Get hooked on Free Fishing Days
Plan for a year that’s full of free fun. This year’s Free Fishing Days are May 12, June 1-2, and Sept. 28. On these days, you can fish the state’s public waters without a fishing license and trout/salmon stamp. All other rules such as seasons, bag limits, and size limits apply.
Looking for the perfect place to set your hook? See our Where to Fish map for some of Indiana’s best public waters. Find more fishing resources on our website.
Provide your input on Indiana's deer management
DNR wants your feedback: On Jan. 31, deer hunters will receive an email inviting them to participate in the 2024 Deer Management Survey. This survey provides DNR with input from Indiana residents on the state’s deer management. DNR uses the results to set county antlerless bag limits, understand opinions on current deer management topics, and identify new topics that need to be addressed or studied. Please take the time to fill out the survey to give DNR your thoughts.
If you do not receive an email this year and would like to take the survey, email DeerSurvey@dnr.IN.gov. See previous results from the annual Deer Management Survey by visiting our website.
Spring in your step: Go dog running
Need an excuse to get back in the field between hunting seasons? Winter is the perfect time to train your hunting dogs. Dog running season is Feb. 1 – Oct. 25, and you can train at many DNR Fish & Wildlife areas.
Remember that this is running season only, and there can be no harvest of game. Take advantage of the time between your next trips to the woods and find a property near you.
Public comment period opens for proposed changes to deer hunting rules
Indiana’s Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has opened a public comment period for proposed changes to Indiana’s deer hunting rules before they vote on the proposed changes. Most proposed changes are intended to make Indiana’s deer hunting rules easier to understand.
Public comments can be submitted at on.IN.gov/nrc/rules/rulemaking-docket using the “Comment on this rule” link. The deadline for public comments is March 20. The public hearing will be held Thursday, March 20, from 4–8 p.m. ET both in person at the Garrison at Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis and online.
Questions about the proposed deer hunting rule changes should be directed to 812-334-3795 or indeerhotline@dnr.IN.gov.
Spend your winter hunting rabbits
Don’t let the cold get you down. Hop outside and rabbit hunt. The season closes Feb. 28. Instead of hibernating, rabbits are active during cold days with ample sun. Remember to wear hunter orange and layer up so you stay warm. See the Indiana Hunting & Trapping Guide for more information and regulations.
Rabies detected in a skunk from Clark County
The Indiana State Board of Animal Health urges Hoosiers in Clark County to vaccinate their pets and keep their distance from wildlife after the detection of rabies for the first time in 20 years in an Indiana skunk. To avoid rabies while you’re exploring the area, avoid contact with wild animals and secure your trash. Visit the Indiana Department of Health’s website for more information about rabies prevention and safety.
If you’ve seen sick or dead wildlife, DNR wants your help reporting them through our online Sick or Dead Wildlife Report Form. Your reports are sent directly to an Indiana DNR health biologist who evaluates the reports and samples the wildlife, if necessary. The DNR Fish & Wildlife’s Health Program uses these reports to monitor wildlife health over time, detect disease outbreak events, and identify areas for disease surveillance.
Take a unique trip in Indiana: Visit Hovey Lake FWA
Nestled in Mount Vernon, Hovey Lake Fish & Wildlife Area offers a rare opportunity to view some of Indiana’s only bald cypress groves. Bald cypress typically grows farther south in the United States and thrives in moist soil along shorelines. At Hovey Lake, they’ve grown in the water. You can paddle through the groves by bringing your paddle craft and dropping into the water on one of the public access ramps. Remember that the area can flood in the spring, so when you plan your trip to visit this unique property, be sure to check for advisories on the Hovey Lake FWA webpage or plan to visit in summer or fall.
Beyond the sights of these ancient trees, Hovey Lake FWA offers ample opportunities for viewing migratory birds, fishing, and hunting. While you’re in the area, stop into Twin Swamps Nature Preserve to see historic swampy habitats and wander along the boardwalk.
