The 2024-25 Hunting & Trapping Guide features teal hunting tips and tricks, interviews with some of Indiana’s waterfowl hunters, plus a duck-stuffed jalapeño popper recipe from our grassland gamebird biologist. Grab your copy to read the latest information and regulations for all hunting and trapping.
Pick up a copy at a nearby Fish & Wildlife Area, your local license retailer, and the Natural Resources Building during the State Fair or view the guide online. While you’re at it, purchase your fall hunting license.
This guide provides a summary of Indiana hunting and trapping regulations. This guide is not intended to be a complete digest of regulations. If you need complete versions of Indiana rules and regulations for hunting, they can be found in Indiana Code or in Indiana Administrative Code Title 312.
By Monika Spaulding
With hopes of helping struggling students to reach their full potential, Homestretch is looking for community support as it gets established in Washington County.
Last Thursday evening, the group held a fundraising, informational dinner at Westview Church. During the event, community members heard from the organization’s board about what the group is doing and wants to continue doing in the community.
Maria Burks led the evening, discussing everything from the group’s logo to their mission. She said Homestretch is something that has been on her heart for years, she just wasn’t sure how to get it up and going. That’s when she reached out to others about her vision and the ball started rolling.
The group specifically helps students who are 18 years old, are seniors in high school and do not have a home. She said although those are very specific terms, there is a great need to help students who match those criteria.
“This is a real problem that lives right here in our county,” said Burks. “We have a homeless camp. We have homeless kids.”
She said the goal is to get kids in a home their senior year and help them with life skills, including things like money management. This will allow students to finish high school in a more stable environment, get their high school diploma and be ready for the real world.
Burks said she is someone who wants to find out where God is working already and join there. She has been walking through open doors to make this organization a reality.
“We are in the iron grip of poverty in this area,” she said, adding that there are kids living in sheds, no bed, no water, no electricity.
She said when bad things happen, people seem to ask, “where is God in all of this?”
“God’s weaving a pattern and we all have a part in it,” she said, gesturing to everyone present. She said everyone in attendance has been part of her life in one way or another and bringing everyone together to work on this project is one example of God at work.
Burks reached out to David Miller at Hoosier Uplands about 15 months ago. Her original thought was to have a house where these students could live, but Miller convinced her that it would be too big of an expense and the upkeep, insurance, etc. would be too much. That’s when she turned to the idea of finding host families, people who would be willing to let these students live with them for a school year.
“Sustainability is the key,” said Burks. “Why start something if you can’t keep it going?”
She decided that host families would make the program more sustainable. Often students in this situation are “couch surfers” or kids who go from home-to-home sleeping at friend’s houses, places where they feel comfortable. With Homestretch, those places can become year-long homes for these students.
Hoosier Uplands liked the idea of Homestretch and saw the need, donating $10,000 to get things started, which allowed them to get the 501(c)(3). Burks said after figuring that part out, the question became how can we bring resources to the homes and help them?
Thanks to a fund with the Washington County Community Foundation, the families will receive a $400 stipend every month to help with expenses. They will also give $100 a month to the youth to help with teaching money management. Host families will help get them on their feet, get doctor’s appointments, etc. and give them the care they may not have received in the past.
Burks said WCCF Director Judy Johnson shared with her information she came across that were “rules” to follow to keep yourself out of poverty. The three rules were: graduate from high school, wait to get married until after age 21 and do not have children until you’re married, work a full-time job. Burkes said if these are followed you have a less than 2% chance of living in poverty.
“We want kids to take responsibility for their own life,” said Burks. “Personal decisions trump anything the government will ever do.”
Attendees Thursday evening heard testimonials from West Washington students who were helped by families in the community.
Charles Madden Jr., who was a 7th grader when Burks was the school counselor 10 years ago, was one of the success stories. His dad was arrested at a football game and everyone wanted to make sure Burks talked to him because he’d be so upset. Burks said he was upset, but it was because he didn’t want to blow the good things he had going at school. He was a good kid who didn’t do drugs and alcohol and he wanted to make sure he stayed that way and that he graduated from high school. He needed someone in his corner to support him and his goals.
