Southside Outdoors - Spring/Summer 2015

Outdoors Southside

Spring/Summer 2015

In His Wake

Nineveh’s Dave Jarrett serves as an ambassador for water skiing in Indiana

ALSO INSIDE  Boat safety l Valley Riders Saddle Club l Fishing tips for beginners

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Outdoors SOUTHSIDE

Spring/Summer 2015

Southside Outdoors is published by the DAILY JOURNAL

FEATURES

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For editorial content, contact Paul Hoffman in the Daily Journal special publications department at 317-736-2721 or by e-mail at phoffman@ dailyjournal.net.

Safe Boating

Reduce risk by taking some simple steps.

Story By Amy May Thinkstock photos

For advertising content, contact the Daily Journal advertising department at 317-736-2730.

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Lifetime on the Water

Dave Jarrett has been water skiing for nearly 60 years.

Story By Cheryl Fiscus Jenkins Submitted photos

Southside Outdoors c/o Daily Journal 30 S. Water St., Ste. A Franklin, IN 46131

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ON THE COVER Nineveh’s Dave Jarrett skis on Brewski Lake, a tournament lake in Indianapolis where some Indiana Water Ski Association events are contested.

Submitted photo

Unbridled Fun

Valley Riders Saddle Club celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Story By Jenn Willhite Submitted photos

ETC.

8 Fishing Tips How to best teach a beginner.

9 Property Profile All about Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area.

13 On the Outdoors What’s going on around the state?

14 Glamping Put a little glamor into your family camping trips at these sites.

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Southside Outdoors

Spring/Summer 2015

Safe boating

DAILY JOURNAL

Experts: Wear your life jacket and stay sober

By Amy May Outdoors staff writer

W

hen it’s 90 degrees, humid and stuffy, nothing beats spending the day on a boat. Whether you’re enjoying a high-speed water ski or tube ride, fishing off a pontoon or taking a leisurely paddle down a calm river, a day on the water is a fun way to spend a summer day.

The fun ends when accidents happen, though.

Conservation officers with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources law enforcement division say using common sense and following some basic boating regulations can ensure people enjoy boating all summer long.

Conservation Officer Jet Quillen said the best way to boat safely is to wear a life jacket and stay sober.

Wear your jacket All boats must have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket on board for each person. A floating cushion does not count. The law applies not only to DNR properties, but also private lakes, small fishing ponds and rivers.

Quillen said technology has made life jackets easier to wear.

Unlike the bulky orange foam ones from the old days, new ones are a lot thinner and lighter.

Instead of going around the neck, they are designed like vests with adjustable straps.

Thinkstock photos

Many of today’s life jackets are vest-style that are much more comfortable to wear than the old orange ones that hang around your neck.

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DAILY JOURNAL

“They’ve come a long way with fit and comfort. We wear ours all day and we forget we even have it on,” he said. “They have themed ones for kids, with Spider-Man or SpongeBob, that make them fun to wear.”

Piloting a motorized boat while intoxicated carries the same penalties as for intoxicated driving: a breathalyzer reading of .08 percent is legally intoxicated. Drunk boaters can lose their licenses, pay fines and fees and serve time in jail. Even small fishing boats with trolling motors are considered motorized.

It is not illegal to be over the limit in a non-motorized boat, but Quillen said if the person is being disruptive or endangering children in that craft, he or she could be charged with public intoxication, disorderly conduct or neglect of a dependent.

“I think the message is getting out there. Boaters, for the most part are being safe. But we are still seeing (intoxicated boaters), especially on weekends,” he said.

Another violation they occasionally see is the lack of a second person in the boat while it’s pulling a skier or a tuber. Besides the boat operator, an observer must also be in the boat to watch the skier or tuber and alert the operator if the person falls.

The DNR can also write tickets for speeding. After sunset, boats can not exceed 10 mph.

Although Johnson County does not have the motor boating opportunities you’d find at Lake Monroe or Geist Reservoir, there are still many rivers and smaller lakes.

Plenty of people kayak and canoe on Sugar Creek, go motor boating or fishing at public lakes at Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area and Driftwood, and boat on the private lakes such as Lamb Lake and Prince’s Lakes, said Conservation Officer Markie Hoskins, assigned to Johnson County.

Because of the speed and size restrictions on public lakes here, as well as limited use on private lakes for recreational boating and few public access sites onto river systems within Johnson County, there are few boating accidents here, she said.

