 2015

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

TREE-STAND AND GROUND-BLIND RULES CHANGE The date range to set up and leave portable tree stands and ground blinds on state and federal lands is now noon on Sept. 15 through Jan. 10 the next year.

Another change this year is that hunters now can mark their stands and blinds with their DNR- issued customer identification number or their name and address.

The previous rule allowed hunters to leave portable tree stands or blinds overnight on state and federal properties between Sept. 1 and Jan 10. and required the owner to mark the blind with name, address and telephone number.

Any tree stand or ground blind placed before noon on Sept. 15 on state- and federalowned lands is subject to removal. All blinds and stands must be removed by Jan. 11.

Tree and ground blinds cannot be permanent. Fasteners or pole climbers cannot enter the tree more than one-half inch.

For questions on hunting regulations at a specific property, contact each property directly.

You can find a list of all DNR-owned properties at dnr. I N . g o v / 3 2 3 3 . h t m

DNR PUT-AND-TAKE PHEASANT HUNT FEE INCREASING The fee for put-and-take pheasant hunts at DNR Fish & Wildlife Areas will increase from $25 to $28 for the 2015-16 season.

The fee increase is due to increasing costs in acquiring pheasants.

Pheasants are released for put-and-take hunting on A t t e r b u r y, Glendale, J.E. Roush Lake, Pigeon River (west of S.R. 3), Tr i - C o u n t y, Willow Slough and Winamac FWAs. The bag limit is two birds of either sex, except at Pigeon River, Willow Slough and Winamac FWAs, where the limit is two roosters only.

Hunters can reserve put-and-take pheasant hunts at wildlife.IN.gov/5834.htm from Sept.

1 until midnight on Nov. 29. Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

No hunts can be reserved at the property.

DNR WEBPAGE LISTS CURRENT BOATING RESTRICTIONS Record or near-record rainfall this summer has led the Department of Natural Resources to restrict or close some public freshwater lakes in northern Indiana to motorboat traff i c .

The DNR has created a web page (dnr.IN.gov/boatingadvisories) to keep the boating public and lakefront property owners informed of current restrictions or closures.

The DNR Law Enforcement Division uses an established policy to guide recommended restrictions based on conditions at a given lake.

After a condition or hazard is reported to the DNR, an Indiana Conservation Officer with DNR Law Enforcement investigates and recommends a course of action. The recommendation is reviewed by supervisors and forwarded to the DNR director for final approval. Indiana Administrative Code (312 IAC 5-12) authorizes the DNR director to modify or close public waters to watercraft use through a temporary order.

Depending on the reported conditions, the DNR director can do one of the following: 1 . Restrict watercraft to daytime operation Conditions: Large amounts of floating debris and or submerged objects that pose a significant impact to boating safety and/or navigation during night-time operation.

2 . Limit watercraft operations to idle speed Conditions: Surface water will likely be inside dwelling structures as a result of wake.

3 . Prohibit motorboat operations Conditions: Surface water is inside dwelling structures and motorboat operation, regardless of speed, would cause continued property damage.

4 . Close lakes to watercraft operations Conditions: Potential dam failure or other catastrophic incident.

5 . Any other restrictions Conditions: Unusual conditions or hazards not covered in steps 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Once a temporary order is in place, conservation officers continue to monitor the water levels. In some instances, the presence of U.S. Geological Service water gages allows them to remotely check water levels on the Internet. In other instances, they monitor levels with in-person visits, often on a daily basis.

They also check weather forecasts to avoid lifting restrictions too soon.

Although the DNR has a regulatory role in the safety of many lake outlet structures, many are not owned by the DNR. Such structures often don’t have operable features, so water levels in most natural lakes are controlled by the natural cycle of rainfall, evaporation, wetland storage, and runoff .

In addition, because lake outlet structures may pose potential safety risks even in normal conditions, they should be avoided, especially during floods and times of high water.

MASTER NATURALIST COURSE IN BLOOMINGTON BEGINS SEPTEMBER 10 T h e p o p u l a r I n d i a n a M a s t e r N a t u r a l i s t c o u r s e w i l l b e o ff e r e d a g a i n i n B lo o mi n g to n t h is fa ll at K ars t F arm P ark .

C o -sp o n s o re d b y M o n ro e C o u n ty P ark s an d Mo n ro e L ak e, t h e co u rs e b eg i n s o n Se p t. 1 0 an d t ak es p l ac e fro m 6 to 8 :3 0 p . m. o n Th u rs d ay s t h ro u g h N o v. 1 2 .

Ad v an c e re g is t rati o n i s req u i red b y Se p t. 8 at 4 p .m . b y c al li n g th e Mo n ro e C o u n ty Pa rk s o ffice a t (8 1 2 ) 3 4 9 -2 8 0 0 . Th ere i s a co u rs e fee o f $ 5 0 p er i n d iv i d u al o r $ 7 5 p er co u p le (s ame h o u s eh o ld ) .

Th e c o u rs e i s li mit ed t o 2 0 p a rti cip a n ts .

Th e mi ss i o n o f t h e In d ia n a Mas t er Na tu ral is t p r o g ram is to b ri n g t o g et h er n at u ral res o u rce s p eci al is ts wi th ad u l t lea rn ers to fo st er an u n d ers ta n d in g o f In d i an a’s p l an t s, w a t e r, s o i ls an d wi ld l ife an d t o p ro mo t e v o l u n te er s erv i ce in lo ca l c o mmu n i tie s .

Pa rti cip a n ts g ain k n o w led g e o f In d i an a’s p l an ts , wi ld l ife , g eo lo g y an d g eo g ra p h y, an d me et o th e r Ho o s i ers wi th si mi lar in t eres t s.

Se ss i o n to p i cs fo r th e fal l co u rs e a re w il d flo w er id en t ifi ca tio n , in s e cts , fu n g i b i o lo g y an d i d en t ifi cat io n , aq u at ic ec o lo g y, b ir d s, tre e i d en ti fic at io n , a st ro n o my, fi sh b io l o g y a n d ma n ag eme n t, Mo n ro e La k e g eo lo g y, In d ia n a fo ss i ls , eco -re g io n s a n d fo res t m an ag e men t , an d n o n -n ati v e i n v ad e rs.

Page 5

DNR TO GATHER INPUT ON FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN AT THREE MEETINGS Hoosiers can offer input on the DNR Division of Forestry's 2015-2019 strategic plan at three public meetings in S e p t e m b e r.

The plan can be accessed by visiting dnr. I N . g o v / f o r e s t r y.

Click on the link for “Publications and Presentations.”

DNR Forestry manages approximately 156,000 acres in 12 state forests and state recreation areas; manages the Classified Forest and Wildlands program, which includes more than 700,000 acres of private woodlands; grows and sells 3 million seedlings annually; and administers a statewide urban forestry program.

"The Division of Forestry has more than a 100-year track record of sustainably managing public and private woodlands, or as we call them 'working forests,' " said John Seifert, division director. "We routinely seek public input. But since this is a five-year commitment, we want to go directly to the citizens to seek guidance on the current plan and to make sure we are doing it right."

Seifert will attend each meeting to facilitate discussion and receive customer feedback. He and other staff members will outline the plan, answer questions and take comments.

The dates and locations are: - Monday, Sept. 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Indiana State Museum, 3rd floor Museum Conference Room, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis.

- Tu e s d a y, Sept. 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Honeywell Center, Nixon Room, 275 W. Market St., Wabash.

- We d n e s d a y, Sept. 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Cool Springs Education Center. The entrance to the center is located off of State Road 64, about 8 miles west of Huntingburg, on the left.

State forests are managed for multiple uses and benefits, including hunting, fishing, camping, horseback riding, hiking, mushroom hunting and picnicking. Other benefits include timber production; conservation of air, soil and water resources; and forest aesthetics.

One way this strategic plan differs from previous plans is an emphasis on increasing and improving recreation opportunities on state forests. The plan is also seeking to support these activities with user fees, something DNR Forestry has done for many years on three properties but now intends to apply across the entire state forest system.

Also new to this plan is supporting private lands woodland management with fees paid by people who use the services of district foresters. The services and fees are undecided at this time, and the division is looking for public input and direction on how to carry out this program.