Madden said coach Phillip Bowsman did a lot of mentoring for him. He got the encouragement and support he needed to graduate. His parents didn’t graduate, making him even more proud of his accomplishment. Now, Madden is getting ready to graduate college from Indiana State in construction management.
“Charles flipped the lens for me,” said Burks. “He was telling me that ‘what I need is support.’”
Another testimonial was a student who didn’t have a place to live or stable environment to grow in. His grades were suffering, and he missed a lot of school. This past school year, he moved in with Coach Jeremy Lowery. He turned his grades from Fs and Ds to As and Bs and only missed one day of school. He graduated and is currently working full time at a factory in Madison.
Robert Chandler is a student who moved in with the Nance family. He said he learned “water can be as thick as blood.
“They were there for me every single day. It has changed my whole life.”
Tracy Smith lost her parents when she was 5 and her sister was 1. They lived with grandparents until she was 17 when her aunt and uncle took over due to the death of her grandparents. It was not a good situation.
She said she met Don and Sherry Elgin through her best friend who was with the Elgin’s all the time. They stepped up and took Smith into their home.
“They were loving and consistent,” she said, adding that two years later, they took her sister in, too. “They gave me a place to be a teen instead of having to grow up too soon.”
These are just a few of the success stories that Homestretch would like to build on in Washington County.
“When we tell people about this, a light comes on in their eyes: they want to give us money or they want a kid,” said Burks.
There is a school committee at West Washington that helps find students who need placement. The committee includes counselors, teachers, coaches and parents. Applications are also on the Homestretch website.
The goal is to get the program going to benefit students at all three county schools.
The organization needs help in many ways and encourages the community to help in whatever way they can: monetarily, providing a home or serving on the organization’s board.
Learn more at homestretch-foundation.org.
The new artificial turf installation is under way at the Salem Lions football field. The Salem School Board approved the turf and a new press box at their January 18 meeting.
The turf field costs $1.7 million and the press box $481,413.
The field is named after Jim Ralston, who was the coach from 1977 to 1996. After that Ralston was principal at the high school, retired, and then was brought back as the elementary school principal. He was instrumental in the lives of many and just a huge part of the community.
The official dedication will be Friday, August 9.
Coach Ralston was there last Saturday with about 20 ex-football players when he found out the field was named in his honor.
The Hellas construction company wanted to do the field as a showcase to other high schools and adjusted the price to reflect that. They had the Indiana University football field in their portfolio along with the indoor and outdoor fields for Indiana Colts and Lucas Oil Stadium, but had never installed a turf field for a high school.
Hank Weedin, the Salem High School athletic director, gave an insight to the installation process. First a lot of dirt is removed and crushed rock is put down and leveled out. There is a drainage system under the field allowing the field to be used after a rain storm. Rubber pads are then installed to absorb the shock. The tuff is put down and stretched like carpet.
It may look finished now put a special fine pea gravel is placed over the gravel. Then very small rubber pellets are applied, which allows the turf material to stand up.The field is brushed with a sweeper every 40 hours. Once a year the Hellas Company will return and brush the field again and address any issues.
There are also new goal posts and an area for broad jump and pole vaulting.
Salem High is in partnership with the Indianapolis Colts. The football players will be there August 23 and on October 18 with the cheerleaders. Salem High School is one of the five schools that the Colts will visit.
The press box will not be installed in October – November so it will not interfere with the football season.
Weedin said “It’s expensive but the field is more versatile. The field will be used for band invitationals, soccer teams besides football. The soccer team will enjoy the restrooms, lighting and concession stand that they don’t have at their present location. This is definitely a show class for Salem.”
Weedin also pointed out the nice aluminum grandstands that were donated by Jack and Marcia Huckleberry, and Don and Ruth Huckleberry on Sept. 11, 1987. It was dedicated in memory of Roy and Gladys Huckleberry and their son Dale.