“I have not worked a boat accident in Johnson County yet, but I cannot speak for the other officers,” she said.

Following basic safety guidelines is still important, even if you are on a small lake, she said.

“Make sure you not only have your required (life jackets) on the boat, but they are easily accessible.

They can’t help anyone if you can’t access them,” she said, add-

Spring/Summer 2015

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By the numbers

l In 2013, the U.S. Coast Guard logged 4,062 boating accidents with 560 fatalities and 2,620 injuries. l The leading cause of death, 77 percent, was drowning. Of those victims, 84 percent were not wearing life jackets. l Operator inattention, operator inexperience, improper lookout, machinery failure and excessive speed were the top five primary contributing factors in accidents. Alcohol use, only the sixth highest contributing factor, was the deadliest, leading to 75 deaths. Inattention was next with 57 deaths. l Eight out of every 10 boaters who drowned were using vessels less than 21 feet in length. The most common types of vessels involved in accidents were open motorboats, followed by canoes and kayaks. l The number of accidents and deaths has been trending down. In 1997, there were 821 boating deaths and twice as many accidents as in 2013.

Source: American Boating Association

Safe boating tips

From Indiana Conservation Officer Jet Quillen • If you own a motorboat, it’s a good idea to designate an assistant skipper who knows how to operate the boat. “It’s like having a designated driver. If the driver is drinking or has a medical problem, someone else can operate the boat.”

• Pay attention to the weather reports. If you are on a large lake with a lot of boats, everyone will be heading to the ramp at the same time if a thunderstorm rolls in. “You do not want to be stuck out there in the middle of a storm.”

• Take a boater safety course. The DNR offers them. Regular classes aren’t scheduled, but groups can sign up by calling the DNR in their county or you can take one online at www.boat-ed.com/indiana.

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Spring/Summer 2015

ing that one should limit the use of alcohol when doing anything around water.

“Alcohol not only alters your state of mind, but depletes your body of water. Consuming alcohol and being exposed to the sun is one equation for dehydration,” she said.

Safe paddling Jeff Blue, owner of Blue’s Canoe Livery near Edinburgh, rents canoes, sit-on-top kayaks and rafts during the summer for trips on the Driftwood River. The most common safety issues he sees are not wearing life jackets and excessive drinking.

Drinking, he said, is especially dangerous when river canoeing. He lists “beer only” as a rule on his website to try to discourage intoxication.

“All rivers in Indiana are natural rivers with bends, currents and obstructions you have to paddle around. If you’re inebriated and not paying attention, before you know it, you’ve got a big problem,” he said. “Unfortunately, people who drink too much also are the ones who don’t wear a life jacket.”

Blue, 72, has owned the business for 33 years and wears his life jacket when he goes out in his john boat to pick up stranded canoeists, retrieve a lost boat or check out the conditions. It sets an example for his guests and “it’s just the safe thing to do,” he said.

As a business owner, he wants to ensure the safety of his customers and will close if the water is too high or too fast. A canoe is not suited for high, fast water, he said. Hitting a submerged log might mean a little bump at normal levels, but at flood stage, the canoe will slam into the log, likely spin around and

dump. His six-person rafts, he said, are better for fast water, but he will suspend renting them, too, if he thinks the water is too wild.

“I’ve been accused of being overly cautious, but it’s my call to make. We send 12,000 to 15,000 people down the river a year. Last year, we didn’t have to call river rescue once. If we do, it’s usually someone passed out on the bank. We have to go and get him.”

Wearing a life jacket is especially important for canoeists and kayakers due to the instability of the vessels, the environmental conditions they are attracted to and the lack of other boaters or people in the isolated areas they go, the U.S. Coast Guard says.

Even small non-motorized boats must have a life jacket on board, Quillen said. But as with motor boats, paddlers are not required by law to wear them. But they definitely should, espe-

DAILY JOURNAL

cially if they are going out in flood season, he said.

“There’s a bigger chance of capsizing. With higher water, the river is unpredictable,” he said.

He has safety tips for kayakers and canoeists going into remote areas: • Leave a float plan.

Tell someone exactly where you’re going and when you plan to be back. If you don’t return when you are supposed to, a float plan can help rescuers narrow down where to look for you.

• Take a cell phone in a watertight bag or box.

• Pay attention to the dynamics of the water. High, fast moving water during a spring flood is more dangerous than the lazy current of late summer and seems to be the time people go out for their first paddle of the season.

