Frequently Asked Questions
LICENSES
Why did Indiana raise non-resident license fees?
License fees were raised by the Indiana General Assembly at the request of conservation groups. The fees were raised to more closely match the non- resident fees charged by neighboring states. All license fees are used for the management of fish and wildlife resources in Indiana
If I purchase a youth hunting license when I am 17, but turn 18 before the license has expired, may I still use it?
Yes. Youth hunting licenses are valid for a full year after purchase, even if you turn 18 during that year. The next time you purchase a license, however, you will need to purchase a regular license at the normal fees.
WILDLIFE
The number of birds in my yard is down. Have all the birds died from west nile virus?
Bird populations may fluctuate quite dramatically over short periods of time in local areas. This may be due to normal annual life cycle changes (breeding, post-breeding dispersal), migration, short-distance movements as birds seek out more available food sources, or a variety of other reasons. West Nile Virus (and other diseases) may be a factor in causing unusual mortality in large or local areas. Most bird species can die from this disease but some species seem much more susceptible (crows, blue jays, hawks) than others.
Long-term changes in regional bird populations are monitored through a variety of surveys, although pin-pointing the causes of increases or declines is much difficult to ascertain. Besides diseases, birds succumb to collisions with vehicles, buildings, windows, towers, and utility lines; are preyed upon by wild and domestic (especially cats) animals; and are affected by adverse weather.
What kind of snake might be found in or around your house?
In Indiana we have about 35 snake species. Only four of these species are venomous. Most snakes that you find in your yard are harmless. Garter snakes are one of the most commonly seen snake. The garter snake is perfectly harmless and very beneficial. Garter snakes are easily recognized because they have distinguishing horizontal stripes that run the length of their body.
These snakes can be several different colors ranging from green to yellow to brown. Some other harmless snakes that you may find in your yard are black rat snakes, fox snakes, hognose snakes and banded water snakes. The venomous snakes that are found in the state are: northern copperhead, timber rattlesnake, cottonmouth and massasauga rattlesnake.
Both of the rattlesnakes that are found in Indiana are endangered species and if found they should be left alone. The copperhead snake is found in southern Indiana in the limestone regions. The banded water snake is often mis-identified as a copperhead because of similar coloration. If you find a snake in your yard the best way to identify it is to use one of the many identification/field guides that can be found at your local library. Peterson's and Audubon's field guides are both good sources of information.
Does the DNR release venomous snakes, such as rattlesnakes, into the wild?
The Department of Natural Resources supports the biological diversity of wildlife in Indiana. Species, such as the timber rattlesnake, are rare and endangered in Indiana, so the DNR conducts studies on these snakes. To study these snakes, DNR biologists and university researchers collect the snakes from their environment, tag them and release them back into the same place that the snakes were collected. No new snakes are ever returned to these environments.
The DNR is not stocking any new venomous snakes, such as rattlesnakes, into any new areas in the wild. If the DNR ever considered releasing a species such as the rattlesnake into the wild, the agency would first gain plenty of public input before proceeding.
What to do when a wild animal gets in the house?
If you think that you might have a critter in the attic, the best thing to do is try to identify what the animal might be and how it has entered your home. If you can find the entrance, the best thing to do is wait for the animal to leave and block off the hole. If this is not a possibility, there are companies that are available that will remove the animal for you. Look in the yellow pages under animal removal services or call the local sheriff's department for information on nuisance wildlife control organizations near you. The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife does not serve as a removal service.
There are many kinds of animals that could make your home theirs. Animals enter homes for a few reasons: food, warmth or a place to have their young. Raccoons and squirrels are probably the most common invaders due to their ability to climb. The signs that these animals are in your home are usually pretty obvious. Raccoons are large animals and need a good size opening to make their way in. Squirrels usually enter the home along eves, chimneys or any where they can pull away siding. They often leave behind signs of chewing. Both squirrels and raccoons are fairly noisy and if not seen, they are usually heard. Some other possible intruders would be: birds, bats, opossums, and snakes. Prevention is always the best measure-- install chimney caps, seal eves, and secure any loose siding or roofing material to prevent entry from occurring.
Bird Identification
Backyard bird feeding has grown dramatically over the past few years. This practice has increased the states number of amateur bird watchers. If you enjoy viewing birds and learning what kinds of birds are feeding at your feeders, we suggest that you use a field guide. It is impossible for us to identify birds or any animal over the phone without actually seeing the animal. So, we recommend both Peterson's and Audubon's Field Guides. They are available at your local library or most book stores. These guides are the quickest and best way to identify your backyard guests. Some common birds that you could see visiting your feeders might be house finches, golden finches, chickadees, cardinals, buntings and many more.
What do you do if you find a baby or injured animal?