Another bit of history can be found behind the ball diamond. It’s the old pedestrian bridge that use to be at the Salem Speedway and now provides a path across Brock Creek. The bridge was removed from the speedway in 1977 by speedway owner at that time, Sherman Armstrong.
By Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI)
Summer will be gone before we know it, so take advantage of this perfect time to explore the Indiana Uplands. Enjoy summer fun whether you’re underground, on the water, or at a drive-in movie theater. The Uplands offers plenty of activities while the temperatures are warm and the sun is shining!
To help you plan your summer adventures, we’ve created a uniquely Uplands bucket list! Here are some of our favorite spots to visit and enjoy during the summer. We hope you love them as much as we do!
1. Marengo Caves
Feeling hot, hot, hot? Cool off underground in the Uplands at the most visited natural attraction in Indiana: Marengo Caves in Crawford County! This natural gem is perfect for a visit in the summer when the weather is hot as it maintains a year-round temperature of 52 degrees. You can explore the cave all year! How cool is that? In addition to the Crystal Palace and Dripstone Trail cave tours, there are some amazing activities above ground including go-karts and putt-putt golf.
2. Wilstem Wildlife Park
Experience the ultimate thrill when you get up close and personal with majestic wildlife – and ride a zipline or two – at Wilstem Wildlife Park in Orange County! Elephants, sloths, giraffes, and otters – oh my! At Wilstem, you can visit with all these adorable animals and more! Go on a drive-thru safari in your own vehicle or catch a ride on Wilstem’s wagon to see the wildlife out in the open. Ready to go prehistoric? The recently added Dinosaur Safari features animated dinosaurs you can enjoy from your vehicle, too! Looking for more thrills? Ride a zipline or go horseback riding while you’re there! You can plan to spend an entire summer day at Wilstem alone! And maybe walk a way with a one-of-a-kind profile picture, too! Wilstem was recently nominated as one of the best animal encounters in the country by Newsweek. Cast your vote for them by July 31. The top animal encounter will be announced in August!
3. Patoka Lake Wine Cruise
Sipping a glass of wine as you soak in the sunset on a beautiful lake feels like a dream, but in the Indiana Uplands, it is a reality! Patoka Lake Wine Cruises happen all summer long on the Patoka Voyager cruise boat. Sunsets are paired with Indiana wines, d’oeuvres, and desserts. Taste delicious wines and forget about your worries for a while – only in the Uplands! Better hurry and book your spot for the last two cruises set to sail in August. While you’re there check out Patoka Lake Winery and the new Old Homestead Distilling Co. featuring a tasting room, gift shop, spirit slushies, craft cocktails, and distillery tours! There is also a new saloon, brewery, and a 28-room hotel, in case you feel like extending the Patoka Lake fun into the night!
4. Go putt-putting
Ready for a little friendly competition? Grab your crew and head to Hoosier Putt Hole in Monroe County or Freedom Fairway Miniature Golf in Lawrence County for a chance to get a hole-in-one with a side of FUN! These courses are packed with creatively designed obstacles that add an extra layer of excitement to every game. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time player, you’ll find something to enjoy. Perfect for all ages, a trip around these putt-putt courses promises laughter, fun, and memorable moments with family and friends. So, gather your group and embark on an adventure that blends challenge and amusement, creating unforgettable experiences for everyone!
5. Drive-in movie
Spend a warm summer night watching a movie under the stars in the Uplands! Did you know there are less than 300 drive-in theaters in the United States? Of those theaters, less than 20 are in Indiana! We are lucky in the Uplands to have THREE drive-in movie theaters hosting blockbuster nights under the stars all summer. Embrace nostalgia and enjoy the magic of movies from the comfort of your car by visiting Starlite Drive-In Theater in Monroe County, Holiday Drive-In in Lawrence County, and Cinema 67 Drive-In Theater in Owen County. Don’t forget the popcorn!
By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer
The History Channel is presently running their acclaimed survival series called “Alone”. In this Season 11, ten people are dropped off in the unforgiving Artic Circle. The drop off point is in the McKenzie Delta in Canada. Temperatures can range from 40 degrees to -20.