“We’ve already seen an increased number of calls for people in distress on the waterways,” Quillen said.

Quillen and Hoskins are DNR scuba divers, and it falls upon them to recover drowning victims. In 2014, the dive teams recovered 46 victims.

Quillen said officers don’t want to ruin people’s fun when they enforce the rules, but it’s important to be safe on the water.

“All drownings are accidents, and accidents are avoidable if you do your due diligence,” he said “As a diver, I’m the one who has to go down and get the victims. It’s just horrible.

“People are trying to have a good time. We get that,” he added. “But when you recover a drowning victim, your perspective changes.

I’ve seen too many in my time, when a good time can go bad.” v

“People are trying to have a good time. We get that. But when you recover a drowning victim, your perspective changes. I’ve seen too many in my time, when a good time can go bad.”

Conservation Officer Jet Quillen

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Southside Outdoors

By Indiana DNR

Spring/Summer 2015

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7 tips for taking beginners fishing

on the top of the water. Squeeze small BB-sized split shot sinkers onto your line, one at a time, until your bobber nearly sinks from the weight.

Since there is very little resistance when the fish takes the bait, it is more likely to bite the bait and run.

F

ishing can be hard for someone just starting — the choice in rods, reels, bait, lures and lines can be mind-boggling.

Remember, when on fishing outings, keep it simple and keep it light.

Light line with small floats, weights, hooks and bait can help you put some excitement on the end of the line fast. Kids tire quickly and often give up while waiting for lunker bass to bite. Most kids would rather pull in 25 minnow-sized bluegill than wait for one trophy catch. Here are some tips to make fishing fun:

Tip 5: Small hooks equals big catches Use hook sizes 6 to 10 (size 6 is larger than size 10). Fish won’t readily take large hooks unless they are feeding like crazy. A subtle presentation is often needed to catch wary fish. Tiny hooks also allow small fish to “inhale” the bait, rather than nibble the bait off the hook. If a fish swallows the hook and you want to return the fish to the water, simply cut the line as close to the hook as possible and release the fish. For a safer hook, smash down the barb with pliers or use barbless hooks.

Tip 1: Start simple A cane pole is a good way for new anglers or kids to start fishing. Spincasting gear is a simple rod and reel for kids. The next step is ultra-light spinning gear.

Tip 6: Great big gobs of worms won’t do

Tip 2: Lighten your line Line that is 4- to 8-pound test will do the job; “pound test” is the amount of force it takes to break the line. Unless you’re targeting monster catfish or muskies, light line is your best bet.

Tip 3: Bag the big bobbers Bobbers (or floats) are used to suspend your bait in the water and to alert you when to set the hook. The harder the bobber is to pull under, the harder it will be to hook a fish. Small floats will help convince the fish to take your tasty bait and run. “Slip” bobbers work well for kids. Slip bobber rigs cut down on the amount of line needed at the end of the rod and are easier to cast. Small ice fishing bobbers can provide a light touch any time of year.

Tip 4: Sink it with shot Sinkers (or weights) help get your line down to the fish. They can also create “zero buoyancy.” Ideally, you want your bobber to just barely float

There’s no need to use whole, whopping-big, writhing night crawlers on your hook. Live bait such as red worms, wax worms (bee moth larvae) or crickets work best. Keep the bait approximately the size of your hook, so the fish is less likely to steal your bait. You can also cut the bait to fit your hook. When you’re finished with the bait, give it to another angler, take it home for the next trip or throw it in the trash.

Never dump your bait into the water.

Tip 7: Fish Local The best way to make someone an angler is to show them where they can fish close to home. Regardless of whether that’s in one of the urban areas at a Go FishIN in the City Lake or at a pond in your neighborhood, show them where they can fish that doesn’t require a lot of travel time. You can find locations throughout the state with our Where to Fish Finder that can be found online at https://secure.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3591.htm. v

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DNR Property Profile

PREMIER OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT

Boating: No boat launching from a trailer is allowed. Canoes, kayaks and other small watercraft that can be carried and slid into the water are permissible. Boats are limited to a maximum 12-volt electric motor. During waterfowl season, only persons registered to hunt waterfowl or trap are permitted on the water.

Hunting: Waterfowl, quail, rabbit, dove and deer are common. There are also limited opportunities for squirrel and turkey hunting.