Lake and River Enhancement Grants - Cont. from Cover Big Pine Creek (White) Watershed land treatment $18,000 Cedar Creek (DeKalb) Watershed land treatment $12,000 Cedar Lake (Lake) Design/build $49,600 Chapman Lakes (Kosciusko) Design/build $62,500 Cobus Creek (Elkhart and St. Joseph) Watershed diagnostic $40,000 Crooked Lake (Whitley) Engineering feasibility $14,000 Deer Creek (Grant) Construction $80,000 Eel River (Miami) Watershed land treatment $30,000 Eel River (Wabash) Watershed land treatment $70,000 Fawn River (Steuben) Watershed land treatment $60,000 Geist Reservoir tributary (Hamilton) Design/build $35,200 Lake Sullivan (Sullivan) Design/build $40,000 Little Pigeon Creek (Spencer) Watershed diagnostic $48,980 North and South Twin lakes (LaGrange) Lake watershed diagnostic $30,000 Ohio River (Posey) Engineering feasibility $13,500 Pigeon Creek (Steuben) Construction $80,000 Shatto Ditch (Kosciusko) Watershed land treatment $17,500 St. Joseph River/Eller Ditch (St. Joseph) Design/build $49,600 St. Joseph River Construction $56,000 St. Joseph, Maumee and St. Mary's rivers (Allen) Design/build $32,000 Stone Lake (Elkhart and LaGrange) Design/build $17,600 Sugar Creek (Boone) Watershed land treatment $50,000 Sugar Creek (Clinton) Watershed land treatment $40,000 Sugar Creek (Vigo) Design $30,000 Upper Tippecanoe River (Kosciusko) Watershed land treatment $40,000 Upper Tippecanoe River (Whitley) Watershed land treatment $40,000 Veale, Aikman, Hawkins creeks (Daviess) Watershed land treatment $30,000 Wabash River (Tippecanoe) Design/build $50,000 White River (Delaware) Engineering feasibility $36,400 Yellow River (Marshall) Design/Build $50,000 Total = $ 1,290,880

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INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

Auguast-September 2015

The recent torrential rain and massive flooding in southern Apartments, hotels, businesses, homes, and nursing homes were Indiana brings back memories of June 2008. Many of the same all in the path of the rising waters. Long-neglected drainage Flashbacks of the 2008 Flooding Indiana Conservation Officers (ICO) that performed rescues in ditches were now as big as rivers; their flow blocked with trash ALANGARBERS July 2015 vividly remember the flooding in 2008. and items washed away in the heavy rains. State Highway 37, Like 2015, spring of 2008 had brought higher than normal the main artery between Indianapolis and Bloomington, disapprecipitation, almost double the average in some places. The peared under the murky waters. ground was saturated and stream levels were already high. On Knoy arrived at the chaotic evacuation scene and June 6th, 2008, massive amounts of moisture was being pumped launched the airboat. The turmoil was not limited to just the northward from the Gulf of Mexico. The atmospheric condiflooding. With so many emergency personnel trying to relay tions on the evening of June 6th and continuing in to the morninformation, the radios were jammed with traffic. Trying to ing hours of the 7th resulted in continuous rainfall for 12 to 16 communicate with other responders was a nightmare. hours. At times the rain was falling at the rate of an inch per Resorting to their cell phones, Knoy requested that Reese use hour. his vast experience and set up communication command when When the heavy rain first started, it was a blessing to some. he arrived at the Incident Command System.

Indiana Conservation Officer (ICO) Dave Reese (Now retired.)

As the day wore on, hundreds of people and pets were had been working a barn fire in Morgan County since about 2:30 evacuated and swift-water rescues were performed on individuam. By 3 am they realized the rain was putting the fire out betals that were overwhelmed by the rapidly rising waters. ter than their fire hoses. “In a short period we went from dry to Around midnight, after almost 24-hours of non-stop having two to three inches of water running down the driveaction the ICOs headed home for some much needed shut-eye. way,” Officer Reese remembered.

Unfortunately Mother Nature had other ideas.

By the time the fire was out, dispatch was calling for the “I was called by Morgan County Sheriff's Department evacuation of homes in the narrow hills and valleys around the next morning about 9:15,” Reese said. “An airboat (civilPatton Lake. However, the small streams that bordered or crossed the winding and narrow ian) had sunk on the swollen Mill Creek up by Little Point. (Neither person had been wearcountry roads now swelled to raging rivers and covered the roads deep enough that the resing a life preserver.) One person made it out, but one person was still missing. I took my cue crews couldn't see the guardrails. They were stranded. airboat up and searched a large area.”

With the Gregg Township VFD stranded, rescue units were called from Hendricks ICO Knoy soon arrived and joined the search. The two conservation officers, along with County. a Morgan County Deputy and an Ashland/Adams VFD Firefighter, located the missing airFortunately the flood waters receded enough for ICO Reese and the Greg Township resboat and called for divers. The water was dropping but conditions still prohibited them from cue crews to get back into action. ICO Bryan Knoy arrived at the Gregg Township VFD finding the missing man.

Station One to get the IDNR Airboat just as the firefighters were returning. Knoy & Reese On June 9th, the ICOs and other first-responders, returned to find the grim remains that then headed out assist the evacuations and rescues of the homes inundated by the cold, confirmed their worst fears. After retrieving the body of the Mark Stroud, 44, of Coatsville, muddy water.

ICO Reese and Knoy headed home.

The airboat Knoy and Reese piloted was of a special design, with contra-propulsion that Shortly after going off duty, they were dispatched to Elnora to assist with rescue efforts uses two sets of blades that rotate in opposite directions, giving the airboat better control and there. The White River was rising and fears were that the levees and emergency sand bagmore power. Knoy was able to pull the airboat off onto Upper Patton Road and power it ging would not hold. If the levees failed, hundreds of homes would be flooded. The ICOs down into the flood waters patrolled through the night and into the next morning. To everyone's relief the levees held.

The heavy rain was flooding areas never before seen flooded. As the waters rose into On the morning of the eleventh, the two weary Conservation Officers were called to the homes and over cars, many folks were caught by surprise. Some didn't realize the danger town of Washington, Indiana. The river had breached a levee during the night. Officers Reese and were trying to drive through water that came up to their car windows and swamped their and Knoy took officials out to inspect the area and perform reconnaissance. With most of the engines. If possible, homeowners were moving to their second floor or even onto their roofs. people in the danger area removed, the Officers were released for a final time.

“We were pulling folks from their second floor or even attic windows,” Knoy said. They For the record, Officer Dave Reese logged 78 hours in four days. While ICO Reese and even saved a cow that had gotten loose.

Knoy were just two of the brave men, women, and children that worked the rescue eff o r t s , After the evacuation at Patton Lake, Knoy was directed to Martinsville with the airboat. they provided crucial skills and leadership when it was needed most.

August-September 2015

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

Page 7

Exotic Snake Species Problem for Indiana Conservation Officers ALANGARBERS Indiana's Conservation Officers have experience with our state's four venomous snake species, but that doesn't always prepare them for the multitude of exotic species that folks insist upon bringing home. Some of the venomous snakes residing as pets inside Hoosier homes make Indiana's pit vipers pale in comparison.

ICO David Moss received a report that a local resident was harboring a deadly snake without a permit.

Moss had gone to the house several times trying to make contact with the person, but each time no one responded to his knocking. The house was unusual in itself in the fact that every window was covered, as if to hide what was going on inside.

Finally Moss had enough and he went to the home, determined to make contact. Moss repeatedly knocked on the door and made his presence known. After a while, a groggy man came to the door. He worked at night and slept during the day. That explained the covered windows-or did it?

As the disoriented man opened the door, the smell of marijuana hit Moss like a ton of bricks. Plainly visible from the door is a table holding a large bong. “I didn't say anything because I didn't want him to know I saw the drug paraphernalia,” Moss said. He went on and told the man that he had received a report that the man owned a venomous snake.

The man stated he didn't have any snakes. Moss asked the man if he could come in just to look around, after all, Moss's boss would ask if he had verified that no venomous snakes were present.

“No problem, come on in.” the man replied. Moss entered the home and continued the small talk as he inspected the home. One of the first things he saw was a closed door. “What's in that room?” Moss asked. “Oh, just my snakes,” the man replied. Moss looked at the man. “I thought you didn't have any snakes.” The man dropped his head. “Yeah, I got a couple of snakes in there.”

They entered the room. On one side was a cage that had seen better days.

“What's in the cage?” Moss asked. “Oh, a couple of Ball pythons I'm keeping for a buddy of mine,” the man replied.

In the other end of the room was a very nice, elaborate cage. “What's in this cage?” Moss asked. “That's a west African Gaboon viper,” the man said proudly.