The prize for the last one standing is $500,000.
Salem’s own Timothy “Timber” Cleghorn was one of the contestants. He picked ten items to take with him with no provisions. All alone, no backup people with him. The ten items he took with him included a sleeping bag, 2-quart pot, ferro rod (fire starter), axe, saw, modified multitool, bow with nine arrows, paracord, snare wire and fishing line with twenty-five hooks.
The History Channel staff gave each contestant five cameras, a tripod and 30 lbs. of batteries to film their adventure. There was no safety staff at all with the participants to save them from dying-- at best it would take 45 minutes for anybody to get to them.
Each of the ten contestants had a designated territory to stay in, and the History Channel had the area marked electronically with a Go Fence.
It so happens that Timber’s area had no eatable roots or berries. He survived on squirrel, pike fish and whatever else he could hunt. In the beginning of the season, Cleghorn shows the skinning method he learned to use on squirrels.
Timber said, “Pike fish was the nastiest thing I ever ate.” He said it was best boiled in the pot to avoid losing its caloric value. Pike are plentiful in the area and several of the other contestants caught and ate them.
His favorite drink was tea made from the Labrador bush. All water had to be boiled.
Some things were off the menu, like grizzly bears, Pine Martins, and Caribou. The Caribou is a source of food for the indigenous tribes living in the northwest area. Contestants were allowed to kill one beaver and one muskrat. This was done as a courtesy and balance of nature for the natives. The channel had to get permission from the Gwich’in tribal council to be there.
Passports were a must. This was not a problem for Timber due to his work as a traveling humanitarian aid worker. “To Tapout,” as it is called to quit, is made with a satellite phone.
How did he get on the show? Coming back to the United States after working in another country, he applied for the show. Basically, through four months of auditions, he was chosen to be on the show.
Cleghorn has been training all his life for his adventure. His father moved the family of 11 to rural Salem when he was seven years old. The family lived off the grid in Twin Creek Bottoms with no electricity. They plowed nine acres of the 128 acres with a horse.
Before milking the cows, Timber would set a trap lines. The cows provided milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products.
He was home schooled. His sister had a car, and he had $500, so they headed to school. He later graduated from The Linguistic Center near Fort Worth.
He worked his way through school building fences. That’s where he met his wife, Cara. They have been married for 14 years. Both shared common interests. They now have two boys, Levi and Elliot, and they are expecting a baby girl in late September. The family now lives near John Hay Lake and have electricity and fiber optics for the computer. The children go to Bradie Shrum Elementary School in Salem.
He describes himself as survivalist, wildman, free thinker, humanitarian aid worker and follower of Jesus.
The series can be watched one of two ways. The History Channel on Thursday or the History Channel app on Friday. The show is up to Episode 5. The History Channel doesn’t mention it, but mice and mosquitoes are a problem and very plentiful .
Timber made the largest kill of all contestants--a 1200 lb. moose. He slaughtered the moose and dressed it out. He dug out a cool spot to store the meat and smoked some of it. The meat had to be protected from all animals in the area. Traveling were wolf packs that howled all night and kept him awake. The only problem he had is a nose bleed.
When asked what else would have taken if he could, he replied, “A salt block to help with hydration.”
The group figured out that the issued GoPro cameras could provide light.
Cleghorn has traveled all over the world and, if he plans on being gone over a year and no danger exists, the family comes along.
Special permission for this interview was obtained from The History Channels’ Kirby Dixon, and photo credits to Brendan Ko Georg.
Be sure to catch Episode 6 and cheer Timber on!
Photos courtesy of Brendan Ko Georg
By Becky Killian, Staff Writer
Officials increased the salary for the jail commander in a move to find a permanent employee for the position.
The decision was made during a special joint session of the Washington County Council and Board of Commissioners on Monday, July 15.
According to Council President Mark Abbott, the salary was increased from $38,787 to $57,000 in a 4-0 vote. Those voting in favor of the change were Abbott, Gerald Fleming Sr., Keeley Stingel, and Preston Shell.