Check-in is required. Most hunting opportunities are allocated through drawings. Selfservice hunts are: Squirrel, crow, turkey, deer archery, deer muzzleloader, frog, snipe and woodcock (only from Oct. 15-31), dove after Sept. 3 and light geese during the Light Goose Conservation Order. All other hunts are draw hunts. Check at office or call for details.

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Possession of lead shot while in the field is prohibited.

Check at the headquarters for details on drawings.

Wildlife watching: More than 260 bird species have been documented at Goose Pond.

Check-in is required.

Neighboring land: Greene-Sullivan State Forest offers hunting, fishing, camping and horseback riding opportunities. Redbird State Recreation Area offers off-road vehicle riding opportunities. Minnehaha Fish and Wildlife Area offers hunting, fishing, trapping and a shooting range. Hillenbrand Fish and Wildlife Area offers hunting, fishing and trapping.

Additional opportunities: Some fishing is available in the wetland units. Accessible hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities are available. Ask for details at the headquarters.

Trapping is available through a drawing held on the first Saturday in October. A collection permit is required for everything other than gathering of berries, mushrooms and nuts.

Camping: Not allowed.

Swimming: Not allowed Traffic: Traffic on public roads through the area is governed by state and county laws.

Traffic over service roads and trails, except by authorized vehicles, is restricted to walking. Park in designated lots only. v

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Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area

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Address: 1815 State Road 59 South, Linton, IN 47441 Phone: 812-659-9901 Website: www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3094.htm Office hours: T-Th, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

What: Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area is dedicated to providing quality hunting, wildlife viewing and trapping opportunities while maintaining 8,064 acres of prairie and marsh habitat.

History: Prior to the property being acquired by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the previous landowner entered into a permanent easement with the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

This permanent easement was part of the Wetlands Reserve Program and consisted of 7,200 acres. NRCS then assumed responsibility for the wetland restoration.

In October 2005, with the help of The Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, Indiana Department of Transportation, United States Fish and Wildlife Service and many other organizations, IDNR purchased the property, including the 7,200 acres under permanent WRP easement, creating the property.

Activities Fishing: Selected units may be closed to fishing and other activities at certain times throughout the year.

Spring/Summer 2015

Franklin, IN | 317-738-0618 www.PremierOutdoorPowerEquipment.com

Nineveh’s Dave Jarrett has been skiing nearly 60 years

b m A

By Cheryl Fiscus Jenkins Submitted photos

D

ave Jarrett likes to water ski when most people stay inside by the fire.

He wears a dry suit in the winter, sometimes breaking ice on the water to create a smooth, flowing path. He skis in a Santa suit for a festive spirit around the holidays.

His goal is to hit the lake at least once each month throughout the year, despite sometimes frigid temperatures that might keep others away from the typically warm weather sport. In February 2012, he celebrated his birthday by water skiing on his home turf at Sweetwater Lake in Nineveh and snow skiing later that day at Paoli Peaks in southern Indiana.

“I grew up water skiing and playing in the water,” he said. “For me, it’s all about the motion.”

Jarrett began skiing at age 10 on weekends at his parents’ lake cottage in Nineveh. As president of the Indiana Water Ski Association, the 69-year-old has become an ambassador for the sport, reeling in new skiers whenever he has an opportunity and helping individuals reach their potential in tournaments.

He’s a promotional spirit in the name of the sport. A retired Greenwood fifth-grade teacher, he has traded textbooks and desks for skis and boats as an instructor, trained driver and qualified water ski safety specialist.

Jarrett became a member of the IWSA in

“He’s a very humble guy (Dave Jarrett). But volunteer-wise, for the state and for water skiing in general, he spends a lot of time on the sport.”

Bryan Dougherty, Indiana Water Ski Association board member Above: Dave Jarrett takes a seat while skiing near his home at Sweetwater Lake. At right: Jarrett performs as Santa Claus on Jan. 1, 2014 on the Mississippi River at a M i s s o u r i D i s a bl e d Wa t e r S k i Association polar bear water ski event.

o r o d a s s a

of Water S

kiin g “I will probably be there as a worker and maybe a skier,” he said. “I don’t know yet. We’ll see how well I do. The Midwest, in Indiana, is really very blessed with water skiers who make their mark with national and international events.”

One of those individuals is world-recognized pro skier Nate Smith of McCordsville.

The IWSA

1996 and has become more involved throughout the years with its many events, beginning in May with a spring fling and ending in November with a fall awards program.