Gaboon viper survive by hiding in the leaf litter on the forest floor, patiently waiting for prey animals to wander by. While relatively docile, the Gaboon viper can grow two-inch fangs which act like hypodermic needles, and according to some studies, dispense enough venom to kill 30 to 1,000 people. They are reputed to be the fastest striking snake in the world. Unlike other vipers, which strike and release, Gaboon vipers have the tendency to not release after they inflict a bite, which allows them to continue to inject more venom.

Moss had found the reported venomous snake. “We have a couple of prob-

lems here,” Moss told the man.

“Yo u don't have the required permit to have this snake.

Yo u don't have anything marking the cage. You don't have anything marking the house (For first-responders.) A n d - y o u r house smells like marijuana and there's a bong on your table.”

The man was cooperative and took Moss out back where he had marijuana plants growing, and gave Moss bagged marijuana that was stashed in the house.

It was a good bust for Moss and a good day for a squirrel he had been transporting from a previous call. The squirrel was released so that Moss could transport the deadly Gaboon viper to a safe holding area. “I didn't want to transport a squirrel (prey to the viper) in the same vehicle as the Gaboon viper,” Moss laughed.

Moss was already on edge about transporting the venomous snake, and advice from his dispatcher didn't help. “He told me that one bite could kill a man in less than fifteen minutes, so I should be careful.” That went without saying.

When it comes to deadly snakes being transported in an enclosed vehicle, few would debate that there is no such thing as being overly cautious. The Gaboon's owner provided a special latching transport box, to which Moss added several layers of duct tape.

“I've dealt with many different species of snakes, and while the Gaboon viper was the most deadly I've encountered, it was also the most docile,” Moss said.

“I've dealt with rattlesnakes and by comparison, they live up to their reputation.”

The Gaboon viper was donated to a facility that milked the snake for its venom. The owner was cited and jailed. Not only for the possession of the viper, but for the possession and cultivating of marijuana. The man already had previous charges for drug possession. With the new charges, he was charged with felonies.

INDIANA FISH AND WILDLIFE: FREE HUNTING AND FISHING EVENTS Events below are designed for indviduals who are new to hunting, fishing, trapping or shooting sports. They are led by trained instructors and include hands-on participation.

All events are free.

Kankakee FWA Youth Dove Hunt, Sept. 1 Participants will be instructed on safe firearm procedures and dove hunting ethics before participating in a guided hunt over a managed sunflower field. Dress appropriately for the weather. Camo preferred. All equipment will be furnished, and mentor hunters will be available for each participant if needed. Youth must possess a youth license or apprentice youth license and a HIP number to participate. Licenses can be purchased at the Kankakee property office.

Youth must be 15 years of age or younger to be eligible. Preference is given to youth who have never hunted before. Space is limited; hunters must pre-register by calling Kankakee FWA at 574-896-3522.

Youth Dove Hunt, Kingsbury FWA, LaPorte, Sept. 1 This event is for youth 15 years or younger and especially for youth who have never hunted before. Participants will receive fire arm safety instruction. In a managed sunflower field, youth will also be instructed on proper ethics of dove hunting. Dress appropriately for the weather. Camo is preferred. Participants can bring their own legal shotgun or equipment will be furnished along with a mentor hunter if needed.

Participants will need a valid youth hunting or youth apprentice license and HIP number. License can be purchased at Kingsburg FWA. All federal, state and property regulations are in effect for this hunt. Preregistration is required.

Youth Dove Hunt, Deer Creek FWA, Sept. 5 Deer Creek Fish and Wildlife Area, along with the West Central and Wabash Valley chapters of Quail Forever will be hosting a Youth Dove hunt at Deer Creek FWA located near Putnamville Indiana on Saturday, Sept. 5 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. The event will consist of a safety briefing, a provided lunch and the opportunity to hunt over sunflower plantings. Ammunition will be provided. Any youth hunter 17 and younger can participate but must pre-register by clicking on the red registration icon at top or by calling Deer Creek FWA at 765-653-0453.

Youth Dove Hunt, Blue Grass FWA, Sept. 5 The Evansville Chapter of Waterfowl USA and Blue Grass Fish & Wildlife Area (FWA) will hold their annual youth dove hunt at Blue Grass FWA near Evansville Indiana on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015. The hunt, designed for youths 17 years or younger, will include a light lunch, hunter safety instruction and the opportunity to hunt the sun-

flower fields at Blue Grass FWA. Youths must pre-register and if demand exceeds opportunity a drawing will be held to allocate opportunities. Youth can sign up from Aug. 1-16 at the Boonville and Evansville Bucks & Jakes locations during regular store hours. Sign-ups start at 9 a.m. Aug. 1 and end at 5 p.m. Aug. 16.All youth must be accompanied by an adult while hunting with a maximum of 2 youth per adult.

Accompanying adult is responsible for youth hunters during the hunt. All accompanying adults must have a valid 2015/16 hunting license and a Bird Habit Stamp. Licenses are available at Bucks & Jakes. All youth must supply their own field drinks, snacks, seat or stool and ammo. Steel shot only.A light lunch will be provided at approximately12:30 p.m. the day of the hunt. The hunt will start at approximately 2 p.m. after a DNR hunter safety refresher course is given. Ending time is 6:30 p.m.

Family Fun Day at the Shooting Range, Kingsbury FWA, LaPorte, Sept. 13 This event is for families especially targeting families who have never handled a firearm. Participants will learn safe firearm handling and shooting using BB guns, 22 cal rifles and shotguns. Muzzleloading demonstrations, trapping information and archery instruction with 3D target shooting will also be available. Other demonstrations will occur throughout the day. The event is free and door prizes will be given. Lunch is provided. Preregistration is required.

Trapper’s Clinic, Jasper-Pulaski FWA, Sept. 19 All ages welcome. Instructors are members of Fur Takers and the Indiana State Trapper’s Association. Sessions will include trapping techniques, setting traps, skinning, trapping ethics, demonstrations of dry and wet sets, and youth door prizes.

DNR's Division of Law Enforcement will present an abbreviated Trapper Education Course. Lunch is available for a nominal fee. To register, click on the red icon at the top right, or call he Jasper-Pulaski office at 219-843-4841. Pre-registration would be appreciated, but is not required.

Ford Hoosier Outdoor Experience at Ford Harrison State Park, Sept. 19-20 The Ford Hoosier Outdoor Experience is Indiana’s largest, hands-on outdoor recreation event. Hosted on the grounds of Fort Harrison State Park, the free event features more than 50 activities and 120 grassroots partners. The event has been condensed and is more convenient this year. All activities are within a mile of each other. The farthest activity from the bus dropoff/welcome center is six-tenths of a mile.Once inside the park, this is a walking-only event. Please wear comfortable shoes, and bring small strollers and wagons if you have children or supplies to haul. There will be no trolleys between activity areas.

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INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

DEER HUNTING

August- September 2015

Combating a Whitetail’s Nose

By Jason houser Whitetails are the most sought after big game animals in North America. From the northern corners of Maine to south Texas, millions of hunters take to the woods, prairies, fields and rolling hills in pursuit of wrapping their tag on a big-bodied, big-racked whitetail.

Countless hours are spent around campfires, tables and pick-up trucks retelling their stories of the big buck that magically appeared from nowhere, the arrow that flew true and the bignecked bucks hanging on the meat pole. Past bucks killed years ago tend to grow from one season to the next through the stories told. This is all part of deer hunting. The camaraderie shared among fellow hunters is priceless.

But, before any of this can take place, we have to get through a day's hunt without being busted by the nose of a monster whitetail. Do not be fooled by the nose of an old doe either. These big does with their motherly instincts are as tough, if not tougher, to fool than any buck roaming the Earth.

PERSONAL HYGIENE Odor control all begins with personal hygiene. There is no room for scented soaps and shampoos in the deer woods. Even if I shower the night before a hunt, I always shower the morning of the hunt too.

Many commercial manufacturers sell unscented soaps specifically for hunters, and I recommend investing a few bucks to buy some. I know of some hunters who go to the extreme of shaving off their body hair when

hunting season rolls around. I do not need to shave my beard off or go with a bald head as long as I am squeaky clean.

Deodorants must be scentfree and are readily available for purchase. There is no need to smell like all the fragrances that many deodorants off e r. Even these tiny odors will be picked up by a whitetail's powerful nose.

Also, forget about slapping on some Old Spice or any other cologne. Leave all of this smell good stuff for date night with your spouse.

