A Bald Eagle Soars above Goose Pond FWA

   By the time a final species count at Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area (FWA) is complete, more than 1,000 species are likely to have been found during the inaugural biodiversity survey at Indiana’s largest wetland restoration area.

   Researchers at the 8,000-acre property south of Linton in southwest Indiana aimed to lay the groundwork for future studies.

   Highlight species found include purple fringeless orchid, which is widespread and secure, but also on the Indiana watch list; American ruby spot dragonfly; bog lemming; and barn owl. Read More→

   People of all ages interested in learning more about waterfowl hunting should plan on heading to Lake Monroe for a free workshop on the subject on Oct. 9.

   The workshop, which is being presented by the DNR, will be at the North Fork Service Area from 9 a.m.– 1 p.m. Lunch will be provided.

   “Waterfowling parents are welcome to bring interested children to the workshop, but it is not intended to be a youth-only event,” said Adam Phelps, waterfowl biologist. “This workshop will be aimed at novice waterfowl hunters of any age. Read More→

2010 Youth Deer Hunt at Big Walnut Nature Preserve

   A special youth deer hunt will take place at Big Walnut Nature Preserve, near Bainbridge, during the Youth Deer Season, which is Sept. 25 and 26, 2010.

   Youth hunters may apply through the online reserved hunt system (www.hunting.IN.gov) beginning Aug. 23. The deadline to apply for this hunt is Sept. 3. Youth hunters must have a valid license to hunt deer to apply.

   Successfully drawn hunters will be able to scout the property on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010 from 8 a.m. to noon. Successfully drawn hunters will be able to hunt on Saturday, Sept. 25 and Sunday, Sept. 26. Hunting hours will be from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

   The youth hunter must comply with all deer hunting regulations, including tagging the deer and checking it in to a deer check station within 48 hours of the take. The youth hunter and accompanying adult must wear hunter orange. Read More→

   Gary Whitaker, an 18-year officer with the DNR Division of Law Enforcement, has been promoted to Lieutenant in District 2, a nine-county area of northeast Indiana.

   As the top-ranking officer in the district, Whitaker will be responsible for administrative duties and supervision of 19 Indiana conservation officers.

   “I am very excited to have the opportunity to lead the officers in District 2 and can assure the public that our officers are committed to ensuring the safe and responsible use of our state’s natural resources,” Whitaker said.

   Whitaker, 41, has spent the last five years in the Investigation Section of DNR Law Enforcement. Prior to that, he was a field officer for 13 years in Allen and LaGrange counties.

   He is a certified instructor in river rescue and has completed training in several specialty areas, including boat accident investigation and homicide investigation. Whitaker is a 1990 graduate of Vincennes University, Read More→