Watch the newest property video for a virtual tour of the area.
Panel recording on hellbender conservation now available
In November 2023, the DNR hosted a virtual panel discussion about the conservation of one of our most charismatic and rare species in the state, the hellbender. Expert panelists from the Indiana DNR, Purdue’s Help the Hellbender project, and Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden joined the panel to provide information on the history of the species, updates on conservation partnerships around the state, and insights into future conservation techniques regarding this aquatic salamander. The panelists then answered questions from the live audience.
For anyone who was not able to attend, a recording is on the DNR’s YouTube channel. Take a look to learn about this state endangered aquatic salamander and how professionals are trying to help its population grow in Indiana.
Share your mudpuppy sightings with DNR
The Division of Fish & Wildlife asks anglers to report sightings of the mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) to help biologists track their populations across the state. A Species of Special Concern in Indiana, this salamander inhabits the state’s lakes and streams.
Mudpuppies, like fish, live their entire lives in water, but they are more secretive and difficult to locate. During winter, mudpuppies move into shallow water and are more frequently caught by anglers. They may also be viewed from shore using a flashlight at night, while they walk along the lake bottom. Mudpuppies are not dangerous or poisonous. They can be identified by the red, fluffy gills on the back of their head, but the gills tend to lay flat against their body when they are out of the water.
If you catch a mudpuppy while fishing, please photograph it, cut your fishing line, and release the mudpuppy back into the water. Report your observation to the DNR herpetologist at HerpSurveys@dnr.IN.gov and include a clear photograph of it, the date, and the location where it was found. The DNR appreciates your help tracking this unique salamander.
The count continues: The Great Backyard Bird Count
For four days in February, you can unite with fellow birders from your own home to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Watch birds for 15 minutes or more at least once during Feb. 16 – 19, then identify the birds you see or hear and share your observations.
Interested in comparing observations? You can explore the counts of birders near you or find other resources for birders on the Great Backyard Bird Count’s website.
Common milkweed in snow.
Build better habitat for wildlife this winter
Looking to build habitat that benefits wildlife species near you? February is a great time to complete winter habitat improvement projects, such as frost seeding native forbs, edge feathering forest boundaries, prescribe-burning warm-season grass, and removing invasive species.
DNR’s wildlife habitat fact sheets can teach you the best techniques for your desired management practices. Need more information for your unique property? Contact your district’s Wildlife Biologist, who can meet with you to provide suggestions on wildlife habitat improvements based on your specific goals.
Migrate to Goose Pond for Marsh Madness
Seeing the spring migration of sandhill cranes and other waterfowl firsthand doesn’t have to be a flight of fancy. Visit Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area (FWA) on Feb. 17 for the 15th annual Marsh Madness, a community-based birding festival hosted by Friends of Goose Pond. Enjoy wetland driving tours, educational exhibits, wildlife art displays, and more.
For the festival schedule and more information, visit Friends of Goose Pond’s website.
Recent news releases
Upcoming events
- Feb. 2 – Owl Prowl, Goose Pond FWA
- Feb. 3 – Open Meeting, Hovey Lake FWA
- Feb. 7 – Whooper Wednesday, Goose Pond FWA
- April 8 – Total Solar Eclipse, State of Indiana
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The Indiana Natural Resources Foundation celebrates and preserves Indiana’s natural legacy by raising funds to support the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and its programs. Together, we have helped expand public lands, restore wildlife habitat, and create outdoor educational and recreational opportunities for Hoosiers.
About Fish and Wildlife Management in Indiana
Fish and wildlife management and public access are funded by fishing and hunting license revenue and also through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs administered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. These programs collect excise taxes on sporting arms and ammunition, archery equipment, fishing equipment, and motor boat fuels. The money is distributed among state fish and wildlife agencies based on land size and the number of licensed anglers and hunters in each state. Find out more information about fish and wildlife management in Indiana at Wildlife.IN.gov.