Outdoor Indiana - November/December 2021

Featured Stories

• From the director

  ALL THE BEST FROM YOUR DNR

  

  DNR Director Dan Bortner

  We at the Department of Natural Resources take our mission to protect, enhance, and preserve our state’s natural, cultural, and recreational resources seriously all year-round. As we often say, we are in the memory-making business. While many associate us with beaches, camping, and warmer weather, few places are better for making holiday memories with your family than state parks, forests, nature preserves, and fish & wildlife properties.

  Some of the best bonding time you could hope for can also be found in a hunting blind, tree stand, or while walking a field. November kicks off many hunting seasons, including upland game, waterfowl in select regions, firearms deer season, and several trapping seasons. And at the end of a successful deer harvest, you can get into the spirit of giving by donating meat to the feed the hungry through the Sportsmen’s Benevolence Fund. See sbf.IN.gov for more information.

  Hoosiers have gathered at State Park Inns to enjoy holiday dinners for more than 60 years. We look forward to restarting that tradition in earnest this Thanksgiving. Learn more about dinners and discounted stays at indianainns.com.

  And remember to get your family’s new year off on the right foot with a First Day Hike at one of our properties. This nationwide initiative gives you a chance to get outside, exercise, and enjoy nature. More information will be posted at calendar.dnr.IN.gov and through our social media channels.

  Happy Holidays from all of us at your Indiana DNR!

• HARD TO DEFINE, EASY TO SEE

  Hoosier hunting culture is full of stories and relationships
  By Scott Roberts, OI staff

  

  Don Brannon (right front) and pheasant-hunting camp friends gather at Glendale Fish & Wildlife Area.

  Because many hunters are storytellers, beliefs and traits within hunting culture have been passed on through tales told around campfires, in a hunting blind, or any other place hunters gather—including on social media.

  Some stories live on for generations, and some are forgotten in a couple of days, but their impact often continues.

  “Most times whether you come home with game in hand isn’t what’s important,” said Luke Louden, hunting outreach specialist for the Division of Fish & Wildlife. “What’s important is the story that gets told afterward—what challenges did you overcome? What lessons did you learn? Who was with you? What kind of meals did a successful harvest provide?

  “Authentic answers to these questions are the building blocks of a good hunting story.”

  Jarrett Manek, interpretive naturalist for O’Bannon Woods State Park, who has guided a number of turkey hunts in the Blue River area, says his experience is that those stories, “usually have a little embellishment thrown in.”

  Storytelling has been part of hunting culture ever since humans have hunted wildlife. Scenes depicting hunting appear on many early cave paintings.

• DESTINATIONS

  Wellfield Botanic Gardens
  Brighter winter holidays, naturally
  Story & Photos by John Maxwell, OI staff

  

  Wellfield, shown decorated with holiday lights last December, plans to hang a million lights for this season’s Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show.

  In the heart of the city of Elkhart, Wellfield Botanic Gardens has steadily expanded its holiday lights display. After adding 200,000 more lights this year, the 36-acre natural enclave will be making spirits even brighter with a “Million Lights Year” Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights Show.

  Much of the lighting is designed to artfully highlight the natural beauty of the gardens. Other sections include colorful and festive sensory treats for children.

  “It’s made for both kids and adults,” said executive director Eric Garton, “warming fires, holiday music, hot drinks ... we made a lot of front covers on folks’ Christmas cards.”