Immediate Changes to Indiana Urban Deer Zone Hunting

The new deer rule changes that the Natural Resources Commission gave final adoption to this fall are now in effect.

This means that the 2011 Urban Deer Zone season has been extended until January 31, 2012.

Here is a summary of additional changes to the Urban Deer Zone:

• The urban deer zone season now lasts from Sept. 15 through Jan. 31. (Previously, the urban deer zone ended the first Sunday in January).
• A new urban deer zone license is required and replaces the old requirements of needing an extra archery license, bonus antlerless, or regular archery license. The resident urban deer zone license is $24 and the nonresident urban deer zone license is $150. Resident youth hunt/trap, lifetime comprehensive hunting, or lifetime comprehensive hunting and fishing license or those exempt from needing a license, do not need to purchase urban deer zone licenses.
• The urban deer zone in Lake and Porter counties now includes the entire county.
• Hunters that are using an urban deer zone license must harvest at least one antlerless deer before harvesting an antlered deer with an urban deer zone license; a.k.a, “earn-a-buck.” The earn-a-buck program only applies to the urban deer zone season.
• Crossbows can now be used during the urban deer zone season.

The bag limit for the urban deer zone remains the same at 4 antlerless deer (one per license), or with the new “earn-a-buck,” 3 antlerless deer and 1 antlered deer (one per license). Urban deer zones were established to provide hunters opportunities to harvest deer in specified areas in addition to regular bag limits. Urban deer zones are for archery and crossbow hunting only. This provision does not override any local ordinances restricting bow and arrow or crossbow use.

What does this mean for the remainder of the 2011 Urban Deer Zone Season?

Here are some scenarios that should help hunters determine license requirements and harvest regulations for the remainder of the 2011 Urban Deer Zone season, which ends January 31, 2012.

Scenario 1 – if a hunter has already harvested an antlered deer in an urban deer zone this season (Sept. 15, 2011 – Jan. 31, 2012), all the hunter can harvest thru Jan. 31 would be antlerless deer in an urban deer zone; assuming the hunter has not reached the bag limit for the urban deer zone.

Scenario 2 – if a hunter hasn’t harvested an urban zone antlered deer and has already harvested an urban zone antlerless deer during the 2011 urban zone deer season, the hunter has already met the “earn-a-buck” requirement. The hunter can harvest one urban zone antlered deer thru Jan. 31 in an urban deer zone.

Scenario 3 – if a hunter hasn’t harvested any urban zone deer this season, the hunter must harvest an antlerless deer in an urban deer zone prior to harvesting an antlered deer in an urban deer zone.

Urban Deer Zones are:

• Lake County
• Porter County
• Vanderburgh County
• Fort Wayne – the portion of Allen County within the bounds of Interstate 69 and Indiana 469.
• Indianapolis – all of Marion County, Hendricks County east of Indiana 267; southeast portion of Boone County bounded by Indiana 267, Interstate 65, Indiana 32; and the portion of Hamilton County south of Indiana 32.
• Lafayette – the portion of Tippecanoe County north of Indiana 28.
• Michigan City – the portion of LaPorte County north of Interstate 94.
• Warsaw – the portion of Kosciusko County within the corporate limits of Warsaw.

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Indiana Native Covering Hoosier and Bluegrass States for Pheasants Forever

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have named Indiana native Brian Nentrup as its new regional representative covering Indiana and Kentucky. Nentrup joins “The Habitat Organization” after serving four years as a regional director with the Quality Deer Management Association.

Nentrup will be the primary contact for the 18 Pheasants Forever chapters and 8 Quail Forever chapters in Indiana and the 9 Quail Forever chapters in Kentucky, spearheading the organization’s efforts to expand and increase membership in the two states. Nentrup will work to foster relationships with volunteers, supporters, state agencies, and other private and federal partners with a mutual desire to improve wildlife habitat and awareness of pheasant and quail conservation efforts.

“Brian brings great skills and significant experience. And when you combine that with his passion for making a difference for wildlife, we are optimistic about our ability to impact bird populations, their habitat and our communities,” stated Matt Holland, senior field coordinator with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. “We look forward to Brian working with our network of chapters, partners and donors in growing our organizational impact.”

A lifelong hunter, conservation became Nentrup’s major focus after he was elected president of a south-central Indiana hunting club. As a regional director for the Quality Deer Management Association, he established a track record of customer service and fundraising experience.

A native of Columbus, Indiana, Nentrup earned a B.S. in Communications (Business and Marketing emphasis) from Indiana Wesleyan University. He and his wife, Stephanie, along with their two children, live in Fairland, Indiana. Brian’s bird dog of choice? A twelve year old Weimaraner named “Nick.” He can be reached at (317) 753-4543 or via email.