Council members Joe Walker Jr., Karen Wischmeier, and Rondale Brishaber were absent from the meeting.
Before the vote, Abbott said Sheriff Brent Miller reported that he had interviewed some candidates for the post, but they weren’t interested in the job after learning the salary.
Miller had included the salary increase in his 2025 budget; however, Council members opted to increase the salary early with the condition that the jail commander won’t see any raises in 2025.
The Council was alerted to the problem with filling the top jail post in May, when Miller said the jail commander’s salary was too low to attract a qualified candidate. He pointed out the salary was about $1,400 more than the correction officers the jail commander supervises.
At that time, Miller had been searching for a new jail commander for about a year after the former commander retired.
The post has been temporarily filled by a road deputy.
The jail commander is the third in command at the jail and oversees 17 correction officers as well as the inmates, who totaled more than 150 as of May.
The jail commander is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the jail, including training new hires, making sure the correction officers meet continuing education requirements, scheduling, record keeping, coordinating inmate transports, and hearing inmate grievances.
Miller said the jail’s correction officers are “a very young, inexperienced staff” that require supervision to ensure they follow important procedures. The situation continues to be a liability concern for Miller.
The jail has several inmates who suffer from medical conditions, addiction, and mental health issues, which Miller said makes running the jail more difficult.
A jail commander salary study Miller provided to the Council showed Floyd County with the highest salary of $92,616. The lowest salary was $34,008 in Crawford County. The average salary among the nine counties included in the study was $58,406.
The jail commander’s salary in Washington County, which is included among the counties in the study, ranked second to last just above Crawford County.
While Floyd County has a jail capacity of 330, Crawford County’s capacity is 78. Washington County’s jail capacity is 254 inmates.
By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer
The Monon South Trail is underway with Phase 1. This includes construction schedules, design standards, and interpretive programs.
The ribbon cutting for the project was held Tuesday, July 16, at Borden Community Park, as a crowd of about 100 looked on.
There was a Community Upgrade Meeting here in Salem on Wednesday, July 17, at the Monon Railroad Museum, 206 S. College Avenue.
Facilitating the meeting were members of Clark Dietz Inc. (Ryan Hughes), Radius Indiana (Jeff Quyle) and Taylor Siefker Williams (Ron Taylor), who each talked about their role in this project. They want to keep the Monon experience alive, Hoosier physical surroundings and Hoosier agriculture intact. Many Monon landmarks will be left as is to keep the railroad theme alive.
The Monon South Trail is a proposed 57-mile trail between Mitchell and Borden, and on to New Albany. This trail will connect eight local communities in the Lawrence, Orange, Washington, and Clark counties in southern Indiana.
The trail continues south through to New Albany. The city of New Albany is in charge of that section and will receive a portion of the Indiana state and government grants which totals $29.5 million. The trail will connect the Louisville loop and Ohio River Greenway trail.
The groups are seeking private funds as well. Right now, the grant will only pay for twenty miles of construction on the trail. This will include trail heads which will have rest rooms, shelters and parking. The rural and urban trailheads will vary in composite. Some of the trail heads will be asphalt and some consisting of limestone aggregate. The design includes rest areas.
The trail is definitely a tourist attraction. It goes through Mitchell, Orleans, Leipsic, Saltillo, Campbellsburg, Salem, New Pekin, Borden and down to New Albany in that order. The group is working on consistency of signage along the trail.
The Orleans trail has a hard dead line of August 25. This was perceived to be easiest and will be the example for others to come. The old rails and ties were removed leaving the rock.
The Salem Trailhead will start at the intersection of South Main and West Small streets. Presently at that site is an CSX building and a large boxcar. The group said the railroad forgot about the boxcar and sent them a quick claim deal. It is being restored and now has a coat of red primer. This part of the trail will be 18 miles long and is a part of Segment One. It will run from Salem through New Pekin to Borden. The trail runs across two bodies of water, the Middle Fork Blue River and the South Fork Blue River at New Pekin. No completion date is given. One obstacle is the bridges. The floor must be removed and a new floor installed and, of course, inspected.