Every spring thousands of animals are born in the wild. With more and more suburban areas, young animals are increasingly born near humans and discovered without an adult animal nearby. Well-meaning people can upset the course of nature by taking young animals from their nests. Removing wildlife from its environment is prohibited by state regulations without proper handling permits. The apparent lack of an adult does not necessarily mean a young animal is alone. Adults often leave their young alone, safe in nests or dens while they forage for food, but rarely do they abandon their young. If a bird has fallen out of a nest, it is ok to gently return it to the nest. The best way to make sure an animal is truly orphaned is to wait and check it periodically. If you are unsure, place some strings or sticks across the nest. If such items are later disturbed, the mother has returned. In such a situation, leave the young animal alone. The adult will return after you leave the area. If the nest is not disturbed or after monitoring the young for several hours an adult does not return, please contact a licensed rehabilitator. The DNR, Division of Fish and Wildlife maintains a list of wildlife rehabilitators who have state or federal permits to care for wild animals. If you find an injured animal, contact a wildlife rehabilitator. The DNR, Division of Fish and Wildlife does not care for injured animals or transport them to rehabilitators. Find more information on the Wildlife Rehabilitation page.
How do you eliminate a nuisance animal on your property?
Many wild animals in Indiana have become displaced as the result of urban growth and removal of their habitat. While some species may move to other areas where natural habitat exists, some species actually thrive in urban settings. Species such as raccoons, opossums and even red foxes are becoming more common in urban areas and are frequently seen by people. However, these animals can also cause problems when they use a person’s attic for shelter, destroy shingles and soffits, and eat their garbage.
Wild animals such as these are protected by the State of Indiana for all of the citizens of Indiana, but sometimes they cannot peaceably coexist. Because of the large number of raccoons and other species that cause a nuisance for landowners throughout the state, the DNR is unable to provide assistance to actually help remove the animals. The DNR does, however, offer some solutions and advice on how to try to prevent future problems and remove wild animals that have created a problem. The DNR also licenses individuals to provide nuisance wild animal control services to the public. Find one near you at Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators.
Resident landowners and tenants have several options for dealing with many of these animals. A resident landowner or tenant can legally capture some species of wild animals without a permit if the animal is discovered damaging property. However, a wild animal that is captured by a landowner or tenant must be reported to a conservation officer within 72 hours. If the animal is going to be released after it is caught, it must be released in the county of capture. You must also have permission from the landowner before releasing any animals on their property; this includes city, county or state property. Please contact the property’s owner or manager before releasing wild animals on their property. If the nuisance wild animal is not on your own property or you wish to receive an annual permit, you can apply for a nuisance wild animal control permit. The application form and regulations are available on-line.
HUNTING
Can private landowners be held liable for allowing sportsmen access to their lands?
A law recently passed by the Indiana legislature strengthens protection for landowners who allow people on their land to hunt, fish or trap.
Farmers who might otherwise welcome responsible hunters on their land are often concerned about liability so concerned that they just refuse to allow anyone on their land. Horror stories have cropped up about innocent landowners being sued for thousands of dollars when clumsy hunters fell out of tree stands. And infamous cases, such as the coffee spill that cost McDonalds millions, strike lawsuit fear into landowners hearts.
Recognizing the barrier that liability places between farmers and outdoor enthusiasts, Dick Mercier, president of the Indiana Sportsmen's Roundtable, asked Indiana lawmakers to strengthen the law that is already in place protecting landowners from liability.
Indiana law states that landowners do not assume responsibility or incur liability for injury to people using their land for the purpose of hunting, fishing or trapping, and that sportsmen using land do not have assurances that the premises are safe for that purpose.
However, the law does not protect landowners who charge for access to their land. When you lease land for hunting, you fall under the same responsibility that a business establishment has for its customers. If you lease hunting rights on your land, you should contact your attorney or insurance agent to find out how to protect yourself.
Even with this strengthened legal protection, you must let people who use your land know about dangers that you are aware of in the area, such as open wells, aggressive dogs or livestock, etc.
Allowing hunters, anglers and trappers on your land can be beneficial to you and to sportsmen. Hunters and trappers can help manage wildlife populations on your land to minimize crop damage. Responsible sportsmen can also help keep an eye on your property and keep unwelcome trespassers off.
Fear of liability should no longer stand in the way of landowners developing strong, beneficial relationships with ethical, reliable sportsmen.
FISHING
MISCELLANEOUS
How do I apply for or find out about job opportunities with the Indiana Division of Fish and Wildlife?
All employment for the Indiana DNR is handled through Indiana State Personnel. Search their job bank at http://www.in.gov/spd/index.htm for current openings.
To find out more information about careers in fish and wildlife, visit our Careers page.
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