FWCC meeting notes from December 2020
Jan 4, 2021 22:57:51 GMT -5
Woody Williams and featherduster like this
Post by hatchetjack on Jan 4, 2021 22:57:51 GMT -5
Division of Law Enforcement Update, Steve Hunter:
Wrapped up deer season, a lot of activity, baiting, trespassing, etc. Interesting case related to hunting leases where someone placed a Facebook ad for land to hunt and someone contacted them and leased land for $2k. They then ran into several other people who also paid to lease that land. Discovered someone leased land they did not own, to people they did not know, and collected money. 3 South region Lieutenants are retiring and have identified their replacements. Currently have 38 vacancies and it is looking good for recruit school for 2021.
There were no fatalities this year, however there was one near fatality. Tree stand falls- most going up or down stand. Appears the harness message is out there and people are abiding it for the most part.
Rules Update, Amanda Wuestefeld:
Before the September Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting, Linnea shared our proposed rules with the group. Those were adopted and now becoming rules. We were notified this week that those rules will be posted mid December and be effective. You can find those rules in the middle of the page at: www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/2362.htm
Fish rules go into effect December 17th and the Wildlife rule package will go into effect on December 16. The biggest thing to note is that air bows and air rifles will be legal in late deer seasons this year anywhere where firearms will be legal.
Research update, Joe Caudell:
Currently have a research project going on that will look at the effects of changing deer license structure and changing license prices and what that means on deer population and hunter perspectives. Working with an ag economist at Purdue so we can look at if we restructure or add licenses or change prices, what affect it will have on people purchasing and what that means for our deer population. That project just started and will involve talking to a random sample of deer hunters and sending surveys with what is called a choice experiment. This one is a 2 year project.
Question was asked if there is any plan to look at other potential funding sources, for example visitors participating in other activities other than fishing/hunting at DFW properties. DFW is proposing one project this year to do a more comprehensive look at the use of properties, volume of use, who is using them, so it is being considered currently.
Other Announcements:
John Davis announced he will be retiring in January, 2021.
David Bausman provided a brief update on legislative session. Things seems to be running a little behind due to COVID. What he is hearing is there will likely be less time to focus on other issues and likely less on natural resources than normal.
Amanda Wuestefeld provided a brief update on her meeting with the Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) on coyote contests. This is a national initiative for HSUS and they shared the research they have done with other states that have placed a ban on those contests and position statements from several other conservation organizations. DNR has asked them to allow us time gather more data for Indiana.
The group discussed the current format of meetings and how the group would like to proceed. It was agreed the virtual format was working well given current climate with COVID. However, the group would like to explore face to face a few times a year once it is safe to do so. There was consensus we will try for a blended approach of virtual monthly calls and strive for some face to face meetings, maybe quarterly. Amanda asked the group to please send her agenda items so she can ensure these meetings are addressing the areas of most interest of the group.
There was a suggestion to talk about bobcats at a future meeting. Discussion on a need for education now when there is not a threat of a harvest season.
Future Meeting Dates: All calls will be at 5 pm EST
January 28, 2021