Visit DNR at the Indiana State Fair
The DNR’s Natural Resources Building is the place to be during the Indiana State Fair. The fair runs July 29 to Aug. 21, excluding Mondays and Tuesdays.
Located in the northwest area of the fairgrounds, DNR’s building is not only one of the few with air conditioning, but also houses the best information, wild animals, and fun. Stop by the Fishin' Pond, where children ages 5-17 can fish for free.
Check out live raptors daily at 4:30 p.m. at the amphitheater. While you are cooling off inside the DNR building, pick up the latest Recreation Guide, Fishing Guide, and Hunting & Trapping Guide, along with the guides for boating, off-road vehicles and much more.
Connect with Fish & Wildlife staff at the State Fair
Multiple programs will be offered at the DNR Building. Check out some of the highlights from our “Ask a biologist” event series:
- July 29 – Talk with our fisheries biologist Sandy and see her live fish display to learn about electrofishing, fish surveys, and more from 5-7 p.m.
- Aug. 3 – Meet our herpetologists Nate and Jason as they show you what tools they use out in the field with their favorite reptiles from 5-7 p.m.
- Aug. 5 – Help our mammologist Brad identify local mammal tracks from 5-7 p.m.
Summer fun at Indiana State Park Inns
Stay two nights and receive 25% off your stay. This special is for stays Sunday through Thursday and ends Sept. 1. Visit Indianainns.com or call 1-877-LODGES1 to make your reservations.
Rule changes on DNR properties take effect
These are just a couple of the changes:
- Stands or blinds (including portable ground blinds) are allowed to be left overnight on DNR properties if the blind or stand is legibly marked with the name, address and phone number of the owner or the owner's customer identification number issued by the DNR.
- Trail/game cameras can be placed on properties managed by the Division of Fish & Wildlife, as well as on state forests, and state recreation areas as long as the camera is legibly marked with the owner's name, address, phone number or customer identification number issued by DNR. Placement of the camera must not damage a tree.
Relax with a rod and reel
Fishing season in Indiana is in full swing. Many species like bluegill, crappie, catfish, and large and smallmouth bass bite all summer long, and we don’t want you to miss out on any of the fun. If you haven’t gone fishing in a while and you’re looking for some time away from the stress of life, heading out with a rod and a reel is a great remedy. As the year flies by, be sure to renew your annual fishing license today.
Deer licenses for sale & reserved hunt applications open
It's not too early to think about deer season. You can find season dates and answers to deer hunting FAQs at deer.dnr.IN.gov, and you can purchase deer licenses at an authorized retailer or online.
Remember, you must have an Access Indiana account before purchasing your license online. We recommend setting up or reviewing your account information ahead of time to avoid any delay.
Want to apply for a reserved hunt? Some waterfowl, deer, game bird, and pheasant applications open Aug. 22. See the full list on on.IN.gov/reservedhunt. You can submit only one application per hunt, and no changes can be made once an application is submitted.
Applicants must possess a valid hunting license for the hunt for which they are applying. To find out more about reserved hunt applications that are open or open soon, visit our website.
Students have unique Indiana Tree Project Experience
Almost 100 students from St. Pius X School in Indianapolis joined the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation and the Division of Forestry for an educational day at Ravinia State Forest.
The students planted trees, explored the forest, and even took their own saplings home to be planted. The event provided the students with knowledge and experiences they are sure to remember.
Where did Indiana's bald eagles come from?
Watch the video above and discover how the DNR's bald eagle reintroduction project transformed the presence of these majestic birds in Indiana. Through archival video footage and current interviews with the original biologists, learn the steps taken to bring this iconic American symbol back to Indiana.
Squirrel season opens Aug. 15
Indiana’s squirrel season opens on Aug. 15 and runs through Jan. 31, 2023. A small game hunting license is required to hunt squirrels in Indiana, and the bag limit is five fox or gray squirrels per day (total for both species) with a possession limit of 10. Squirrel hunting is an early opportunity to get out in the woods. Gear up and purchase your hunting license.
Floodplain Management Training
The DNR has partnered with FEMA to provide floodplain management training videos. These videos are intended to broaden knowledge in floodplain management and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements.
Special State Fair deal on Outdoor Indiana
Here’s the deal: Subscribe to Outdoor Indiana magazine at Mother Nature’s Mercantile in the Natural Resources Building at the State Fair and, while supplies last, you will be handed the July/August issue. Your one- or two-year subscription ($15 or $28, respectively) will start with the September/October issue. That means you’ll be getting one issue of the state’s best outdoors magazine free.
The Foundation celebrates and preserves Indiana’s natural legacy by raising funds to support the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and its programs.