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Crosley FWA in Indiana to Host Youth Squirrel Hunt on Jan. 7

Crosley Fish & Wildlife Area will host its fourth annual youth squirrel hunt Jan. 7. The event, a joint effort with the Hoosier Tree Dog Alliance and Clifty Creek Coonhunters, matches youths with experienced hunters and their squirrel dogs on a guided hunt.

The youth hunt is open to ages 17 and younger. Children 12 and younger must have an adult with them. Older youth are also welcome to bring their parents or another adult. Participants of all experience levels are welcome, especially those looking to try hunting for the first time. Squirrel hunting with a dog is a great way to get interested in hunting and the outdoors.

The youth squirrel hunt requires either a youth license, which requires completion of a hunter education course, or an apprentice license for youth who have not completed a hunter education course. Youth attending the squirrel hunt are encouraged to bring their favorite squirrel rifle or shotgun. Firearms will be provided to those who are new to hunting or who need to borrow equipment. Participants must bring a regulation hunter-orange garment.

Attendees should arrive at 9 a.m. at the Crosley FWA office, 2010 S. State Route 3, North Vernon. Participants will listen to a short safety talk and then proceed to the woods. After the hunt, lunch will be provided and some door prizes will be handed out.

Call (812) 346-5596 by Jan. 2 to register or ask questions.

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Give an Indiana DNR Gift Certificate to Hunt, Fish or Trap

Gift certificates make a great gift for the sportsperson in your life this holiday season. The certificates are for purchasing DNR licenses and stamp privileges, and can be redeemed both online and at participating DNR properties. Gift certificates do not expire.

Get your DNR Gift Certificate today. It’s quick and easy.

Find out more at http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/5330.htm.

About Fish and Wildlife Management in Indiana

Fish and wildlife management and public access are funded by fishing and hunting license revenue and also through the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Programs administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These programs collect excise taxes on sporting arms and ammunition, archery equipment, fishing equipment, and motor boat fuels. The money is distributed among state fish and wildlife agencies based on land size and the number of licensed anglers and hunters in each state. Find out more information about fish and wildlife management in Indiana at www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild.

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Indiana Park Hunts Make Inroads on Habitat Recovery

Controlled deer hunts at state park properties are achieving the intended result of habitat recovery, but analysis of information collected this year indicates deer numbers remain above desired levels at many locations.

Volunteer hunters harvested 1,546 deer during four days of controlled hunts at 21 state parks in November. That’s only the 10^th highest total in 18 years of state park hunts, but resource biologists say harvest numbers alone have limited value in determining success.

Instead, their research shows a better indicator is harvest-to-hunter effort (H/E). When the H/E ratio nears .22 to .20, vegetation and habitat begin to recover from deer overbrowsing. Another reliable target is a harvest of 12 to 16 deer per square mile.

The mean H/E ratio for all participating parks this year was 0.27—the second most successful on record. Seventeen parks experienced H/E ratios above target levels, and most parks also were above the harvest per square mile target.

“Although some parks are more successful than others at achieving a maintenance phase, data continue to indicate habitat recovery as well as sustained deer populations,” said Mike Mycroft, chief of natural resources for the DNR Division of State Parks & Reservoirs.

“It’s worth reiterating that park reductions are not intended to manage deer populations for optimal recreational hunting,” he said. “The goal is to reduce the impact of browsing to a level that allows some of Indiana’s rarest and most unique natural communities to thrive.”

Mycroft noted that although abrupt browse lines and emaciated deer are a thing of the past at state parks, less obvious damage persists throughout the park system, and deer continue to impact rare and endangered flora, as well as valuable habitat such as oak forests.

Mycroft’s full report on the 2011 controlled hunts is available at StateParks.IN.gov. Look for the 2011 Deer Reduction Report link below the photographs.

The first two-day hunt was Nov. 14-15, and the second was Nov. 28-29. State parks included were Brown County, Chain O’Lakes, Charlestown, Clifty Falls, Fort Harrison, Harmonie, Indiana Dunes, Lincoln, McCormick’s Creek, Ouabache, Pokagon, Potato Creek, Prophetstown, Shades, Shakamak, Spring Mill, Summit Lake, Tippecanoe, Turkey Run,Versailles, and Whitewater Memorial.Cave River Valley, a satellite site at Spring Mill, also was included.

Weather was marginal statewide for both sessions. Temperatures were warm on the first two-day session with high winds, rain and thunderstorms scattered across much of the state. Second-round weather was cooler with gusty winds and a mix of rain and snow.

Another influencing factor was no-shows, meaning hunters who were drawn for participation but did not participate at all, or participated only one day. Just over 6,000 hunters were selected in the initial draw. Standby drawings were conducted at four parks on a trial basis to fill spots left vacant by originally drawn hunters. The standby drawings reduced what would have been a combined 59 percent four-day average of no-shows at those four parks to 49 percent.

