Indiana- Public hearing Oct. 4 on proposed rule changes for deer and wild turkey hunting

The Natural Resources Commission will conduct a public hearing Oct. 4 in Plainfield on whether to permanently approve a rule package that includes allowing hunters to check-in deer and wild turkeys electronically. 

The electronic harvest reporting system, also called CheckIN Game, allows hunters to check in a deer or wild turkey using a computer or other Internet-capable device, or by telephone, and receive a unique confirmation number.

Hunters still have the option of checking in a deer or turkey at a check station.

CheckIN Game has been in effect by temporary rule since the spring 2012 wild turkey season, after the NRC gave the rule preliminary adoption.

With this proposed change, commercial deer processors will need to record the electronic harvest confirmation number on the record instead of the official metal tag number that is given by a check station, and register with the DNR prior to March 1 of each year.

Additional changes in the rule package:
– Removing the handgun license requirement to comply with state law in IC 35-47 because state law no longer requires an individual to have a handgun license while hunting lawfully.
– A provision to allow a person who buys a deer license bundle to also have the option of using it to take three antlerless deer.
– Clarifying the ending date for the fall wild turkey firearm season.
– Allowing an individual to call wild turkeys for another individual as long as the person calling for turkeys is properly licensed.

The proposed rule language can be viewed at: IN.gov/legislative/iac/20120822-IR-312120115PRA.xml.pdf

The public hearing will start at 5:30 p.m. at the Plainfield Public Library, 1120 Stafford Road in Plainfield. 
Comments can also be submitted online to the NRC at: nrc.IN.gov/2377.htm. Click on "Comment on Proposed Rule" next to the “Deer & Turkey Electronic Harvest Reporting.”  The deadline for submitting comments is Oct. 4.

Comments can also be mailed to:
 Natural Resources Commission
 Indiana Government Center North
 100 North Senate Ave., Room N501
 Indianapolis, IN 46204
All comments sent to the NRC regarding this rule package will be provided to commission members and DNR staff and will be publicly disclosed and searchable on the Internet and in a paper docket as part of the final report.

The NRC is expected to vote on final adoption of the rule package at its Nov. 20 meeting.

For more information: Linnea Petercheff, Division of Fish & Wildlife, (317) 233-6527.

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Indiana DNR to start second round of input on fish, hunt, trap regulations

The DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife wants to hear your thoughts about suggested fishing, hunting and trapping regulations in Indiana. 
From July 15 to Aug. 1, the public can use a convenient online form to provide input to the DNR. The process is like a “virtual” open house.
To participate, go to wildlife.IN.gov and click on the “Got INput?” box near the middle of the page. The form will be available for use beginning July 15. A list of potential regulations will also be available on the “Got INput?” page.
There will also be two on-site open houses, one in southern Indiana and another in northern Indiana.  The first open house will be July 25 from 5-7 p.m. at the Spring Mill State Park Inn near Mitchell. The second open house will be July 30 from 5-7 p.m. at the Plymouth Public Library in Plymouth.
Input on specific suggested regulations can also be mailed to:
DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife
Attn: Proposed Regulatory Changes
402 W. Washington St., Room W273
Indianapolis, IN 46204
The July 15 to Aug. 1 public input period is the second input period by the Division of Fish & Wildlife this year. The earlier round was May 15 to June 1.
After reviewing input, DFW staff will consider all suggestions before proposing regulations to the Natural Resource Commission.

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2012-13 Indiana Hunting and Trapping Guide

State Seal of Indiana

Good News! A full-version, 52-page, Indiana Hunting & Trapping Guide is coming back and will be available at retailers in late-July. This is slightly later than usual, but it’s worth the wait. In addition to the printed guide, an easy-to-use online version will be available in multiple formats.      

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• Early spring presents turkey hunting challenges

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• Indiana Residents Have Chance for Hunting and Fishing Regs Input

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Indiana Residents Have Chance for Hunting and Fishing Regs Input

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife wants to hear your ideas on fishing, hunting and trapping regulations in Indiana, and it doesn’t require attending a meeting to give your input.

Call it a “virtual” open house.
From May 15 to June 1, the public will be able to use a convenient online form to contribute ideas and suggestions as well as provide input on issues the DNR has identified for consideration.
To find the online form, go to wildlife.IN.gov and click on the “Got INput?” box near the middle of the page. The form will be available for use beginning May 15.
“This is an opportunity for people to let us know what changes they would like us to consider,” said Gregg McCollam, assistant director of the Division of Fish & Wildlife. “This process also allows us to get much needed feedback on issues that the division is in interested in moving forward.”
The online form allows people to comment quickly and enables DFW staff to organize the public input into categories.
Input on fishing, hunting and trapping regulations also can be mailed to:
DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife
Attn: Proposed Regulatory Changes
402 W. Washington St., Room W 273
Indianapolis, IN 46204
After compiling the input, DFW staff will evaluate the comments and suggestions and come back in mid-summer with a second round of feedback both online and at open house meetings before proposing rules to the Natural Resources Commission.

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Public hearing scheduled for proposal to continue Indiana one-buck rule

The Natural Resources Commission will conduct a public hearing May 3 in Plainfield on a proposal to continue the one-buck deer hunting
The one-buck rule currently allows only one antlered deer to be taken during the special youth, archery, firearm, or muzzleloader seasons combined. The rule is set to expire Sept. 1.

The proposed rule language can be viewed at IN.gov/nrc/files/one_buck_amendment.pdf.

Individuals can provide comments at the public hearing at 6 p.m. at the Plainfield Public Library, 1120 Stafford Road, Plainfield.

Comments regarding this proposal can also be submitted online to the NRC at IN.gov/nrc/2377.htm. Click on "Comment on this rule" next to “Deer ‘One-Buck Rule’ Amendment.” The deadline for submitting comments is May 3.

Comments can also be mailed to:

            Natural Resources Commission
            Indiana Government Center North
            100 N. Senate Ave., Room N501
            Indianapolis, IN 46204

All comments sent to the NRC regarding this rule change will be provided to commission members and DNR staff and will be publicly disclosed and searchable on the Internet and in a paper docket as part of the final report.

The NRC is expected to vote on final adoption of the rule change at its meeting on May 15.

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