CLOTHING Over the past few years all the rage in hunting clothing has been charcoal lined outfits. It is said that the suits will all but 100percent eliminate human odors. I am sure they have their advantages, but they are expensive and not completely necessary in my opinion.

With a little time and effort, any hunting outfit can be just as e ffective as any high-priced charcoal outfit. The first step to take is never washing your hunting clothing in scented deterg e n t s .

Manufacturers offer many laundry soaps for the hunter that is scent-free. When you are in a pinch and need to get your clothes washed, head to the kitchen and grab the box of baking soda. It works well at cleaning and eliminating odors when used as a washing detergent.

Do not dry your clothes in the dryer, but instead, hang them outside to air dry. The dryer is full of odors that could contaminate your clothing.

I always wash my clothing a few days before I plan on wearing

them. Before folding my clothes, I spray every article (hats, gloves, socks, long underwear, and outer layers) with scent neutralizer. I then store the clothing in a rubber tote until I am ready to wear it.

Add some pine needles, leaves and acorns to the tote and you will have scent-free clothing with just a touch of the woodsy smell.

I wear an outfit for two days, or less if it comes in contact with foul odors. In order to be able to do this, and hunt every day, I have four sets prepared to wear.

This will allow me to hunt, and not spend my time washing clothes every couple of days.

Do not overdress, especially walking to your stand. Wearing too many clothes will cause you to sweat, even on very cold days.

Wear just enough clothing to safely get to your stand, and then put on the remaining clothes you will need.

Another reason to dress in layers is because you do not want your outer layer of clothing smelling like greasy bacon from the local diner, or gasoline from the nearby filling station. Scent neutralizer will take care of some of those odors, but not all of them.

RUBBER BOOTS AND GLOVES Rubber boots are necessary when hunting, but do not put them on until you are ready to make you walk to the stand.

The rubber will not leave odors behind like leather boots do. Depending on the temperature, I wear either insulated or uninsulated boots. I like to have my pants tucked into my boots while walking to and from my stand if I

can. The fabric will leave behind more scent than the rubber will.

I drive to my hunting destination in an old pair of tennis shoes and never wear my boots until I am ready to start walking.

Any foreign odor that I might come in contact with will transfer to the rubber. Just like your clothes will pick up the greasy odors of the diner and the gas station, so will your boots, maybe no to the same magnitude as the fabric will though.

Gloves are another important piece of clothing, even when just walking to and from your stand.

Your skin is full of oils that easily transfer from your hands to any limb or bush that you push to the side as you are walking.

Wearing gloves sprayed with scent neutralizer will greatly reduce any odor you might leave behind.

SCENT NEUTRALIZER AND COVER-UP SCENTS The most important weapon to fight odors is scent neutralizer.

Simply spray every article of clothing you will be wearing from the inner layer to the outer

layer. This includes inside your hat, socks, underwear and gloves.

Your equipment must also be sprayed, including your weapon, fanny or back pack, hunting blind, seat and any other item you might be toting around. If you have any questions as to rather something need sprayed, spray it.

C o v e r-up scents come in a wide range of odors. Acorn, pine and fresh earth scents are popular among hunters so are fox and raccoon urines. Cover-up scents are most popular in liquid and wafer form. Simply apply the scent to the bottom and sides of your boots before you begin walking and allow the natural odors mask your scent. Choose a scent that is common to the area you are hunting, and use it. A cover-up scent will work.

CONCLUSION Beating a deer's powerful nose is impossible. All we can hope for as hunters is to fool it the best we can. Taking every precaution we can when scouting, hanging stands and hunting will greatly increase your odds at bagging a nice deer this fall.

If You Do Not Want to Kill a Deer...

Hunters rely on this publication to provide sound advice on ways to kill a deer. That is all fine and dandy, but hunters do not think of what they are doing wrong that prevents them from killing a deer. By knowing how not to kill a deer, maybe we can turn that knowledge around and use it to kill a deer. Reverse psychology at its best.

If you do not want to kill a deer, do not scout.

I was told as a young hunter that in order to kill deer on a regular basis I must scout. That is one statement that still holds true all these years later.

Having confidence in your hunting area allows a hunter to stay put. The only way to build confidence is by scouting. Your best chance to kill a deer from any particular location is the first day you hunt at it. On each day after the first your chances decrease. Make the most out of the first day afield.

The best time to scout is as soon as season is over. Deer sign is still fresh and easy to locate and should remain close to the same the next season. Shed hunting is another great way to find out what bucks survived the season as well as provide an enjoyable day outdoors. Trail cameras offer year round scouting opportunities and glassing from afar is

a great tool to use in the summer.

If you do not want to kill a deer, do not worry about scent control.

The best way to combat a whitetail's nose is with proper personal hygiene. This is simple enough. Shower before your hunt with scent-free soaps, shampoo and deodorant. Dry off with towels that are scent-free. Wear clothing that has been washed in scent-free detergent and air-dried.

Once dry, spray sown with scent elimination spray, store in scentfree bags or bins. Do not wear cologne. There is a time and place for such fragrances and the deer stand is not it.

Do not overdress as you walk to your stand. Wear the minimum amount of clothing and finish dressing once you arrive to your stand. This will cut back on the amount you sweat. Also, do not drive wearing your hunting boots.

Change into them after you arrive at your destination. This will prevent gas, food and other foreign odors from contaminating your footwear.

Before beginning the walk to your stand spray down yourself from head to the sole of your boots with scent elimination spray. Do not forget to spray your equipment too. This is also a good time to use a drag rag sprayed with a cover-up scent.

Spray yourself with scent elimi-

nation spray again at your stand when you are fully dressed before you climb to your perch.

If you do not want to kill a deer, do not have realistic practice sessions.

Just about any time I pick up my bow in the middle of summer and shoot a few arrows. I am hitting the bulls' eye. However, this is not how hinting is.

In order to be confident in our shooting abilities, we need to practice in realistic hunting conditions.

This entails shooting while wearing a complete hunting outfit, even in the heat of summer.

Shooting from an elevated platform and/or from inside a ground blind. Don't forget to practice with your broad- heads well before season opens. They will hit differently than field points.

Practicing in advance will give you plenty of time to correct any problems.

Instead of shooting from known distances at broad-side targets, make it real. As nice as it would be to have every deer standing broad-side at 20 yards, that doesn't happen all that often.

To simulate realistic hunting conditions, practice shooting from unknown distances at different angels. Deer will often offer shots quartering to and away rather than broad-side.

Practicing in real world hunting conditions is a great confidence builder when it is the moment of truth.

If you do not want to kill a deer, do not be prepared.

You can have done all the scouting possible and have the deer figured out to a “T”.

Practice sessions have you putting arrows in the bulls' eye every time. You have scent control down as close to a science as you can. But, if you are not focused on what is going on around you, you will not be prepared to shoot.

A case of boredom can mean the difference between killing a deer and not. Why boredom? It is all the fault of smart phones.

Hunters can easily puck up their phone while on stand, and instead on concentrating on hunting, they

concentrate on social media, checking emails and playing games.

There is no easy solution for this except to leave the phone in your pocket. I do recommend leaving the phone at home. Now that we have the technology to call for help if an accident occurs, it only makes sense to keep it close. It is up to us to keep it on silent and to practice self-restraint and keep it in our pocket unless it is absolutely necessary to use it. One of the best time to use it is to call for help to load the big buck and to snap a few photos of it.

Now that you have a good idea what to do if you do not want to kill a deer, you can use that information to kill one. Do not worry. It is not confusing as it sounds.

August-September 2015

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

Photo Information, clockwise from left. . .

1) Brian Smith of Granger, IN harvested his Starke County 11-pointer at 35 yards with his bow.

2) Domoinic Trzaskowski of South Bend, IN with his beautiful mallard drake. 3) Mack Young of Florida harvested his monster 10-pointer on a trip to Marshall Country, IN. 4) Doni Lori and her super fall duck season harvest. 5) 13-year-old Chase Trzaskowski of South Bend, IN with his first mallard drak harvest! 6) 4-year-old Madelyn Rayne with her first ever catfish!

Join thousands of other Indiana outdoorspeople & follow Indiana Outdoor News on Facebook. Submit your photos & posts there, or at the best online source for Indianaʼs outdoor news & info, INDIANAOUTDOORNEWS.net.

Gone Afield monthly photo submittals. . .

