Thanks to those who visited a DNR property for the eclipse
We enjoyed having you visit our properties on eclipse day and hope you got to experience some of the fun offerings at them. There are many fun and unique events happening around the state at DNR properties. From kayaking, hiking, camping, taking in a naturalist program, fishing, to visiting a nature center, there is something for everyone.
Enjoy the short video (above) of what it was like to experience the eclipse from a DNR property.
Seeking input on proposed deer hunting rule changes
The Indiana Natural Resources Commission has opened a second public comment period for proposed changes to Indiana’s deer hunting rules. Most proposed changes intend to simplify Indiana’s deer hunting rules to make them easier to understand.
Free Fishing Day on May 12
Indiana’s first Free Fishing Day of the year is May 12. On Free Fishing Days, Indiana residents do not need a fishing license or a trout/salmon stamp to fish on the state's public waters, so it’s the perfect time to bring your family and friends along and have some fun outdoors.
All other rules such as seasons, bag, and size limits apply. Find a fishing location near you using the Where To Fish map.
Mother's Day brunch at Indiana State Park Inns
Treat Mom to a fabulous Mother's Day Brunch at her favorite State Park Inn on Sunday, May 12. Mom deserves the best, and we do the dishes.
Spring into Savings at Indiana State Park Inns
Now through May 23, 2024 - stay two or more consecutive nights and get 25% off the best available rate. Valid any day of the week. Some restrictions and blackout dates may apply.
Picturesque Indiana getting national attention
Madison, home to Clifty Falls State Park and the Clifty Inn, was recently named #1 Small Town in the Midwest by USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Vevay was also on the list, at #5.
The Indiana Tree Project's growing legacy
Since 2010, the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation's Indiana Tree Project has been growing Indiana’s forests, one tree at a time. Generous support from donors and partners has made the program flourish in its nearly 15-year history.
With Earth Day and Arbor Day upon us, we are gearing up for another exciting year of tree plantings. As we look forward to another season of growth, we’re also taking a moment to reflect on the progress of the Indiana Tree Project.
Millionth tree ceremonial planting on April 26
Gov. Holcomb celebrated the historic milestone of the DNR planting one million trees throughout Indiana in five years by planting a cucumber magnolia on the Statehouse lawn on April 26th.
In his 2020 State of the State address, Gov. Holcomb directed the DNR to plant one million trees over the next five years. The trees were planted on state forests, state parks, fish & wildlife areas, and nature preserve land.
New features at Walter Cline shooting range in Ripley County
Thanks to a DNR shooting range grant, the Walter Cline Range in Friendship now features an updated trap shooting facility, including new concrete surfaces for improved access and wheelchair passage, a revitalized multi-station walking woods range, and improved shooter support facilities.
The range also has new restrooms with improved access. Federal Wildlife Restoration dollars helped fund this project, which is owned and operated by the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association.
Check out the Walter Cline website for more details and calendar events.
The DNR’s shooting range grant program provides funding for shooting range construction and development.
Motus receivers can be installed on existing infrastructure (like the Goose Pond Visitors Center, pictured above) to detect signals from wildlife wearing these devices that pass within 9 miles of the antennas.
Motus towers installed at six public properties to track wildlife migration
DNR recently installed antennas at six Fish & Wildlife areas to broaden the coverage of the Motus Wildlife Tracking network. Motus technology involves small devices that can be fitted to small animals, including insects, bats, and birds, to track their movement.
Dozens of detections have already been picked up by these antennas, including those of migratory birds like the Swainson’s thrush, endangered red knot, and Eastern whip-poor-will. These detections show where and when wildlife wearing these devices travel through Indiana.
This project was made possible by funds from the Indiana Nongame Wildlife Fund.
First positive case of chronic wasting disease in Indiana
Indiana DNR has confirmed the state’s first positive case of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in LaGrange County. CWD is a fatal infectious disease, caused by a misfolded prion, that affects the nervous system in white-tailed deer. It can spread from deer-to-deer contact, bodily fluids, or through contaminated environments.
There have been no reported cases of CWD infection in people, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that hunters strongly consider having deer tested before eating the meat. The CDC also recommends not eating meat from an animal that tests positive for CWD.
CWD has been detected in 33 states including the four bordering Indiana (Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Kentucky). Because CWD had been detected in Michigan near the Indiana border, a detection in LaGrange County was likely.
For more information on CWD, visit our website.
If you see any sick or dead wildlife, deer or otherwise, please report your observations at on.IN.gov/sickwildlife.
Keep wildlife wild: Leave fawns be
This spring, help DNR keep wildlife wild and slow the spread of CWD. If you find a white-tailed deer fawn alone, in hiding, or motionless, it’s best to give it space, leave the area, and leave it be. Remember that its mother is likely nearby.
If you encounter a fawn that appears to be injured, consider letting the circle of life take its course, as difficult as that decision might be. If you do plan to intervene with an injured or orphaned animal, learn about best practices at on.IN.gov/keepwildlifewild.
Before contacting a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for assistance, confirm that the fawn is truly injured or orphaned. Help slow the spread of CWD by not moving injured or orphaned fawns found in LaGrange, Steuben, Dekalb, and Noble counties to rehabilitators outside of this four-county area.
Get your copy of Outdoor Indiana Magazine
The May/June issue of Outdoor Indiana magazine features a cover story on the 97 species of dragonflies that can be found in the state and how to enjoy them. Other highlights of this issue are a feature on Tippecanoe River State Park and a photo essay on the annual vintage camper rallies at Clifty Falls and Spring Mill state parks. Subscribe for yourself, a friend or relative.
The Foundation celebrates and preserves Indiana’s natural legacy by raising funds to support the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and its programs.
