WAYNEDALE OUTDOORS Q & A

ANNUAL ENTRANCE PASSES

FOR 2011 AVAILABLE

Indiana state park/reservoir annual entrance permits for 2011 are now available for online purchase. Individuals may order an annual entrance permit, which costs $36 for state residents, by going to InnsGifts.com. The Golden Hoosier Permit is available to those over age 65 for $18 at the same website. Each permit allows entrance into any state park or reservoir for one vehicle with Indiana license plates throughout 2011. Starting November 15, annual entrance passes will be available for in-person purchase at state parks and reservoirs across Indiana.

Those thinking about holiday gifts might consider bundling a permit with a $99 Holiday Gift Pack, also available now at InnsGifts.com. Each gift pack includes a 2011 annual state park permit, a $70 State Park Inns gift certificate, and a one-year subscription to Outdoor Indiana magazine, a combined savings of more than $19.

For reservations at any of the state park inns, call 1.877.LODGES 1 (1.877.563.4371) or see IndianaInns.com

SMALL GAME SEASON OPENS

Hunting season for rabbit, quail, and pheasant opened statewide on Friday, November 3, 2010. Season dates and daily bag limits may vary on state-owned properties. Please contact each property for specific information.

To hunt rabbit, an individual must purchase an Annual Hunting license, or have a Lifetime Hunting or Youth Comprehensive Hunting license. To hunt quail and/or pheasant, an individual must purchase an Annual Hunting license and a Game Bird Habitat Stamp, or have a Lifetime Comprehensive Hunting or Youth Comprehensive Hunting license. Individuals with a Lifetime Basic Hunting license must purchase the Game Bird Habitat Stamp annually.

Fluorescent orange clothing is required while hunting rabbit, quail, pheasant, and squirrel (starting November 5) throughout the 2010-2011 hunting season. Hunters must wear one outer garment exposed at all times that is solid fluorescent orange. Hunters should remember to gain permission before hunting on privately owned land.

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 motorboat 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/.

DNR UNVEILS ONLINE

DEER HUNTING GUIDE

With the deer firearms season set to begin on Saturday, November 13, the department of Natural Resources has posted a handy Deer Hunting Guide on its website. Users can scan the 37-page guide online at www.dnr.IN.gov/fishwild/2343.htm, download it to a mobile phone capable of reading PDF files, or print it as a single document.

The guide includes basic information on license requirements, bag and possession limits, season dates, and equipment regulations.

It also has a county-by-county list of public hunting areas, from Yellowwood State Forest in Brown County to Blue Grass Fish & Wildlife Area in Warrick County. The 10-page list includes the property name, phone number, hunting opportunities, available acres, and other amenities, such as camping or shooting range.

In addition to basic information, the guide provides hyperlinks to complete language on hunting rules and regulations in Indiana, plus a hyperlink to a searchable database of mandatory check stations where successful hunters can take their deer.