Enjoy fall fun and Halloween events
An assortment of fall fun and Halloween events are happening at DNR properties throughout October.
These include campsite decorating, pumpkin decorating, costume contests and a variety of other events. You can come for one activity, stay for a day, or spend the entire weekend at most events.
For details regarding a fall or Halloween event near you, or one that’s well worth a road trip, visit the DNR Calendar at calendar.dnr.IN.gov.
Deer hunting seasons are upon us
Get your license online now or find a list of retailers near you to buy yours.
Enjoy Indiana's fall foliage
It's going to be a beautiful autumn. Find a DNR property near you to visit and take full advantage of Mother Nature's colorful show.
Brown County State Park (photo above) was recently named the third best state park in the country for fall foliage according to New York Travel Guide.
Indiana’s Deer Reduction Zone now open
Deer Reduction Zones provide hunters with opportunities to harvest deer in defined urban areas and along portions of Indiana highways, in addition to statewide bag limits.
Revised 2023-24 county bonus antlerless quotas
The county bonus antlerless quotas in Dearborn, Fayette, Franklin, Henry, Ohio, Ripley, Union, and Wayne counties were all lowered from typical quota levels due to Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD).
This quota change will help DNR maintain the deer herd in these counties for future seasons.
Humans are not at risk for contracting EHD, which is a viral disease that may affect white-tailed deer to some degree every year. In many cases, the disease only affects small geographical areas, but can become widespread, affecting a larger-than-normal portion of the deer population.
Fall in love with Indiana State Park Inns
Stay any two nights, Sunday through Thursday and save 25% on the room rate. Valid now through Nov. 22, 2023. New reservations only. Certain restrictions apply. Valid at any of our six locations.
Sandhill cranes begin fall migration at Jasper-Pulaski FWA
Sandhill cranes can be seen at Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife Area from late September through December. Crane numbers peak in mid-November. The best time to view is sunrise from the Goose Pasture viewing area.
Hunt fall turkey this month
Oct. 1 marks the start of turkey archery season. Use these strategies for a successful hunt:
- Imitate turkey calls and sounds.
- Know where to go. Turkeys feed on insects and mast throughout fall, so look for fields with bug activity and mast-producing trees. (Mast includes the nuts and fruits from woody plants.)
- Keep track of where you see turkeys feeding. If you see turkeys in a field one day, they’ll likely return to the same area.
If you’re a deer archery hunter, think about grabbing a turkey tag with your usual deer license.
Got a TIP? Report a poacher or polluter
Do you have any TIPs for Indiana DNR? Turn in a Poacher (TIP) protects our fish and wildlife resources by increasing public support and involvement in bringing violators to justice.
Whether you’re fishing, hunting, or taking a hike, DNR welcomes you to submit your information to TIP. If you have evidence of a poacher or polluter, you can report potential violations by calling 1-800-TIP-IDNR. If your anonymous information leads to an arrest, you may receive as much as a $500 reward.
It’s time to start looking for big trees
We need the public’s help to update The Big Tree Registry, a list of the largest known specimen of each native tree species in Indiana.
Three measurements are required:
• trunk circumference, in inches, at 4 1/2 feet above the ground;
• total height, in feet;
• and average crown spread, in feet.
The total size of each tree nominated is calculated by adding the circumference and height to a quarter of the average crown spread.
The individual tree of each Indiana native tree species with the highest total points will be that species’ Big Tree champion. All nominations are reviewed, but only those with the highest scores will be verified.
Natural Resources Foundation funds savanna habitat restoration at Willow Slough FWA
In the fall of 2021, the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation donated $40,000 to Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area (FWA) in support of an ongoing oak savanna habitat restoration project. After two years, nearly 150 acres have been returned to prominent habitat.
While many Hoosiers and visitors are likely used to exploring the dense forests or rolling rivers, historically, savannas were a common habitat, especially in the northwest region of the state. Willow Slough FWA staff have been actively working to re-establish healthy savanna habitat on the property for about 10 years.
Here are this year's youth and veteran waterfowl hunting seasons
DNR holds special dates for youth and veterans to hunt waterfowl on Indiana’s lands. If you qualify, visit your favorite duck hunting spot on some of the dates listed below to join us for these hunt weekends:
- North Zone: Oct. 21–22, 2023
- Central Zone: Oct. 28–29, 2023
- South Zone: Nov. 4–5, 2023
Hunting is for everyone. Have questions about accessibility at our Fish & Wildlife areas? Contact the property to find out more information. Indiana residents who have served in the armed forces and have a documented service-connected disability are eligible for a DAV license.
DNR conserves new public prairie land and wetland in Noble
Conservation made possible through partnerships and support of the Next Level Conservation Trust
The DNR has added 158 acres of upland prairie and wetland to Mallard Roost Wetland Conservation Area in Noble County, which conserves prime wildlife habitat and will provide an excellent place for fishing and hunting.
The new property will be called the Buchanan Unit of Mallard Roost Wetland Conservation Area.
Fall for Outdoor Indiana
Subscribe to Outdoor Indiana magazine to see autumn in the Hoosier state as you’ve never seen it before. View excerpts of the September/October issue.
The Foundation celebrates and preserves Indiana’s natural legacy by raising funds to support the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and its programs.