The IWSA holds weekly Monday night ski sessions for anyone wanting to learn to ski or to polish skills to enter tournaments. It will also host a trick ski clinic in June that is open to all levels of trick skiers.

The organization’s tournament schedule runs throughout the summer with events at various lakes in Indiana. The IWSA sponsors a state championship each summer with this year’s event in July at Cindonway Shores in Syracuse.

Jarrett hopes local skiers will then qualify for regional events in August near Chicago and also nationals in Florida. He will be there, too, in some capacity.

The IWSA holds events in slalom, jump and trick skiing with participants being judged on skills such as speed, timing, jumping distance, clearing buoys and how many twirls and flips can be mastered in seconds without falling.

Speeds vary according to age groups and male and female divisions with boats reaching 36 mph.

Jarrett competes in slalom skiing, although once a year he will put on trick skis to gain competition points. He started competitive skiing late in life and was the state champion and record holder in 2007 for the 60-65 age group and again in 2013 for ages 65-70.

“I was a late bloomer,” he said, referring to competitions. “The first time you do something like that, you don’t do very well.”

Bargersville resident Bryan Dougherty knows that feeling. An avid skier since his youth, the Center Grove Middle School North teacher placed third in the state in slalom skiing a few years ago, but still finds the sport challenging and a good way to compete individually.

“It’s kind of a sport that always ends in failure,” he said. “You go until you can’t run the course anymore.”

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Spring/Summer 2015

Jarrett encourages interested skiers of all ages and fitness levels to find a local group and hit the water this summer. Some of his favorite events are outings the IWSA holds for disabled skiers, where adaptive equipment is used to help individuals with a variety of challenges.

Jarrett has such an appreciation for these events that he participates in the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Water Ski for the Missouri Disabled Water Ski Association in 32-degree water.

“He’s a very humble guy,” Dougherty said.

“But volunteer-wise, for the state and for water skiing in general, he spends a lot of time on the sport.”

Dougherty, an IWSA board member and grassroots coordinator, credits Jarrett for generating new interest in the sport with the Monday open ski nights.

With more opportunities for youths to be involved in so many other activities, Dougherty has made the pastime a family affair with his wife, Brittany, skiing recreationally and by teaching his sons Luke, 5, and Neil, 3, to ski at their property on Cordry Lake.

Skier Joe Gray also enjoys the family aspect of the sport and the fact that tournament divi-

The Indiana Water Ski Association promotes organized water skiing and water safety throughout Indiana.

It is the state-level extension of the national governing body, USA Water Ski. President Dave Jarrett estimates current membership of about 110.

IWSA sanctions tournaments in Indiana. Each year, it holds clinics on safety, judging and scoring, boat driving and participant fundamentals. It also serves the many disciplines involved in water sports: three-event skiing (slalom, trick, jump), wakeboarding, knee boarding and disabled and bare foot skiing.

The organization holds events from May through November. Monday night open ski sessions are popular for all levels, but particularly for beginners wanting ski coaching.

IWSA has its kickoff spring event at the end of May and will hold a trick clinic in June.

IWSA dues are $15 for individuals, or $25 per family for the 2015 season.

Info: www.indianawaterski.org

sions allow people of all ages to be competitive. The Greenwood resident competes in slalom events these days, but tried ski jumping for a few years until the reality of safety issues became more important than the thrill and excitement of launching off the platform.

“At the age I started to ski jump, it just wasn’t worth it,” he said.

Gray appreciates the way IWSA skiers work together, even in times of competition. He credits Jarrett and others members with removing some of the financial barriers associated with the sport by sharing ski boats and equipment, which he believes will continue bringing young people into the sport.

Jarrett feels fortunate he has turned his passion for water and the outdoors into a second career selling property as a real estate broker for Sweetwater Realty. He started with the agency during his teaching years, working summers and weekends, and owned and operated the facility for several years.

He is also part owner of Brewski Lake, a tournament lake in Indianapolis, where some IWSA events are held.

Jarrett loves living, working and playing at the lake. He grew up fishing, swimming and boating, and his appreciation of nature and being outdoors has never subsided.

“Once parents introduce youngsters to the lake, they have planted the seed,” he said. v

DAILY JOURNAL

From top: A ski jumper performs at last year’s ISWA state championships. Tom Quill and Dave Jarrett take a break from skiing on Sweetwater Lake in late fall. A physically challenged competitor skis at an event at Morse Reservoir.

