WAYNEDALE OUTDOORS Q & A

Outdoor Indiana magazine springs up

The March-April issue readies you for spring with a guide to wildflowers. Check out the “Seven Heavenly Inns” feature to help decide which state park inns fit your getaway plans. The issue’s removable insert features Charlestown State Park on the historic Ohio River, where those wildflowers will pop up early.

Outdoor Indiana is available at most DNR properties and Barnes & Noble stores in Indiana for $3 a copy. Better yet, subscribe to Indiana’s best outdoor magazine for $12 for a year (six issues), online or by calling (317) 233-3046.

Youth turkey hunting opportunity

Hunters under age 18 whose name is drawn for one of 22 DNR participating properties during the special youth wild turkey hunting season can hunt that property on April 23-24.

Youth hunters, or an adult representing them, must register in advance in person at the property they wish to hunt from March 21 to April 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time. Applicants may sign up for only one property and must possess the proper license.

Become a master of nature knowledge
The Indiana Master Naturalist Program (IMNP) offers March classes at Salamonie Lake and Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge, and in Fort Wayne, Valparaiso and Indianapolis. This educational/volunteer adult program offers in-depth knowledge of Indiana nature. Times and costs vary by site.
Watch for similar summer opportunities for children ages 9-13.

Prime time for outdoors
Weekends of warmer outdoor activities at state parks and reservoirs await. Spend a day or pack for early spring camping. Enjoy sand hill cranes and spring peepers and other frogs. Watch for early wildflowers at southern properties. Special events by date:
March 26 – Enjoy March Madness Hikes at Chain O’Lakes (four hikes on four different trails in seven hours).