WAYNEDALE WOODS AND WATERS

2005 Early Migratory Game Bird Seasons

Sora rail

Sept. 1 – Nov. 9

Click to advertise on this website

Daily Bag Limit: 25

Possession Limit: 25

Mourning dove

Sept. 1 – Oct. 16

Nov. 4 – Nov. 17

Daily Bag Limit: 15

Possession Limit: 30

Woodcock

Oct. 15 – Nov. 28

Daily Bag Limit: 3

Possession Limit: 6

Common snipe

Sept. 1 – Dec. 16

Daily Bag Limit: 8

Possession Limit: 16

Blue and green-winged teal

Sept. 3 – Sept. 11

Daily Bag Limit: 4

Possession Limit: 8

Canada goose

Sept. 1 – Sept. 15

Daily Bag Limit: 5

Possession Limit: 10

Common moorhen

Closed

Teal and early-season goose hunting is not allowed at Kankakee FWA. Hovey Lake FWA does not offer early-season goose hunting.

Several state properties require non-toxic shot while hunting dove fields. Check at property headquarters for special regulations before hunting. Indiana migratory bird hunters must register each year with the National Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) before hunting migratory birds. Hunters must call 1-800-WETLAND and provide the information requested, or register with HIP online at: www.IN.gov/dnr/fishwild/huntguide1/hip.htm

Migratory bird hunting regulations:

www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/huntguide1/earlygbird.htm

Order a Federal Duck Stamp: 1-800-782-6724

Fish and Wildlife Area info:

www.IN.gov/dnr/fishwild/about/18areas.htm

The Kruse‑ Report

Senate District 14

Serving portions of Allen, DeKalb and Steuben Counties

‑Dept. of Natural Resources

State eyes recently have been focused on the Indiana Department of Natural Resources as the state agency has undergone several changes.‑ Earlier this month, DNR director Kyle Hupfer faced both criticism and praise for banning fenced hunting operations. He also has proposed outsourcing the operation of state park inns to outside vendors, a move that Alabama and Georgia have already made.

Operating on a two-year $261 million budget, the DNR is one of Indiana’s largest citizen-utilized state departments.‑ About 80 percent of that budget is slated for operational use, such as employee salaries and day to day operations of properties the DNR oversees.‑ Millions of dollars in state funds also have been set aside this year for DNR projects, from extensive upgrades at Charlestown State Park in southern Indiana to establishing a Regional Office in Fort Wayne for Law Enforcement and Fish and Wildlife offices.

Although the warm summer months may be coming to an end, there is still time to take advantage of Indiana state parks, lakes and nature preserves.‑ In fact, most DNR properties are open year round. Easily one of Indiana’s most affordable forms of recreation and entertainment, entrance fees into state parks are just $4 per carload for Indiana residents.‑ State parks offer those Hoosiers wishing to get away for the weekend campsites starting at $8 per night.‑ Several state parks also operate inns and cabins for weekend and weeklong getaways starting at $50 per night.‑ There is no charge for visiting state nature preserves.‑ Most locations offer visitors hiking trails; many offer pools, horseback riding, and access to fishing.

The DNR operates seven nature preserves in Allen, and DeKalb counties, as well as Pokagon  State Park in Steuben county.‑ DNR state parks, lakes and recreation areas are a great way to spend time with family and friends.

DNR properties in Northeast Indiana:

•‑ Bicentennial Woods Nature Preserve

•‑ Fogwell  Forest Nature Preserve

•‑ Fox  Island Nature Preserve

•‑ Lindenwood Nature Preserve

•‑ Mengerson Nature Preserve

•‑ Mon-aki Nature Preserve

•‑ Vandolah Nature Preserve

•‑ Pokagon  State Park

For more information, visit the DNR website at www.in.gov/dnr. If you have any questions about this, or any other Kruse Report, please contact me at State Senator Dennis Kruse, Indiana Senate, 200 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis,  IN 46204 or call 1-800-382-9467, or send e-mail to S14@in.gov.