|
Fish and wildlife rules update
------------------------------------
-- Rule changes presented for final adoption July 20
-- Orange clothing requirement dropped for possible fall turkey season
-- Trout season date retained
----------------------------------------
Modified Department of Natural Resource's fish and wildlife administrative
rule change proposals will be presented to the Natural Resources Commission
on July 20.
Earlier this year, DNR proposed more than 30 rule changes to protect
wildlife while addressing enforcement, legal and social concerns. Changes to
deer and turkey hunting laws, fishing regulations, turtle regulations and
state endangered species listings have been proposed.
The creation of a fall turkey season, extending the coyote season, and
establishing new brown trout regulations at Brookville Lake are a few of the
rules changes suggested by hunters and anglers last summer during a series
of open houses.
Based upon public comments, the DNR has recommended numerous changes to the
original rule proposals that were given preliminary adoption in January.
More than 50 individuals attended the public hearing on March 25, 2004, and
many comments on the rules were mailed or e-mailed.
Due to overwhelming public opposition, the proposed hunter orange clothing requirement for fall turkey hunting with a firearm has been dropped. DNR continues to strongly believe in the wearing of hunter orange as a means of
reducing hunter-judgment or vision-related accidents. The DNR will continue to partner with the National Wild Turkey Federation and other sportsman's groups to educate hunters about turkey hunting safety.
The DNR has also recommended keeping the trout season closing date of Dec.
31 due to concerns that a trout season extension could hurt brown trout
populations that are stocked by private groups with a DNR stocking permit.
The NRC meeting is 10 a.m., July 20 at in the Garrison Conference Center at
Ft. Harrison State Park on the eastside of Indianapolis. The meeting is
open to the public.
To view the proposed rule language and complete report, including public
comments and DNR responses, go to: http://www.in.gov/nrc/issue.
For information on the rule review process and specific proposals, go to:
http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/about/rules.htm
Individuals who need reasonable modifications for effective participation in
public meetings should call the DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife ADA
coordinator at (317) 232-4080 (voice and TDD).
|
