The drought is affecting everyone from farmers to outdoor enthusiasts.
Conservation officer Keith Wildeman said that because of the drought conditions, water levels are low in public freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams. You should be prepared to run into issues while visiting your favorite lake or river because of the low water levels.
Two fisherman found a dead alligator in the Kankakee River in Starke County yesterday.
Jeff Brewer and his father, Steve Brewer, discovered a dead alligator stuck in a logjam about two miles downstream from the English Lake Public Access site. They just launched their boat and were headed out to fish and Jeff Brewer spotted the foot and tail of the alligator sticking out of the water. They retrieved the alligator and met with Conservation Officer Keith Wildeman. The four-foot, seven-inch alligator’s mouth had been taped shut and officer Wildeman believes that it had been dead for a while and it was a pet that outgrew his welcome. It was released unlawfully into the river. Wildeman believes this to be an isolated incident.
We’re nearing the end of October and according to Conservation Officer, Keith Wildeman, that means hunters are gearing up for hunting season.
“Right now in mid-October, we’re already in to the deer archery season and it runs through November 27th,” said Wildeman. “Our fall gun season will start November 12th and run until November 27th and then muzzleloader season will pick up December 3rd through the 18th.”
A boater education course will be offered Saturday, June 11th, at the Bass Lake Property Owners Building from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT
“This course is free course for anyone willing to take it. They need to attend the entire day. At the end there will be a short exam. Upon completion of that, anybody that takes the course will have their boater education certificate. Those folks that are 15, or may not have a valid Driver’s License, can then legally operate a motorboat in the State of Indiana,” said Conservation Officer, Keith Wildeman.
This weekend, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources invites you to fish for free! This Saturday and Sunday, you can fish without a state fishing license at all Indiana Lakes.
“Indiana residents that normally would be required to purchase a fishing license are exempt from buying that license for these two days only,” explained Conservation Officer, Keith Wildeman. “All other regulations, bag limits and size limits, do apply. If you continue from there, a resident fishing license is only $17.00. A license is required for anyone once they turn 18. Kids 17 and younger are exempt.”
The spring turkey season opens today and runs through May 15th.
“To hunt turkeys in the spring, residents need a resident turkey license and a game bird stamp for 2011,” said Conservation Officer Keith Wildeman. “Birds that are harvested are required to be checked in within 48 hours at an official check station and there are several throughout Starke County.”
Do you have your boat dusted off for the fishing season? Conservation Officer, Keith Wildeman, says many people are doing just that. The fishes are not that big as what Jimmy John Shark caught, but they’re big enough to be proud of, if you’re lucky enough to catch one.
“A number of folks have been hitting Bass Lake and Koontz Lakes and the rivers,” said Wildeman. “Right now is a popular time for Walleye and Northern Pike fishing on the rivers. I’d like to remind folks to check the regulations. Regulations are available free of charge at most license vendors. Fishing licenses, up until March 31st, still require a 2010 fishing license as they are valid from April 1st to March 31st. Starting April 1st, the 2011 licenses are what folks are required.”
