wild turkey hunt starts Jan. 1.
July 16th, 2006 by Administrator
While the Indiana Department of Natural Resources has not set dates for the 2006 teal season, the spring counts have provided encouraging news. This year’s survey indicated that 5.9 million teal winged back north to breeding grounds. That was a 28-percent increase from last year.
Teal are the smallest of all ducks and the blue-winged teal is the first to migrate south. Seasons are determined by federal guidelines. For example, if the teal population during the spring count is less then 3.3 million, no hunting would be allowed. If the survey indicates that the population is between 3.3 to 4.7 million, nine days of hunting will be permitted. If the population is more, up to 16 days can be allocated.
Small sloughs are favorite locations for September blue-wings. Though lack of rain has dried many such spots, keep your eyes open for potential hunting areas. It’s best to begin scouting now as well as trying to obtain permission than a day before the season begins.
n On-Line State Hunts: This year, Hoosiers who want to participate in deer reductions and special hunts at state properties this fall will have a one-stop online method for applying.
The change centralizes the application process for such programs. Previously, each category of state property required a separate application. The online service also provides the user with automatic notification of errors. The site on which the applications are posted is www.indianaoutdoor.in.gov.
This year’s hunt application deadlines, with the first date listed the mail-in date and the second listed the online date, are: DNR property dove hunts (July 28; Aug. 4); military/refuge deer hunt (Aug. 18; Aug. 25), state park deer reduction hunt (Aug. 18; Aug. 25), Goose Pond Upland game hunt (Sept. 15; Sept. 30), pheasant hunt (Sept. 22; Oct. 6).
The application process for the wild turkey hunt starts Jan. 1. The mail-in deadline is March 2. The online deadline is March 16.
“The advantage of the online system is that it will tell you when you’ve made a mistake,” said Kyle Hupfer, DNR director. “In the past, a great many applications were disqualified either because of errors or because the typist couldn’t read the applicant’s writing.”
Other options are available for those who cannot use the online method. Individuals with access to the DNR Web site on a computer can print an application to complete by hand, then mail it. Preprinted paper applications are available at state parks, reservoirs, and fish and wildlife areas for applicants to complete and mail in; however, the properties will not enter an applicant’s information online for them.
With the online process in place, the application cards have been eliminated from the hunting guide.
If none of these options is convenient, individuals can call a toll-free number (877) 463-6367 to request that a form be mailed to them