It’s EASY! It’s FUN! Fill out this form and send it in with your favorite outdoor photograph.

Entry Information: Person submitting the photo: Name(s) of person(s) pictured: Other information describing the photo:

Send your photos to: E-mail submissions to: www.submit@raghorn.com.

Mail submissions to: Gone Afield 16828 Barryknoll Way Granger, IN 46530 If mailing photos, please include a SASE if you’d like us to return them to you.

Page 9

Page 10

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

August-September 2015

Tenzing TZ BV15 Upland Bird Vest Takes to the Field with Uncompromising Comfort & P e r f o r m a n c e

New Plano Deluxe Bow Gaurd Recurve Bow Case Provides Premium Protection for Traditional Takedown Archery Gear Traditional archers trust their instincts – honing their own intuitive shooting styles by nocking, drawing back and releasing thousands of arrows. With enough repetitive practice, the arrow strikes its mark in the archer’s mind before it ever leaves the bowstring.

The hunting archer who carries primitive gear into the field pursues a primal bond with the game he or she pursues. The experience is timeless, and the harvest – like his or her equipment – is beautifully fundamental.

A traditional archer’s timeless hunting experience can’t take place if his or her bow doesn’t survive the journey. But that’s an unnecessary worry. The protection pros at Plano have persevered in creating a deluxe case for safe passage of traditional takedown archery gear.

Helping sportsmen keep their valuable gear organized and protected for over 60 years, Plano announces the availability of premium protection for traditional takedown bows with the new Plano® Deluxe Bow Guard Recurve Bow Case.

Classic Plano durability is evidenced in this case’s thick, molded shell, which wears attractive and utilitarian alligator texturing to combat wear. Further, the lid is molded with a stylish and functional diamond crest to increase rigidity. A full aluminum valence surrounds both case pieces, which are joined by a full-length piano hinge for maximum strength. Other hardware is equally task-minded.

Four steel latches – two of which lock with keys – provide security, while twin foldaway handles facilitate easy opening and transport. Inside, interlocking high-density foam forms a secure and rattle-free nest for precious riser, limbs and accessories.

Who decided an upland hunting vest should be made out of stiff canvas or waxed cotton? Traditions run deep. We get it.

But just because these materials were the best things available to farmers and sailors 100 years ago doesn’t mean they should earn immortality on the backs of today’s hunters.

It’s time for a better upland bird vest. Tenzing made it two years ago in the form of the TZ BV13 Upland Bird Vest.

Now they’ve made it even better.

The all-new Tenzing TZ BV15 Upland Bird Vest is the next evolution in Tenzing performance for the upland hunter. The one-of-kind TZ BV15 Upland Vest takes all the features upland hunters want in a vest and combines them with the functionality of a pack to provide the ultimate bird-hunting accessory.

Like all Tenzing packs, the TZ BV15 is a dream to wear, courtesy of its thick, air-cooled back pad and fully adjustable padded shoulder and waist belt straps. Two sizes are offered to ensure a proper fit on almost any hunter.

The shell of the new TZ BV15 is constructed out of ultra strong 100% cotton Ripstop fabric, which is extremely durable and will not pick up any burrs – an improvement over the TZ BV13. Shoulder straps, waist belt and other high stress areas are reinforced with Dyneema, a fiber with a tensile strength stronger than steel, but light enough to float on water. The vest is finished in an attractive olive green color, with the added security of a hunter orange pullover for safety while afield.

The mesh game pocket of the TZ BV15 has also been improved, offering larger side openings for easier access and a new coating on the mesh material to make it more durable, stain resistant and burr free.

In addition to the game pocket, the Tenzing TZ BV15 provides upland game hunters with approximately 2000 cubic inches of storage for gloves, radios, collar accessories, choke tubes, ammunition and more inside a total of 13 pockets and

Plano® Model 11303 Deluxe Bow Guard Recurve Bow Case • Dual Key-Lock Latches • Foldaway Handles • Aluminum Valence • Full-Length Piano Hinge • Interlocking Foam • Airline approved • Exterior Dimensions: 38" x 12.5" x 4.5" • Interior Dimensions: 37.5" x 11.25" x 3.88" MSRP: $99.99 The traditionalist always finds beauty in fundamental simplicity. A tool that performs its intended job with efficiency will always be appreciated – whether it’s a fine takedown bow or the vessel that guards it from damage.

Protect your tradition with the new Plano Deluxe Bow Guard Recurve Bow Case. Learn more at www.planomolding.com.

Scent-­‐A-­‐Way MAX Wash Towels from Hunter’s Specialties Provide Hunters a Shower in a Bag Scent-A-Way® MAX individual wash towels provide hunters, campers and other outdoor enthusiasts a quick and easy way to clean up when showers are unavailable.

Scent-A-Way MAX Wash Towels come in a package of six individually wrapped sheets containing Hunter’s Specialties® Scent-A-Way MAX formula to help eliminate odors, along with Aloe Vera and vitamin E to leave skin clean, soft and protected.

Scent-A-Way MAX Wash Towels measure 10”x12” and sell for a suggested retail price of $9.99 for a package of six.

For more information about other Hunter’s Specialties products, log onto the Hunter’s Specialties website at www.hunterspec.com, write to 6000 Huntington Court NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402, or call a Consumer Service Specialist at 319-395-0321.

New Browning Black Label No Boundaries Folding Knife The new Black Label No Boundaries Tactical Folder features a 3 3⁄4" modified drop point blade that is hollow ground and constructed of 8Cr13MoV s t a i nless steel. The new for 2015 knife is available in black with a grey titanium blade finish or tan with a color matched titanium blade finish.

The No Boundaries tactical folder features a flipper extension on the blade plus an ambidextrous thumbstud for fast, easy opening.

The handle of the No Boundaries folding knife is constructed of sculpted G-10 scales for added grip.

The knife also has a 3-way tactical pocket clip that is adaptable to various carry styles.

Suggested Retail $38.00. For more information on new Browning knives for 2015, please visit www.browning.com.

compartments. Shells remain at-the-ready, individually cradled in 14 shot shell loops.

KEY FEATURES: • Burr-free, Dyneema-reinforced 100% cotton Ripstop construction • M/L and XL/XXL sizes to fit most hunters • Adjustable suspension and waist belt • Thick, air-cooled back pad • Wide, comfortable shoulder straps • Hunter orange pullover for safety in the field • Large, durable, coated mesh bird/game pocket • 13 total pockets and compartments • 14 shot shell loops • Two radio pockets • Two load lifter straps adjust fit to load for maximum comfort • H2O compatible (2 or 3 liter) • Olive green color SPECS: • 2000 Total Cubic Inches • 3 lb. 2 oz.

• Two Side Pockets: 8”x7”x1” • Two Side Sleeve Pockets: 8”x7”x1” • Two Mesh Front Pockets: 3”x5.5”x2” • Mesh Back Pocket: 8”x7”x1” • Expandable Bungee Compartments: 9”x11”x2” • Back Pocket: 9”x17”x1.5” • H20 Compartment: 10”x16”x1.5” If you want to pay a premium for early 20th century technology, you’ll find plenty of options in those pricey and pompous catalogs. But if your definition of “the best” considers such virtues as unmatched comfort and modern, high-performance materials, then you might as well buy a new Tenzing TZ BV15 Upland Bird Vest.

The newly redesigned Tenzing TZ BV15 retails for around $199.99.

Learn more about the full line of comfortable, quality-engineered Tenzing hunting packs, gear and accessories that will help you go further and hunt longer at www.tenzingoutdoors.com.

August-September 2015

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

Page 11

Select Tenzing Packs Now Available in All-­‐New Mossy Oak Break-­‐Up Country Camouflage Mossy Oak Break-Up Country features the most true-to-nature elements ever produced on camo, resulting in exceptional effectiveness and versatility,” says Mossy Oak Founder and CEO, Toxey Haas. “Every element within the pattern was strategically placed to most effectively break up the hunter’s outline and help him or her blend into any environment.”

What’s more, advances in Mossy Oak’s technology have made it possible to replicate the incredible clarity and exact color accuracy of their new Beak-Up Country pattern across all fabrics, and on any product. It’s why Tenzing Outdoors was first in line to take their top-selling Tenzing TZ 2220 Day Pack, TZ 1250 Lumbar Pack, TZ 1200 Lightweight Day Pack and TZ 721 Waist Pack to the next level. New for 2015, these four technical wonders will be available in the all-new Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camouflage pattern.