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On the Outdoors Walnut Twig Beetle detected in Indiana The Walnut Twig Beetle, Pityophthorus juglandis, the insect involved in Thousand Cankers Disease of Black Walnut, has been detected in Indiana for the first time at a Franklin County sawmill.

The beetle was detected in a trap placed at the sawmill for a 2014 statewide survey for WTB. Additional WTBs were found during an inspection of walnut logs and lumber at the sawmill.

TCD is caused by the fungus Geosmithia morbida that is transmitted by WTB. The beetles bore into walnut branches, feeding on the tree’s tissues and depositing the fungus that creates a canker, or dead area, under the bark. Multiple feedings cause the formation of thousands of cankers under the bark and destroy the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. Gradually the tree dies.

Tests for the fungus from the collected beetles and walnut samples in Franklin County are ongoing. So far, the fungus has not been detected. Surveys at the sawmill have not detected any infested walnut trees. Another survey is planned for this summer for the area surrounding the sawmill.

Info: dnr.IN.gov/entomolo/6249.htm

DNR stocked nearly 32 million fish in 2014

When it comes to stocking fish in Indiana waters, 2014 was a banner year.

The DNR and organizations with a DNR permit stocked 31.9 million fish in 70 counties in 2014. In a typical year, stocking numbers are between 22 million and 24 million fish.

The increase was primarily due to a nearrecord number of walleye eggs collected at Brookville Lake by DNR biologists for hatchery production. Those eggs also had a higher-than-normal survival rate. As a result, biologists stocked approximately 10 million more walleye fry than normal.

Other species stocked throughout Indiana were bluegill, brown trout, crappie, channel catfish, chinook salmon, coho salmon, grass

Spring/Summer 2015

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INDIANA DNR REPORTS

skills in a relaxed, low-pressure environment.

Shoot clay targets, paddle a canoe, catch a trophy bass, become a campfire gourmet cook, make a fur hat, spot rare wild birds, or learn to track deer ... it’s up to you. Design your own outdoor experience to match your interests.

Info: www.indianabow.com

2014 state park deer reduction report available

carp, hybrid striped bass, hybrid sunfish, largemouth bass, muskie, pike, rainbow trout, redear sunfish, saugeye, steelhead, striped bass and yellow perch.

Stocking fish size ranged from fry to channel catfish and muskellunge more than a foot long.

Stockings supplement natural reproduction or help establish a species in an area where it cannot reproduce on its own.

“Fish stockings not only add value to the fishery but also give a boost to the local economy by bringing additional anglers to the area,” said Brian Schoenung, DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife fisheries chief.

District fisheries biologists evaluate fish populations to determine the best sites for stocking. For questions about stocking at a specific location, contact your district fisheries biologist. A map of districts and their biologists is at fishing.IN.gov/3590.htm.

It is illegal to stock public waters without a DNR permit.

The fish are produced at the state’s seven hatcheries and one trout rearing station.

Information on hatcheries is at fishing.IN. gov/3077.htm.

Become an OD woman

The 2015 Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Workshop is scheduled for May 1-3 at the beautiful Ross Camp, West Lafayette.

Whether you’ve never stepped foot in the woods or you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, you’ll have a wild time at Indiana’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop, The program is designed for women 18-80+ to learn outdoor

Volunteer hunters took 1,004 deer during controlled hunts at 18 state parks and one state natural area in November and December, according to Mike Mycroft, chief of natural resources for the DNR Division of State Parks.

A full report is available at dnr.IN.gov/ parklake/files/sp-DeerRMRR.pdf The controlled hunts were Nov. 17-18 and Dec. 1-2 at Brown County, Chain O’Lakes, Charlestown, Clifty Falls, Fort Harrison, Harmonie, Indiana Dunes, Lincoln, McCormick’s Creek, Ouabache, Pokagon, Potato Creek, Prophetstown, Shakamak, Spring Mill, Summit Lake, Tippecanoe River and Whitewater Memorial state parks, and at Cave River Valley State Natural Area.

Indiana state parks cover more than 65,000 acres of land and are home to unique plants and valuable wildlife habitat. Controlled hunts help protect these areas by reducing browsing by deer and allowing vegetation to recover.

“The overall quality of habitat has been greatly improved for several plants and animals, including the deer,” Mycroft said. “But the program also ensures healthier forests, wetlands, savannas and prairies moving into the future.”

