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.
Lilly Endowment awards $50 million grant for Indiana State Parks
DNR will invest $25 million of the grant in Prophetstown State Park, Indiana’s newest state park, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in August. The park, which offers guests a unique prairie landscape at the confluence of the Wabash and Tippecanoe rivers near Battle Ground, is a part of the Myaamia (Miami) homelands and was also used by other Indigenous people for thousands of years.
The investment will double the number of campsites in the park and build facilities that will foster greater understanding of the landscape and its rich Native American heritage.
DNR will use the remaining $25 million of the grant for projects across the state parks system.
Buy your deer license today
If you typically buy your license at a store, skip the long lines the day before your hunt and buy it now. Find a list of license retailers and be sure to check your license for accuracy before you leave the store. If you plan to purchase your license online, log in to your Access Indiana account before the season begins—don’t risk delays due to potential technical difficulties.
Interested in harvesting multiple deer or hunting across multiple seasons? Consider buying a deer license bundle, which allows you to harvest up to three deer (only one may be antlered) during the archery, firearms, and muzzleloader seasons.
Deer hunters urged to remember safety tips
With the deer reduction zone season underway and the statewide archery deer season starting Oct. 1, Indiana Conservation Officers remind hunters to stay safe.
The most common injuries during deer seasons are accidents involving tree stands and elevated platforms.
Watch these videos on properly installing your tree stand.
- Tree Stand Safety: Installing a Hang-on Tree Stand
- Tree Stand Safety: Installing a Ladder Tree Stand
- Tree Stand Safety: Installing a Climbing Tree Stand
McCormick's Creek State Park
Fall in love with Indiana State Park Inns
Stay any two consecutive nights, Sunday through Thursday, and save 25% on the room rate. Valid now through Nov. 26, 2024. New reservations only. Certain restrictions apply.
Natural Resources Commission seeks input on proposed bobcat trapping rules
The Indiana Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has opened public comment for proposed changes to allow the limited, regulated trapping of bobcats.
In March, the Indiana General Assembly passed legislation (SEA 241-2024) that directs the DNR to have rules in place for bobcat harvest by July 2025.
Proposed rule changes include:
- Establishing a bobcat trapping season in 40 counties in southern Indiana that includes a bag limit of one bobcat per trapper and a season quota of 250 bobcats.
- Allowing bobcats and their parts that are legally acquired to be sold.
- Allowing bobcats that are found dead to be kept by people with a permit.
- Adding bobcats to the list of species for which a game breeder’s license is required.
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.
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.
Epizootic hemorrhagic disease detected in several areas of Indiana
Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) is a naturally occurring viral disease commonly seen in the Indiana deer herd. Each year, Indiana DNR receives reports of deer displaying signs of EHD throughout the state. This year, Indiana DNR confirmed a significant EHD outbreak that began in the northern region of the Hoosier State.
EHD is transmitted by biting midges. Deer infected with EHD may display unusual behaviors such as lethargy, excessive salivation, or disorientation. EHD also causes fever in deer, which can cause deer to seek water. As a result, many deer that die from EHD are found in or near open water sources like ponds and rivers. EHD is not normally found in domestic animals, and is not transmissible to humans.
Anyone who finds a deer that is showing signs of EHD or dead in water is asked to report it at on.IN.gov/sickwildlife.
County bonus antlerless quotas reduced in three counties for 2024-25
Due to the number of reported deer mortalities and extent of Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in the region, Indiana DNR has lowered the county bonus antlerless quotas (CBAQs) in Allen, Porter, and Wabash counties from two bonus antlerless deer to one to help offset the effects of the disease on the deer herd in that region.
During winter, DNR biologists will fully evaluate the effects of EHD and will propose changes to bag limits as required.
Impactful year ahead for Discover the Outdoors
With the school year underway, students have settled into new and old routines; however, the routines of the more than 4,800 Hoosier students who will venture to an Indiana State Park for a Discover the Outdoors field trip will be interrupted by an exciting day of outdoor learning and exploration.
Those students are participating in a milestone year for the Discover the Outdoors grant program. The program high of nearly $25,000 expected to be distributed this year will allow a record number of students to experience a day in the outdoors.
Offered in partnership between the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation (INRF) and Indiana State Parks, Discover the Outdoors was established in 2013 in memory of longtime DNR employee Tom Huck. An advocate for DNR’s interpretive programs, Huck’s memory lives on through the educational and interactive field trips that more than 25,000 students have taken part in.
Explore the INRF's latest impact story to find out more about the exciting year and how you can support outdoor education.
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.
Learn about Mixsawbah State Fish Hatchery
Mixsawbah State Fish Hatchery (SFH) is a cold-water hatchery in Walkerton that produces multiple species of trout and salmon. Once the fish reach the desired size, fisheries staff stock them in public waters to improve angling opportunities statewide.
Want to see what goes on at Mixsawbah behind the scenes? Along with visiting the SFH, you can watch the video above showcasing the ins and outs of this unique hatchery.
Become an Archer’s Index volunteer
Hoosier bowhunters, you have the opportunity to volunteer for the Archer’s Index while you hunt. The quiet hours you spend sitting in the field provide valuable wildlife observations that inform wildlife management decisions for DNR. Join the program to record wildlife you see while bowhunting from Oct. 1 to Nov. 15, the day before deer firearms season opens.
Join the program by signing up on our webpage. After you do, we’ll mail you a packet with forms and instructions on how to participate.
The Foundation celebrates and preserves Indiana’s natural legacy by raising funds to support the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and its programs.