“Camouflage selection is a personal preference to some, but is a more fundamental choice for others,” says Jay Robert, backcountry hunter, product designer and driving soul and spirit behind the Tenzing brand. “Mossy Oak Break-Up Country is going to appeal to anyone who embodies the outdoor lifestyle – not only for the limits it will allow them to push in the field, but also because of who they are,” he continues. “We’re proud to be able to offer our customers this brand new camouflage option that is so effective and meshes so well with their country lifestyles,” concludes Robert.

TZ 2220 Day Pack in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country

With 2,228 total cubic inches of interior space and weighing a scanty four pounds, the TZ 2220 allows you to hunt light and fast while keeping everything you need secure and within reach inside a total of 11 well-engineered compartments and pockets. Additionally, the workhorse TZ 2220 is engineered for unmatched wearer comfort.

KEY FEATURES: • Internal Aluminum Frame Stay • Padded Hip Support • Channeled, AirCooled Back Pad • Foldout Bow and Gun Carrying Boot • H2O Compatible (2Liter) • 11 Total Compartments and Pockets • 6 Specialized Zip Pockets • 4 Lateral Compression Straps to Secure Load • 2 Lower Compression Straps to Attach Extra Gear SPECS: • 2228 Total Cubic Inches • 4 lb. 0 oz.

• Main Compartment: 22”x11”x6.5” • Face Compartment: 16”x10”x12” • Expanding Side Compartments (2): 8”x5”x2.5” • Mesh Side Compartments (2): 8”x5”x2.5” • Hip Compartments (2): 15”x9”x1.5” MSRP $209.99 TZ 1250 Lumbar Pack in Mossy Oak Break-up Country With 1250 cubic inches of storage space and 16 total compartments, the clever TZ 1250 Lumbar Pack carries a surprisingly large amount of gear while affording its wearer maximum upper-body mobility. We call it “maximum versatility.” You’ll call it “just right” for whatever type of hunt you take on.

KEY FEATURES • Fully Adjustable Vertical Suspension • Padded Hip Support • Channeled, AirCooled Back Pad • Foldout Bow and Gun Carrying Boot • H2O Compatible (2Liter) • 16 Total Compartments and Pockets • Dual Entry Into Main Compartment Through Either Top or Face • 5 Specialized Zip Pockets • 3 Compression Straps to Attach Extra Gear • Weather Guard Lid SPECS: • 1250 Total Cubic Inches • 3 lb. 12 oz.

• Main Compartment: 9”x16”x6.5” • Face Compartment: 6”x5.5”x2” • Side Compartments (2): 7”x5”x1.5” • Hip Compartments (2): 9”x4”x2” MSRP $209.99

TZ 1200 Lightweight Daypack in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country For hunters looking for a lightweight solution to comfortably carry a water supply and their essential gear, the TZ 1200 is the perfect pack. Its low profile design, eight organized pockets and 2-liter water reservoir compartment make it ideal for treestand or day hunting.

KEY FEATURES • Compact Daypack Design • Two Lower Compression Straps to Attach Extra Gear • Breathable Mesh Back Pad • Padded Hip Panels • H2O Compatible (2Liter) • Eight Total Compartments and Pockets • Expandable main Compartment • Three Specialized Zip Pockets SPECS: • 1211 Total Cubic Inches • 2 lb. 0 oz.

• Main Compartment: 17”x10”x2.5” • Main Compartment Expansion: 15”x9”x2.5” • Face Compartment: 15”x9”x1.5” • Expanding Bungee Compartment: 9”x11”x12” • Side Pocket x 2: 3”x4”x2” MSRP $124.99 TZ 721 Waist Pack in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country Grab-and-go hunters will do well to check out the new Tenzing™ TZ 721 Waist Pack as an ideal solution for their localized sits on stand. This pint-sized powerhouse has room to spare, with the added benefit of onboard core-heating technology.

With a breathable mesh waist, padded hip panels and a highly adjustable waist belt system, the 2-pound TZ 721 is designed to be worn as an unobtrusive fanny pack while traveling to or from the field. Once its wearer settles into the stand, however, the TZ 721 can be quickly and easily repositioned to the front to keep contents accessible and make use of the plush, built-in muff as a convenient and cozy place for cold hands. But the TZ 721 Waist Pack’s creature comforts don’t end there. Four specialized pockets – carefully placed in strategic positions -- accept hand warmers to heat the hunter’s core.

KEY FEATURES: • Breathable Mesh Waist Pad • Built-In Hand Muff Section with Hand Warmer Pockets • Adjustable Padded Hit Panels for Perfect Fit • Four Specialized Pockets for Hand Warmers • 17 Total Compartments and Pockets • Cell Phone Pocket on Top of Lid for Easy Operation and Access • Three Specialized Zip Pockets • Adjustable Bungee Straps Covering Each Open Topped Side Pocket • Double Adjustable Waist Belt System (24” Min. / 56” Max.) • Two Lower Vertical Compression Straps • DYNEEMA® Bottom Covered with Loden TRICO® SPECS: • 770 Total Cubic Inches • 2 lb. 0 oz. Total Weight • Main Compartment: 7” x 12” x 3.5” • Face Compartment: 6.5” x 10” x 2” • Open Top Side Pockets (x2): 5” x 4” x 2.5” • Hand Muff: 7” x 12” x 3” MSRP $119.99 The TZ 2220 Day Pack, TZ 1250 Lumbar Pack, TZ 1200 Lightweight Daypack and TZ 721 Waist Pack are just four of Tenzing Outdoors’ specialized, high-tech packs designed and built to take serious hunters and their critical gear further and allow them to hunt longer.

Now, dressed in the all-new Mossy Oak Break-Up Country, these top-performers are even better.

“We share your love of the outdoors, your passion for stewardship and your obsession with hunting,” says Haas. “It’s what makes us who we are… our connection to the land and the critters that live on it is what gives us our sense of place in this world,” he continues. “If you wake up every morning with a heart of gratitude and can’t wait to set foot on your own land, listen to a turkey gobble, check a trail camera or climb a treestand, then Break-Up Country is for you.”

Learn more about the full line Tenzing hunting packs and accessories at www.tenzingoutdoors.com.

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INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

August-September 2015

Start Shooting Now to Prepare for Dove Season

BRANDONBUTLER Whistling rockets buzzing by in warp speed. That's what it seems like your trying to shoot when dove hunting. These little birds bob and weave and dip and dive like aerial acrobats. Mourning Doves can make the most skilled shooter look like a novice, so you might want to use the next month honing your wing shooting skills before dove season opens September 1.

The Mourning Dove is Indiana's most popular migratory game bird. Their population nationwide is stable with no evidence of a change in abundance.

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service estimates the population of mourning doves at approximately 349 million birds.

Dove hunting is an exhilarating experience and a sound wildlife management practice. They taste pretty darn good, too. Even with such a high number of birds, hunting mourning doves is no easy task. A mature dove is only around 12 inches long, posses a wingspan of 18 inches and weighs a whopping six ounces. Doves are definitely small targets when you consider the fact that they reach flight speeds of up to 55 miles per hour.

Knocking enough of them out of the air to fill a limit is a tough task.

The basics of dove hunting are pretty simple. As far as guns go, any 12, 16, or 20-gauge shotgun will work for dove hunting. Take plenty of shotgun shells with you, because you'll need more than you think. Size 7 _ or 8 birdshot will suffice. Make sure you know if the property you are hunting requires the use of steel shot or not. Many public properties are steel shot

INDIANA RESERVED HUNTS OFFER ADVENTURE AT HOME You don't have to leave Indiana to experience a special hunt.

Each year, the Department of Natural Resources offers several different reserved hunts. These hunts are limited. Applications are currently being accepted.

State Parks, Fish and Wildlife Areas, National Wildlife Refuges and military bases offer some of the best habitat in Indiana for wildlife. Many of these properties are so habitat rich that in some cases wildlife flock to them in numbers greater than the landscape can handle. Hunting is used as a tool for managing populations to ensure the right balance is struck.

In some cases, such as on state parks, hunting is not allowed at any other time of the year besides during these special hunts, and for many years hunting may not be allowed at all in specific parks.

On some of the other properties, like Fish and Wildlife Areas, there are more people wanting to hunt than there is room available, so a drawing is used to ensure a fair opportunity to participate is given to all.