Parks requiring reductions in 2012 will be listed and made available along with online applications in July 2012 at dnr.IN.gov/fishwild/5834.htm.

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February Canada Goose Season to Continue in Indiana

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is again offering a late season for hunting Canada geese.

The season runs Feb. 1-15 in the following 30 counties: Steuben, LaGrange,Elkhart,St. Joseph,La Porte, Starke,Marshall, Kosciusko, Noble, DeKalb, Allen, Whitley,Huntington, Wells, Adams, Boone,Hamilton,Madison, Hendricks,Marion, Hancock, Morgan, Johnson,Shelby, Vermillion, Parke,Vigo, Clay, Sullivan, and Greene.

The late season helps control the population of the breeding “giant” subspecies of Canada geese around urban areas, a common issue in Indiana and surrounding states.Indiana has offered hunters a late Canada goose season in select counties every February since 2008.

In 2011, the state issued late-season Canada goose permits to 3,906 hunters, and 2,577 of them hunted, DNR waterfowl biologist Adam Phelps said.

Indiana hunters harvested 6,500 Canada geese during the 2011 late season, 800 more than in 2010, according to estimates from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The total late season harvest for Indiana across all four years is estimated at 25,400 geese.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service first granted Indiana a late season for Canada goose as a three-year experiment with a requirement that at least 80 percent of geese harvested during that period needed to be giant Canada geese.

Even ifIndiana’s season meets federal guidelines, the season may be closed in future years if local Canada goose populations are sufficiently reduced.

In addition to a valid hunting license, Indianawaterfowl stamp privilege, signed federal duck stamp, and an HIP (Harvest Information Program) number, a free late-season Canada goose permit is also required. The free permit is available at hunting.IN.gov, by phone (317-232-4200), or at any state Fish & Wildlife Area, field office, or reservoir during regular hours in January.

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In Pursuit Features Hoosier State Success

Portsmouth, NH – This week on In Pursuit with Greg & Jake, with his Indiana archery season all but over, host Greg Miller pulls out all the stops – and he and his Mathews bow find sweet success on a dandy buck during the final hours of his hunt. After that, join Jake Miller as he heads to Missouri in an attempt to breathe new life into his season. Tune in Thursday at 8:30 p.m. EST and watch as the Miller guys script yet another success story in their incredible season!

Show Concept

In Pursuit with Greg & Jake follows renowned whitetail deer authority Greg Miller and his crew as they travel far and wide in search of trophy whitetails. Along with his son Jake, Greg takes viewers on an exciting journey behind the scenes, offering proven hunting tips and tactics, insights on whitetail behavior and advice on how to make the most of your precious time in the field. With cutting-edge segments, dramatic footage and valuable educational content, In Pursuit with Greg & Jake not only to entertains viewers with exciting hunting action, it also educates and provides practical information from which all hunters, veterans and beginners alike, will benefit.

Celebrating his third decade in the outdoor industry, Greg Miller continues to be a popular television host, producer, author and noted North American deer hunting expert.

Learn more at www.inpursuittv.com.

Weekly Show Lineup

Episode 23: Matt Tande hunts a trophy Minnesota 10-point; Gordon Whittington and his Thompson/Center muzzleloader spot and stalk Kansas whitetails

Episode 24: Greg hunts his home state of Wisconsin during the peak of the rut; Jake and Brach Pulver pursue a big mule deer buck with Dakota Ranch Outfitters

Episode 25: Greg gun hunts western South Dakota’s scenic river bottom country; Kyle Stae braves brutal weather during a late-season Wisconsin bowhunt

Episode 26: Jake takes his biggest buck ever with his Thompson/Center muzzleloader in Iowa; Greg drops a dandy split G2 11-point just minutes later on the same farm

Outdoor Channel Airtimes

Thursday 8:30 PM EST + 2 Additional Re-Airs

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Indiana Hunters Asked to Complete Online State Forest Survey

Hunters can help monitor the abundance and distribution of deer and other wildlife species in State Forests by completing an online survey after each hunting trip to a State Forest this year.

“Hunters are uniquely skilled observers in the outdoors and are in a position to provide feedback that can help us better manage the resources of our State Forests,” said John Seifert, director of the DNR Division of Forestry.

Hunters are asked to go to dnr.IN.gov/forestry/7245.htm every time they return from a hunting trip. Multiple hunting trips made on the same day would ideally warrant separate visits to the website to complete a survey. State Forests in Indiana are listed at dnr.IN.gov/forestry/3631.htm.

This anonymous survey will be available all year online and is open to all hunters who hunt in the State Forests. Completion will take a hunter a few minutes.

More instructions are listed at the website.

Note: The DNR Customer Service Center and the DNR Deer Hotline, (812) 334-3795, will not be open on Friday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day.

