NEWS RELEASE



INDIANA CONSERVATION OFFICERS

Indiana Conservation Officer

Angela Goldman



For Immediate Release

April 24, 2007



DNR Says Be Safe While Hunting Turkeys And Mushrooms



State Conservation Officers are reminding both turkey and mushroom hunters, that they will be sharing the woods with one another for the next few weeks and will need to pay particular attention to their surroundings to insure a safe hunt. There are many state properties in the area that have both abundant mushrooms as well as huntable areas for wild turkey. These properties include Atturbury Fish and Wildlife Area, Morgan-Monroe State Forest, Yellowwood State Forest, Monroe Reservoir property as well as parts of Hoosier National Forest. It is always the hunter's responsibility to know where it is legal to hunt, so please check with the property office before opening morning.

“With Indiana’s spring turkey season set to begin this Wednesday, April 25th and ending on May 13th, we would like for all those that enjoy mushroom and turkey hunting to know that they share some responsibility for safety when both activities overlap,” says Indiana Conservation Officer Brian Knoy.

He suggests practicing the following simple safety rules for an accident free hunt:

· Mushroom hunters should wear blaze orange while walking into, out of, and through the woods. The bright blaze orange will announce to others, that you are not a turkey. Avoid wearing red, white and blue outerwear or exposed inner clothing. These are colors associated with a turkey’s head.

· Turkey hunters should select a calling position where they can see for at least 50 yards in all directions and where they are protected from the backside.

· Whistle or shout to alert approaching hunters of your position. Never wave or stand up.

· Never sneak in on a turkey or use a gobbler call near other hunters.

· Never crowd another hunter working a bird.

· Never shoot at sound or movement.

· Know and identify your target and what is beyond.

· Use a flashlight when walking in the dark.

· Be aware of turkey “fever” and its prevention. Disregard peer pressure to bag a bird.

· Be extremely careful when using turkey decoys.

· Don’t assume that you are the only hunter in the area.

· Never assume that other hunters are responsible.

· Always keep your gun pointed in a safe direction and keep your finger off of the trigger until ready to shoot.



With much of Indiana’s weather forecasted to be much warmer than past weeks; the timing should be just right for peak hunting of both morels and turkeys.


Angela M. Goldman
Indiana Conservation Officer
Public Information Officer
Cellular 812-320-9839
Dispatch 812-837-9536
agoldman@dnr.in.gov

District Six Headquarters
PO Box 266
Nashville, IN 47448