In 2015, state park deer reduction hunts are being held at Clifty Falls, Fort Harrison, Harmonie, Lincoln, McCormick's Creek, Ouabache, Pokagon, Potato Creek, Prophetstown, Shades, Shakamak, Tippecanoe River, Turkey Run and Versailles. There are two different state park hunt dates. They take place November 1617 and November 30 - December 1, 2015.

There are special deer hunts being help on Muscatatuck and Big Oaks Nation Wildlife Refuges, and another deer hunt at Camp Atterbury. I participated in a hunt at Camp Atterbury a few years ago and was really impressed with the number of deer I saw, both while in my treestand and in the back of hunters' trucks.

Since you can't go out and scout ahead of time at Camp Atterbury, you have to play it by ear. I took a climbing treestand with me. Once I was assigned my area, I parked where I was told and hiked out into the woods. I found a nice draw between two ridges. The draw had a small creek flowing through it. I guessed that it would be a travel route for deer spooked by other hunters. I was right. I had 14 does and yearlings come by me that day, but never the buck I was after.

The special reserved hunts offered by the DNR aren't just for deer. There are also turkey, waterfowl and upland bird hunts. For Hoosier hunters living in the southern half of the state, pheasant hunting is a foreign affair. There are Game Bird Habitat Areas in Benton, Newton and White counties offering hunts in November and December.

Special dove hunts are available at Blue Grass, Jasper-Pulaski, Kankakee, Kingsbury, Pigeon River, and Winamac Fish and Wildlife Areas. Most of these hunts take place September 1 and 2.

Waterfowl hunters can apply for up to five property and date combinations at Brookville, Goose Pond, Hovey Lake, Kankakee, Kingsbury, LaSalle, Willow Slough, Province Pond and Monroe Lake.

In order to apply for any of the special hunts, you must have a valid license for that species. You can fill out your application online. The closing dates for the different hunts vary. State parks deer hunt applications must be in by August 24.

For more details on all the available hunts and to apply, visit http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/5834.htm See you down the trail…

only.

When deciding where to situate yourself and your party, try to locate an already harvested crop field and sit on the edge. A water source nearby is important. Doves roost overnight and often fly to water early in the morning and again at dusk. Keep the sun at your back. Doves are hard enough to hit without blinding yourself by looking into the sun. Stay low and break up your outline the best you can, and don't move until you're ready to shoot.

For those of you new to dove hunting who feel you could benefit from a mentor, reach out to your local National Wild Tu r k e y Federation (NWTF) chapter or Quail Forever (QF) chapter. You can find these chapters through each organization's website. Tell whomever you speak with that you are interested in learning more about dove hunting before you go for the first time. Someone will surely offer you all the advice you need, and you may even find yourself invited to participate in a

Dove hunters take aim from a make shift blind in a patch of sunflowers. group hunt.

Dove hunting with youth hunters takes some special care.

When introducing youth to hunting, the number one goal should be to provide an enjoyable experience. This can absolutely be accomplished on a dove hunt if you focus on the entire experience and not the actual shooting of doves. These birds can make the

best wing shooters look like amateurs, so you should expect youth shooters to miss many more shots than they connect on. Be sure to encourage them through the misses, laugh with them and assure them missing is a big part of the game.

See you down the trail…

AIM SMALL, MISS SMALL BY BABE WINKELMAN Consistency is essential to being good with a bow and to achieve this consistency you must practice in the off season. As you practice this off season I want you to keep a few things in mind as you sling arrows down range.

The first thing to take note of is the distance you practice at. Far to often you get bored shooting that 20 yard shot and increase your practicing distance. This is fine to do but if you are not producing accurate and consistent shots at 20 yards you are not doing yourself any good by moving further from the target. So practice those 20 yard shots until your groupings tighten to the size of a silver dollar or so. Once you have master this then work on shooting from further distances.

The second thing to keep in mind is the release of the arrow. This is by far one of the most important components to being an accurate archer. As you release the arrow you want to avoid jerking or torquing the bow as it will result in poor shots. This usually happens from the archer quickly squeezing or jerking the trigger of the release causing the entire body to move. So as you practice this summer work on lightly squeezing the release trigger. You will be surprised how your groupings will become tighter.

Last thing to keep in mind is work on aiming small. Far to often we get comfortable with hitting the large circle of the target and have the mentality that if I am hitting the t a rget now it should be good enough to shot a my sought after game this fall. Practice shooting at the smaller outside circles of the targets and hone in on tight groupings. By teaching yourself to aim small you will find that your missed shots will still be very accurate missing you intended shot location by mere centimeters instead of inches.

I hope you will take something from these tips and and strengthen your shooting ability this summer. As you practice and become more consistent you will find that your accuracy is dead on. So get out and practice, practice, practice and make that shot count this fall when that bruiser steps out! Good Hunting.

FREE DEER HUNTING WORKSHOPS - INDIANAPOLIS Have you ever wanted to try deer hunting but don’t know where to start? Our Hunt, Fish, Eat: White-tailed deer classes take you from beginner to hunter in this foursession course. Sessions will focus on the following fundamentals: deer biology, laws and regulations, archery and firearms safety, locating a hunting spot and preparing your harvest for the table .

Each session will include an opportunity to sample wild game recipes. You will also learn what gear and resources are available to hunters today. Sessions will be held at d i fferent locations in the Indianapolis area.

Participants are asked to attend all sessions, must be new to deer hunting in Indiana, and have an interest in hunting for food. All equipment will be provided.

Classes will take place on Tuesdays or Wednesdays starting August 25 or 26.

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August-September 2015

HUNTING A few seasons back, Gabe Hartwig and his good friend Homer Campbell, Jr. found themselves on the hunt for g o o d - q u a l i t y, weatherproof blinds. Blind after blind, season after season, they were disappointed by an astonishing list of flaws and weak points displayed by the blinds they tried: tip hazards, grueling setup, difficult entrances and exits, blocked views...the list only continues. Then, the two friends stumbled upon Banks Outdoors and their wide range of products, including high-quality, elevated stump blinds, wildlife feeders and watering systems, as well as an array of blind accessories to accommodate any hunter. Gabe and Homer had bagged their trophy: the array of Banks Outdoors products. Specifically, though, their main treasure was and continues to be the Banks Outdoors Stump Blinds.

When they discovered their love and passion for the stump blinds, Gabe and Homer quickly realized that their home state lacked a Banks dist r i b u t o r. So, in 2013, they took it upon themselves to become the only distributor of the Banks Outdoors product line in the state of Indiana.

Located in Kokomo, IN Gabe and Homer’s distribution center is supplied by the Banks Outdoors headquarter factory in Cannon Falls, Minnesota.

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

Page 13

Banks Outdoors Offers Best of the Best By Megan Smith All Banks Outdoors products are American made by real outdoorsmen who all share an incredible passion for the outdoors and gaining the upper hand over their game of choice.

The typical weak points of c o m p e t i t o r ’s blinds are the strong points of the Banks Stump Blinds. Their unique features include: -Unlike the hard, 90degree angles of most other blinds,the stump blinds feature rounded edges. T h i s enables the blind to blend in with the rounded shapes of the surrounding trees trunks, shrubs, and bushes, therefore making it less visible to animals. The spherical shape of the blinds create an aerodynamic effect,thus far decreasing tip-hazards and air penetration.

-The preset steel frame allows for assembly of the blinds in 30 minutes or less.

-Built-in vents allow for safe heater usage on those cold winter hunts.

-Extremely durable, UV stabilized carbon black polyethylene is completely r a i n , w i n d , s n o w, and heat proof.

-Cabinet-style windows provide a 360o view and are silent when opening, allowing the hunter to keep them closed until they are ready to shoot.

-Banks’unique anchor sys-

tem keeps the blind anchored to the ground so matter what the conditions.

-The stump blinds are as close to air tight as humanely possible, aiding in scent control.

-Sizes range from 1-man to 4-man, with the 3- and 4man blinds being suitable for both gun and bow hunters.

All of these incredible features give the hunter several incredible advantages over his game, therefore leading to increased chances of bagging that trophy of a lifetime. T h e completely element-proof blinds allow for a substantially longer hunt, because let’s face it – a hunter can only sit for so long trying to hold on for dear life in a completely open, freezing, swaying tree stand. Little to no air penetration allows for a warmer environment inside the blind, and the built-in vents that allow for heater usage create an even warmer environment. A l l movement is concealed inside the blind, making it incredibly easier to find and make that perfect shot. Hard-to-hunt locations are no longer hardto-hunt with complete, 360o aerial views of woods and open fields, scent control in all wind conditions, and the impeccable camouflage of the blinds. What hunter wouldn’t want every advantage he could get over his game?

