WAYNEDALE OUTDOORS Q & A

New Deer Rules
Get Preliminary Approval
The Indiana Natural Resources Commission recently approved preliminary adoption of recommended rule changes for deer hunting. Components of the proposed changes include modification of the season structure, bag limits, hunting equipment, and licensing requirements. The changes address requests from the NRC and the NRC’s Advisory Council as part of their comprehensive review of fish and wildlife rules.
Key elements of the recommendation would allow use of a crossbow during the archery season and the urban zone season; establish separate crossbow and urban zone licenses; combine the early and late archery seasons into a single season from October 1 through the first Sunday in January; and add a special antlerless only firearms season in select counties from December 26 through the first Sunday in January. The complete text of the proposed rule package and other information can be found at: www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/2362.htm.
Once the rule language is posted on the NRC website (www.in.gov/nrc/2377.htm), the public will be able to use the convenient online link to submit comments. Written comments also can be mailed to Division of Hearings, Indiana Government Center North, 100 North Senate Ave., Room N501, Indianapolis, IN 46204-2200.
One or more public hearings will be scheduled to collect additional comment before the recommendations go back to the NRC for consideration of final adoption. NRC chairman Bryan Poynter said it is unlikely any changes would occur in the 2011 hunting seasons. The NRC also voted for final adoption of rule amendments governing the use of gizzard shad, threadfin and alewife as bait; requirements for obtaining a wild animal rehabilitation permit; and placement of fish attractors on properties administered by the DNR.

Cowboy Gathering
At Salamonie Reservoir
Mosey on over to the Salamonie Reservoir Interpretive Center for a cowboy gathering, February 26. The evening starts at 5:30 p.m. with a cowboy stew meal followed by a program given by Philip Loy, about Roy Roger’s famous mount Trigger. 
There will also be a favorite cowboy hat contest. Wear your funniest or ugliest riding hat for a chance to win a prize. Attendees should bring a dessert or side dish and their own table service. Drinks and stew will be provided. 
Registration is required by calling (260) 468-2127. There is no fee for the event or property admission. Donations to cover cost of stew will be accepted. Annual horse tags, as well as many horse-related gift items are available in the gift shop.
The Salamonie Interpretive Center hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The center is located in Lost Bridge West Recreation Area on Highway 105 in western Huntington County.
Visit www.in.gov/dnr/uwis/ for more information about this and other Upper Wabash Interpretive Services programs.