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Large Deer Harvest Forecast for 2011 Firearms Season in Indiana

Firearms season for white-tailed deer in Indiana opens Nov. 12, and a DNR wildlife expert predicts another year of near-record harvest numbers.

Hunters are coming off a third straight record harvest, having tagged 134,004 deer in 2010. DNR deer biologist Chad Stewart said conditions for the 2011 season are shaping up similarly to the 2010 season.

“I’d hate to predict a record, but we should be close to it” Stewart said. “It’s almost guaranteed to be a top-three harvest.”

Firearms season generally accounts for about 65 percent of the overall deer harvest. Legal firearms for firearms season are shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns and center-fire rifles of specific cartridge dimensions.

The 16-day firearms season ends Nov. 27.

Hunters on opening weekend of firearms season last year harvested 37,525 deer.

Steuben County led the state in overall number of deer harvested last year with 3,948. The harvest exceeded 1,000 deer in 64 counties; exceeded 2,000 deer in 17 counties; and exceeded 3,000 deer in five counties. Counties with high harvests tend to have a good mix of woods and farm ground.

“For a deer hunter, Indiana is great because it can sustain a very high population and a very healthy population,” Stewart said.

The number of antlered deer harvested in 2010 was 53,007, or about 40 percent of the overall harvest.

Approximately 60 biologists will be at check stations across the state on opening day of firearms season to collect biological information and sample deer for the presence of chronic wasting disease.

Biologists also will collect samples to test for bovine tuberculosis at the following locations:

• Dearborn County: Tedesco’s Convenient Store, 24486 State Line Road, Lawrenceburg (812-637-5777); Day Nite Food Mart, 13891 Indiana 350, Moores Hill (812-744-4300);
• Widolff General Store, 7981 York Ridge, Guilford (812-487-2665); and Manchester Deer Processing, 18675 Willoughby Road, Aurora (812-926-2600)
• Fayette County: Mustin’s Taxidermy, 1660 W CR 350 S, Connersville (765-825-5943)
• Franklin County: 52 Pik-Up, 11183 U.S. 52, Brookville (765-647-3600)
• Ripley County: French’s Locker/Prime Meats, 106 Sycamore St., Batesville (812-934-2902)

Muzzleloader season starts Dec. 3 and lasts through Dec. 18. Early archery season, which is already underway, lasts through Nov. 27. Late archery season opens Dec. 3 and lasts through Jan. 1, 2012.

Unless otherwise exempted, a license is required to hunt deer during the firearms season. The DNR is encouraging hunters to buy their licenses early and avoid waiting until the last minute. The DNR Customer Service Center and the DNR Deer Hotline will not be open on Friday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day.

Licenses can be purchased online at www.IndianaOutdoor.IN.gov, or by calling the DNR Customer Service Center at (317) 232-4200, or at a retailer or DNR site listed at www.IndianaOutdoor.IN.gov.

The Deer Hunting Guide is available online at http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/6032.htm.

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Indiana’s GiveIN Game Program puts Venison on the Table

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources announced on Thursday the launch of the GiveIN Game Program, an initiative designed to put deer hunters in touch with citizens who would like to obtain venison for their table.

The DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife has created an online site (www.dnr.IN.gov/giveINgame) where donors and recipients can register their contact information. There is no cost to complete the simple registration.

Here’s how it works:

• A hunter registers information on the condition and amount of deer meat he or she is willing to donate. The hunter can choose to donate meat that is field dressed, skinned and boned, or wrapped and frozen. The hunter also provides contact information, either phone number or email.
• A recipient registers information on the amount of deer meat he or she is willing to accept, and designates a preference for meat that is field dressed, skinned and boned, or wrapped and frozen. The recipient also provides contact information, either phone number or email.
• Registrants can search the database for someone matching their designated preferences and use the contact information to work out the transfer details.

A participating hunter still is responsible for field dressing the deer, ensuring the deer is taken to a DNR-designated check station, and obtaining a permanent identification tag, after which it can be transferred or gifted to another party.

Indiana law prohibits the sale, trade or barter of wild game; however, GiveINGame provides hunters who have filled their freezers an opportunity to share extra deer meat with anyone willing to accept it.

Venison is a healthy alternative to beef. It has less fat and calories, and more protein than the same size serving of beef, according to several nutrition websites.

The DNR assumes no responsibility for the quality of venison shared through GiveINGame or the failure of a donor or recipient to follow through with an agreed transfer.

“GiveIN Game will serve as a supplemental program to existing venison donation efforts,” said Mark Reiter, director of DNR Fish & Wildlife. “While those other efforts focus on distribution to needy families through food banks and charitable organizations, GiveINGame creates a broader opportunity to share the harvest with anyone.”

The GiveINGame website also provides links to venison recipes and other information.

GiveINGame is modeled after the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Deer Exchange, which began in 2008 and resulted in 300 deer being gifted in the first year.

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