A few more perks to the

Banks Outdoors product line.

While Indiana Law prohibits the baiting of game, it is still legal to supplement food and provide water during the off season. Banks feeders and watering systems make it possible to grow healthier, bigger game and larger herds, preserving the health and size of the population. When hunting season rolls around, the hunter is then not only harvesting the trophy of a lifetime, but his hard work over the past year paid off .

Banks caters to everyone – they can meet the needs of any h u n t e r’s budget. And for those that want to check out the

blinds or any other product before purchasing, Gabe and Homer are in the process of constructing a showroom-style warehouse where models will be showcased for tours. Banks Outdoors stump blinds, feeders, watering systems and accessories are certainly the best any hunter could get.

V i s i t w w w. b a n k s o u t d o o r s i p c . c o m for information on specific products, product testimonials, and tips and tricks.

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INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

August-September 2015

An Investment in the Future

How you expose kids to hunting and fishing is critical. Don’t blow it.

JOSHLANTZ Parents are busy people.

We work. We shuffle our kids here and there. And at this time of year - when so many hunting and fishing opportunities exist - we occasionally find time to enjoy the sanctity of the great outdoors.

It can be easy to use hunting or fishing as an excuse to leave the kids or the family behind for some quality time alone. T h a t ' s fine. We all need to escape.

But don't overlook the present and future rewards that come from providing your children with a proper introduction to the traditional outdoor sports. And, most i m p o r t a n t l y, don't blow it once you've made the commitment. Make too many mistakes and you'll risk quashing their enthusiasm for future outings, maybe for good. Follow some general guidelines, however, and you'll spark the flame that feeds a lifetime of passion for the outdoors.

Choose the right kind of hunt. Select a quarry and location that ensures your kids will stay comfortable while still allowing a reasonable chance at seeing and bagging game. Any type of hunt from a ground blind is a great option. Blinds conceal motion and nervous energ y, allow for comfortable seating, and facilitate keeping snacks, warm clothes,

heaters, books and even video games at the ready.

The trick is keeping your kids comfortable and happy.

Blinds fit the bill and serve as comfortable and practical “base camps”.

Give them their own equipment. Choose a youth bow or firearm that will grow with them. Of course, if your kids are actually hunting, practice shooting at home or at the range until they become proficient and confident. If they are too

pation.

Explain what is going on. Some kids are capable of simply enjoying the outdoors experience, but most will get bored unless you involve them in everything that is going on. Where are you hunting and why? W h a t are you hoping will happen?

What are you trying to accomplish with your calling? Try your best to explain the various outdoor sights, sounds and smells around you.

A quality blind is an invaluable tool for keeping kids comfortable and concealing nervous energy in the field. Photo courtesy of www.ameristep.com

Regardless of whether or not they are ready to hunt, kids need their own hunting gear to facilitate practice and give them a sense of engagement while afield with mom or dad. Photo courtesy of www.planomolding.com young to hunt, purchase a toy cap gun and instruct your youngster on how to handle it and use it as if it were a real firearm.

Encourage them to carry it in the field. This is great practice for firearms safety and helps to keep kids engaged. Buy them their own hunting clothes, too, in order to further their excitement and feelings of partici-

A bit of patience and sacrifice while they’re young leads to countless days of mutual enjoyment. Photo coutersy of www.frabill.com

Don't hunt or fish too long. If the goal is to instill a lifelong love of the outdoors, it is critical that each outing be pleasurable. W h e n your youngster gets cold, bored or loses interest, it is time to pack it up and head for home - with a possible stop to the ice cream shop or other special treat reserved just for your days afield.

It's about both of you Anyone who has read or heard anything about taking youngsters fishing or hunting has probably heard that the experience is “all about the kids”. This isn't the entire story. Sure, the child's comfort and enjoyment is critical, but don't forg e t what you're getting out of the deal. You're making an investment of your time and patience in order to plant a seed. Being patient and conscientious now will result in a hunting and fishing buddy for the rest of your life. There aren't too

many parent and child activities that offer this kind of mutual enjoyment and meaningful bond.

That said, one of the best ways to maximize the return on your investment is to adjust your expectations.

Focus on seeing game instead of taking game. Of course, go about things the proper way and you may not need to compromise. But just seeing game in a hunting situation can be very exciting for youngsters, especially if you are excited about it too.

When taking kids fishing, especially the first few times, leave your rod at home. Focus on helping them catch fish instead of catching them yourself. Help them. Teach them. A g a i n , explain what is going on in order to keep them engaged and excited. You may think

it's possible, but you cannot do these things when you've got a rod in your own hands.

Ever wonder what it would be like to be a fishing or hunting guide? Take your kids hunting or fishing and you'll get your chance. As a guide and father, I can attest that the situations are almost the same. My kids may not smoke cigars or tell dirty jokes, but they are both lousy tippers.

The payoff Putting the needs of our kids ahead of our own is something every parent is used to. Follow the same model when taking your kids afield. Give a bit now and you'll be rewarded when you are old and gray.

“Hi, Dad. Want to go hunting today?”

Madelyn Smith, 5, and father Brian Smith after a successful opening day of turkey season and Madelyn’s first time in the field!

August- September 2015

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

Page 15

A Legendary Guide

The Last Thought MIKESCHOONVELD It’s not often I get to meet and fish with a “legend.” It’s not often I get to fish with someone who likes to fish more than I do.

I spent a week fishing numerous lakes in western Nebraska recently and where ever I stopped, where ever I fished, the people I met knew Steve Lytle, knew of Steve Lytle and were impressed that I’d had the chance to fish with Steve Lytle.

While fishing, Steve keeps a running commentary going about what he’s doing, why he’s doing it and what we are going to do next. In between, he tells stories about the fishing last week, last year, in time’s past and by the end of the trip, you know his life history.

You’ll understand Steve always had a passion for fishing.

In 1983 he started competing in local bass fishing tournaments

and started piling up the victories. By 1987 his winning ways lead him to become a professional bass angler.

I’m sure you’ve seen touring pros with boats, hats and shirts covered with the logos of their sponsors. Steve’s boat was bare and he was as likely to be wearing a Nebraska Cornhuskers cap on the winner’s stage as one from a sponsor. Unlike most pros who foot the expense of all that goes to being a touring pro, equipment, travel expenses, fuel, entry fees and all the rest and then seek enough sponsors to offset some of the expenses, Steve was basically a hired gun.

He had a wealthy “investor” who believed in him and hired him to fish. Steve was paid a salary, had his expenses covered and a got a percentage of the winnings he accrued. He was also required to take friends or clients of his benefactor fishing on occasion and thus became a defacto “guide.”

The arrangement lasted for six years until health problems with the benefactor ended the partnership. It certainly wasn’t Lytle’s lack of effort or accomplishments. He finished high in the standings in most of the tour-

naments he fished.

At this fork in Lytle’s road of life he could have sought sponsors and continued on as a touring pro. Instead, with the experience he gained from hosting and guiding his benefactor’s associates, he decided to become a fulltime guide.

When I say full time, I mean full time. When I fished with him in mid-May, he had four open dates in June (only three by the end of the day) and it will go like that through the summer and fall.

He also guides ice fishermen in the winter.

Burn out is a problem for many people who work as hard as Steve. Lytle’s website lists only “all-day” trips. No morning trips, afternoons or four or six hour outings as though on a time clock.

Steve told me, “We get started at first light and then fish until noon or so at which time we stop for lunch. Then we’ll head out again to fish in the afternoon.

Many times, by lunch time, the clients have caught all they want, fished all they want and they end the trip. So I just go out and fish the rest of the afternoon by myself, trying new places and new tactics getting ready for

Steve Lytle has become a fishing legend because of hard work, skill and his passion for fishing. tomorrow.”

Though Steve’s roots are in bass fishing, he’s not just a bass guide. If it’s a fish that will bite a hook in the lakes he fishes in southwest Nebraska, Steve will fish for them. He’s as happy catching walleyes as bluegills, white bass as crappies. Versatility is one of the keys to his success at pleasing his clients. He told me, “Something is always biting somewhere. When I figure it out,

I know how to work the active fish at any time of the year.”

Steve Isis, a walleye tournament competitor and guide near Valentine, Nebraska said this of Lytle. “Steve not only knows the name of every fish in the lakes he fishes, he has their email addresses.”

For more information go to www. stevelytle.com.

THE END