Each park is evaluated annually to determine which require a controlled hunt the next year. Decisions are based largely on previous harvest information. About one-third of the parks have achieved a maintenance status and regularly take a year off from controlled hunts.

Hunters interested in participating in 2015 can find details starting in July at dnr.IN.gov/ fishwild/5834.htm v

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DAILY JOURNAL

Do the outdoors in comfy, cozy style

By Lynn O’Rourke Hayes The Dallas Morning News (TNS)

Glamping is what happens you add a little glitz to your camping experience. Here are five places where you can sample the concept:

C Lazy U Granby, Colorado Enjoy a day of scenic trail rides, hiking, fishing and dinner in the lodge. Then retreat to your own outpost, guided by a ranch hand, where fully furnished tents await. Enjoy stories and s’mores around the campfire before settling under cozy covers. Two tents are available, one with a king bed, another with four twins. Wake to fresh air, a stunning landscape and the prospect of adventure.

Contact: clazyu.com

Westgate River Ranch River Ranch, Florida Leave it to your personal glamping concierge to make your overnight experience in Florida cattle country memorable. Wake to hot cinnamon rolls, fresh fruit and coffee delivered to your tent flap.

Play board games with the kids on the screened porch before they head off for an afternoon of zip-lining, horseback riding or cowboy-themed mini-golf. Join your crew at the petting farm or schedule an air-boat ride.

End the day with tall tales around the campfire.

Contact: wgriverranch.com

The Resort at Paws Up Greenough, Montana An early adopter of the glamping concept, this Montana ranch getaway continues to expand its luxury overnight options. The most recent addition is the Cliffside Camp, featuring six luxurious, safari-style tents perched atop a cliff overlooking the Blackfoot River and offering expansive views of the 37,000-acre working ranch. In honor of its 10th anniversary, Paws Up will host guest chefs for farm-to-table experiences as well as VIP fly-fishing excursions. Resort activities include hiking and fitness trails, cattle drives, fly-fishing, rock climbing and rafting.

Contact: pawsup.com

Treebones Resort Big Sur, California This eco-resort is “perched lightly” on the magnificent cliffs above the Pacific Ocean on the Big Sur Coast. The Handy family recycles, gardens, composts, raises chickens, drives electric vehicles and even uses pasta noodles as coffee stirrers.

Enjoy freedom from noise and light pollution on the pristine grounds in one of 16 seaside yurts. Or climb into the human nest, an artist-designed structure woven of wood, for an evening of views, sea breezes and an unusual sleeping experience.

Contact: treebonesresort.com

High Sierra Camp Giant Sequoia National Monument, California Rest easy in your cozy canvas bungalow after a day exploring California’s Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and a onemile stroll into camp. Dine on meals served in an al fresco dining pavilion.

Families can spend time stargazing, hiking to nearby lakes and meadows, learning about the giant trees or fly-fishing in mountain streams. After sundown, sink into your plush-top mattress and feather pillow and dream the night away.

Contact: sequoiahighsierracamp.com

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They’re not just horsing around

Valley Riders Saddle Club has featured family-friendly fun for 50 years

By Jenn Willhite Outdoors correspondent

I

f you ask just about any member of the Valley Riders Saddle Club to describe the club using a single phrase, inevitably you’ll hear, “family oriented and fun.”

When the Valley Riders Saddle Club held its first meeting in March 1965 at the Bob Briggs Farm just outside of Greenwood, it boasted a membership of 14 families. Since 1982, the club has called the Johnson County Fairgrounds home and grown to include 85 families with a total membership of nearly 200 people.

This year, the club celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Over the years, Valley Riders Saddle Club has maintained its purpose of providing horse shows in a family-friendly environment, according to county resident Becky Dixon, whose involvement with the club began with her husband, Steve, in 1979.

“When kids get older, it’s hard to find an activ-

ity that the whole family can do together and everyone likes,” she said. “My two daughters always enjoyed showing horses, and it was always something we could do as a family.”

Dixon’s oldest daughter, Stephanie Dunn, said the club is all she’s known.

Starting early At age 3, Dunn began showing horses in the leadline class, which is where the child sits on the horse and an adult leads the horse around the arena. By age 5, Dunn was showing horses by herself.

Today, Dunn regularly shows Sport, a 17-year-old quarter horse, in the Showmanship, Western and Trail classes. She said the most valuable lesson her experience with the club has taught her is that hard work definitely pays off.

