The NRC meeting went pretty much as expected. The 2 items of concern for me were agenda item#9 (Forestry fees) and agenda item #10 (HPR's).
Item #9
http://www.in.gov/nrc/files/item_9_nrc_may_2015.pdf Very interesting discussion on fee increases for Parks and Forestry. It seems that there was a $4,800,000 deficit last year in these divisions. Also it was revealed that 70% of funding for these divisions comes from user fees. The last fee increase in this area was in 2006. The attached fees increases would make up that shortfall. Hunters and fishermen need to be aware that a license fee increase is in the works for us as well.
Item #10
http://www.in.gov/nrc/files/item_10_report.pdf The proposed rule allowing HPR's was withdrawn. DNR views it as a social issue and sees no reason to oppose such a rule but the public is split on allowing a new weapon category. I would expect the rule proposal to resurface someday with some restrictions on it (mag capacity, overall bullet size, geographical considerations, etc).
Also withdrawn was the coyote rule allowing verbal rather than written permission to take coyotes. Seems that the statue requires written permission and would have to be changed by the legislature.
The rule limiting the bag on bluegill was also withdrawn. Fiscal issues that had not been considered by the agency were revealed in the public comment and persuaded DNR to withdraw this request.
One correction was made to the walleye issue. Now it will be a size limit of 16" on all walleye taken north of S.R. 26 in Indiana.
HatchetJack
