WAYNEDALE OUTDOORS Q & A

Festival of Freezing Moon, Summit Lake State Park, October 22-23

The fourth annual Festival of the Freezing Moon will be held at Summit Lake State Park, October 22-23. This year’s festival features the annual Campsite Decorating Contest, Chili Cook-Off, and Pumpkin Carving contests. Pumpkins will be provided on a first-come, first served basis, but quantities are limited. If you have a pumpkin, bring it with you. Trick-or-treating will also be offered in the campground from 7-9 p.m. Camping is not required to trick-or-treat.

This year’s special guests are Diana Shaffer from Wildlife Resqu Haus and her birds of prey, and Steve Russell and wife Debbie, with their telescopes, in the evening.

Fall hayrides will be offered for the first time this year. The interpretive hayrides will be run from 1-4 p.m. through one of the park’s beautiful prairies.

Campsites are still available but camping is not required to participate in most of the weekend activities. Reserve a campsite at www.camp.in.gov or 1-866-6campin.

For more information, contact the Summit Lake Park office at (765) 766-5873 or summitinterp@dnr.in.gov.

 

Youth Rabbit and Squirrel Hunt at Salamonie Reservoir

A youth rabbit and a youth squirrel hunt will be held at the Salamonie Reservoir on October 30. The event will start at the property’s visitor center at 7 a.m. Hunters between the ages of 11 and 17 will have a choice between participating in either the rabbit hunt or the squirrel hunt. Hunters will be in the field until noon. A short wildlife-cleaning instructional session will be available after the morning hunt.

Salamonie Reservoir, Indiana Beaglers Alliance, the National Cur and Feast Breeders Association, and the National Kennel Club will serve as hosts.

All youth participants are encouraged to have attended and passed a Hunter Education course; however, youth must have either a valid Indiana Youth Hunting License or Apprentice License to participate. Information regarding upcoming Hunter Education courses is available at www.in.gov/dnr/lawenfor/4812.htm.

Participants must register in advance by calling Jack Hyden at (574) 551-4067 by October 22. Adults wishing to volunteer as dog handlers or mentors must register in advance at the same phone number.

Youth are encouraged to bring their own shotguns; shotguns will be provided for youth that do not have their own.

Youths will have one private mentor each who will supervise and assist during the hunt. Parents are also encouraged to accompany the youth, but that is not mandatory.

A lunch will be provided after the morning hunt for all youth, mentors and dog handlers. The event and meals are free for all who attend. Youth Hunting Licenses are $7 and will be available at the Salamonie Visitor Center the day of the hunt. Licenses are also available online at www.in.gov/ai/appfiles/dnr-license/ Salamonie Interpretive Center is located in Lost Bridge West Recreation Area, west of Highway 105 in western Huntington County.