“You can’t go out there and expect to do well if you don’t put in the practice behind the scenes,” the Franklin resident said.

The 31-year-old kindergarten teacher, who also serves as club secretary, says she’s still friends with

Submitted photos

Above: Linda Byeley, Kaija Madsen and Lilian Brown relax by the barn during a Valley Riders Saddle Club event. At right: Adam Schifeling of Greenwood rides Zippin USA while waiting for his leadline class.

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Stephanie Dunn of Franklin and her horse, One Sporty Impulse, prepare for the showmanship class.

many club members from child“Everyone is really friendly and hood. helpful to one another,” she said.

“That’s one thing I always cred“We have really high-level horses ited learning from Valley,” Dunn that come from all different said. “It’s very combreeds, but it’s a petitive, we have really family oriValley Riders For more information competitive shows ented atmosphere, about the club’s show and we’re competitoo.” schedule or how to become a member visit tive with one The club’s shows valleyriders.com another. But at the offer an average of end of the day, 50 different classes we’re all friends, we’re there to one Sunday each month, from have fun and be with one April through October. This year, another.” the schedule will feature an extra Although the club is not special two-day anniversary show strictly affiliated with 4-H, it does Sept. 19-20. foster a partnership with the “Especially this year, we are tryorganization and works with a lot ing to make it a big deal, and of 4-H kids who are already show- we’re giving added prize money,” ing or looking to show horses, Cottongim said. “At our annual Dunn said. anniversary show, we usually add Franklin resident and club pres- several classes at the end of the ident, Debbi Cottongim, says the day, like musical freestyle. It’s a best part about the Valley Riders really fun celebration time.”

Saddle Club is the camaraderie.

Cottongim, who regularly shows

“We have competitive shows and we’re competitive with one another.

But at the end of the day, we’re all friends; we’re there to have fun and be with one another.”

Stephanie Dunn

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Spring/Summer 2015

DAILY JOURNAL

At left: Christian Rodenhuis of Edinburgh competes in Hunter Under Saddle competition with her horse, A Lady of Interest. Above: Kris Piles of Franklin competes in Western pleasure with her horse, Bankable Interest.

her 11-year-old paint gelding, Oliver, said show days generally start at 9 a.m. and last until around 7 p.m.

Classes are broken down by age group and skill level. And there’s something for everyone, from the novice to more experienced riders, she said.

“The club is open to anyone,” said Barbara West, executive secretary. “You don’t even have to have horses; you can come if you just like to be around horses.”

Horse lovers and club members come from as far away as Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio to watch and participate in the shows, West said.

Susan Robinson makes the monthly trek to the Johnson County Fairgrounds from her home in Seymour to show her 17-year-old quarter horse, Tucker. A member of the club for the past decade, Robinson said that horse people are very sociable.

Informal social activities, including cookouts, generally begin the night before show day as participants arrive at the fairgrounds with their

Youth Hunt Seat Equitation class members wait to perform their patterns during a Valley Riders event at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Franklin.

trailers and get their horses stabled, she said.

“It’s like its own community that moves in one weekend a month into the fairgrounds,” she said. “You don’t have to be a horse person to come hang out. If you’ve never been around a horse before, most folks are perfectly willing to take a few minutes to say, ‘Yeah, this is my horse’ and ‘Sure, you can pet him.’”

Grooming and prepping The only bad question is the one that isn’t asked, she said. And when it comes to grooming and prepping the horses for show, you haven’t lived until you’ve seen someone vacuum their horse, she added.

When the weather is too chilly to bathe the horses, many horse owners will resort to using a small canister vacuum, which runs much quieter than a normal household vacuum, to clean them.

“The horses are a bit startled at first,” Robinson said. “But most seem like,

‘Hmmm… this is kind of fun.’”

But the primping doesn’t stop with the vacuuming.

“We put polish on their feet and braids in their mane,” she said. “I put more polish on my horse than I put make-up on my face.”

Since she became involved with the club 35 years ago, West said it has undergone a few changes, but the family oriented atmosphere remains the same.

“We have additional activities during the year,” the Greenwood resident said. “We have picnics, a Christmas party and a year-end banquet.”

Dunn invites everyone to stop by and check out one of the Valley Riders Saddle Club shows, which are free to attend.

Club members do their best to make everyone feel welcome, she said.

“Anyone new who comes in, we really try to get to know them, help them and make sure they know what’s going on so they feel a part of the club, too,” Dunn said. v