Upcoming Learn to Hunt and Learn to Fish Events
Want to learn how to hunt or fish? Experienced, but want to pursue new species or skills? Whether you’re a seasoned outdoors enthusiast or a complete beginner, consider joining us for a free Learn to Hunt or Learn to Fish workshop!
These adult-oriented (age 16 or older) workshops will be held throughout the state and are designed to equip participants with the information and resources needed for their hunting or fishing journeys.
Each course consists of an informative 60 to 90-minute lesson combined with hands-on learning opportunities led by experienced instructors. This year’s course offerings will include Intro to Waterfowl Hunting, Intro to Deer Hunting, Basic Fishing, Bass Fishing, Catfish Fishing, and more. We hope to see you there!
Make a Difference – Volunteer with DNR
Volunteering with DNR Division of Fish, Wildlife & Nature Preserves is a great way to get active outdoors, connect with others, and take part in hands-on conservation. Check out our volunteer video to get a glimpse of volunteer service happening around the state that supports wildlife habitat, wildlife populations, and outdoor recreation for current and future generations. DFWNP staff are ready to welcome you, or your group, to safe, fun, meaningful volunteer service on DNR properties and projects.
Calling All Paddlers: Paddlecraft Index Volunteers Needed
From kayaks to canoes, there’s no better seat for watching Indiana’s incredible wildlife this summer. If you enjoy recreating on Indiana’s waterways and watching wildlife, consider becoming a Paddlecraft Index volunteer.
Volunteers help DNR by documenting the wildlife they observe while paddling from June 1 to July 31. Volunteers can sign up online and will be mailed a packet with details on how to participate.
Thank you, past and future volunteers!
May is for Celebrating, Remembering, and Honoring
As spring reaches its peak this month, Indiana’s outdoors bursts with color, wildlife, and opportunity. May also brings special moments.
Looking for a gift idea? Indiana DNR gift cards are now available, making it easy to share outdoor adventures.
As Memorial Day approaches, we invite you to honor those who served while enjoying Indiana’s natural beauty. Considering casting a line? Visit our website to explore destinations, events, and opportunities to fish around the state.
Get outside, stay safe, and make the most of May!
Join a Guided Hike on a Nature Preserve
DNR ecologists, along with partner organizations and land trusts, will hold a series of hikes on nature preserves starting in the spring. Learn about the special plants and wildlife that exist in the habitat, take in the beautiful sights, and enjoy some of Indiana’s finest natural areas.
Attendance is free, but registration is required.
Upcoming Guided Hikes:
May 23 - Guided Hike, Berns-Meyer Nature Preserve
May 30 - Guided Hike, Springfield Fen Nature Preserve
June 6 - Guided Hike, Baltzell-Lenhart Nature Preserve
Reminder: Free Fishing Days are Coming Soon!
If you’ve ever thought about fishing—or know someone who has—Free Fishing Days give Hoosiers a chance to cast a line without the usual requirements.
On May 10, June 6–7, and Sept. 26 of this year, residents can fish the state's public waters without purchasing a fishing license or trout/salmon stamp. It’s the perfect opportunity for beginners to test the waters, families to spend time together, or experienced anglers to introduce a friend to the sport.
Explore our fishing tips and videos and our Where to Fish Map to get ready for the free fun!
Extra, Extra! -- Extra Crawfish Frogs, That Is
For the past few years, DNR biologists have been working to increase the population of state-endangered crawfish frogs in Indiana. In the past, they’ve done so by rearing young frogs in captivity and moving egg masses from the wild to establish populations at other existing wetlands. This spring, however, they took a new step by introducing egg masses into new wetlands built just for crawfish frogs!
Six full and six partial egg masses were moved into existing wetlands near Angel Mounds, and five full and five partial egg masses were moved to newly constructed wetlands at Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area. This dedicated team is also raising five partial egg masses in captivity at a DNR facility and will release them to the sites when they’re larger.
This rare-and-endangered-species work, along with other similar conservation projects, is supported by generous donations to the Indiana Nongame Wildlife Fund.
Tips and Tricks to Avoid Ticks
Springtime adventures come with tagalongs — ticks. Bites from these tiny hitchhikers put people and animals at risk for diseases such as Lyme disease, alpha-gal syndrome, and ehrlichiosis.
The good news? There are a few simple steps you can take to help stay protected while you enjoy the outdoors.
Dress appropriately: Wear light-colored clothing that covers your arms and legs. This makes it easier to spot ticks.
Use repellants: Use a tick repellant that contains DEET or another EPA-approved product.
Avoid tick habitat: Stay on marked trails and avoid walking in high grass and brush.
Most important: After a day outside, check yourself, others, and your pets for ticks. It’s important to remove any as soon as possible.
For more tips to avoid ticks, visit the Indiana Department of Health’s tick bite prevention website.