There are many websites and a Facebook page for more information.
The trail at this point is not open to the public.
Staff photos by Jerry Curry
Campbellsburg, Ind., July 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A hearing officer for the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) decisively recommended that Metal Powder Products' (MPP) objections to the April 10th union election be overruled, where a majority of workers at the Campbellsburg plant voted to join the industrial division of the Communications Workers of America (IUE-CWA). This ruling underscores MPP's persistent and underhanded attempts to obstruct its employees' rights to unionize and seek fair representation.
Following a thorough review, the NLRB’s hearing officer found no credible evidence to substantiate MPP's allegations or to rerun the election. Consequently, the hearing officer overruled the objections in their entirety, confirming the legitimacy of the workers' decision to unionize and shedding light on ongoing concerns regarding MPP's treatment of its workforce.
Recently, IUE-CWA filed several Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charges against MPP, alleging the company engaged in unlawful conduct. These charges included unlawful interrogation, perceived surveillance, and removal of union materials from workers' personal spaces. Together with MPP's baseless election objections, these actions underscore a troubling pattern aimed at suppressing workers' rights.
"MPP's attempts to disenfranchise its workers and sow discord have been exposed," said Carl Kennebrew, President of IUE-CWA. "Our members stand united, committed to achieving a workplace where their rights are respected and their voices heard. They will not be silenced by the company’s bullying and intimidation tactics."
MPP, owned by Mill Point Capital, a New York-based private equity firm managing over $1.4 billion in capital commitments, faces increasing scrutiny regarding corporate responsibility and ethical governance. Investors and stakeholders alike should consider the implications of supporting companies that prioritize profits over fair treatment of their workforce.
Despite MPP's efforts to delay and contest the election, the workers at the Campbellsburg plant remain steadfast. They have elected a bargaining committee and stewards, with the first bargaining session scheduled for July 22nd. This group, comprising approximately 160 workers, will join workers at two IUE-CWA-represented facilities in Pennsylvania.
"The solidarity and determination of our members are unwavering," Kennebrew added. "As we enter negotiations, we remain committed to securing improved conditions and a brighter future for all employees at MPP."
IUE-CWA is the industrial division of Communication Workers of America representing a force of 150,000 active and retired men and women united collectively to seek dignity on the job and a secure future for ourselves, our children and all future generations.
By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer
The Washington County Community Foundation recently awarded Home Stretch Foundation a $6000 grant.
Home Stretch Foundation is a grassroots program started by president and founder Maria Burks. She has 45 years experience as a licensed professional counselor.
The program is a bridge for young adults to have a smooth transition into a successful adult life. The organization will match a high school student who is at least 18 years old into a host home that will see them through graduation and into adulthood.
Each student will take a skills assessment test. The host family and student will fill out applications.
This is a short-term placement for students that may be at risk to not graduate because of their home environment or other road blocks leading to a high school diploma.
The host family will provide a stable, loving, safe and accepting home environment.
The organization is presently active at the West Washington school district. Plans are to cover all high schools in the area.
More information can be obtained by visiting the new website Homestretch-foundation.org/contact.
Ernie Tuttle, Democrat candidate for Washington County Commissioner, District 3.
David Norton, Democrat candidate for Washington County Commissioner, District 1.
The Republicans' time to file to be candidates in the November is over; it’s now time for the Democrats to file. They had until July 3 at noon to file for election and be on the ballot.
Two candidates have filed for re-election to the Town of Pekin Town Council. They are Darlene Anderson Hall and Anthony N. Mosby and will be uncontested.
Ernie Tuttle has been appointed by the Democrat Party to fill the ballot vacancy as a candidate for County Commissioner District 3.
David H. Norton has been appointed by the Democratic Party to fill the ballot vacancy of the party for County Commissioner, District 1. His filing has been certified, and he will be on the ballot in November. For clarification, along with his Primary voting history, the party filed a Certification of Support by the Democratic party chair in support of his declaration of candidacy. This is standard practice when someone changes party.
The city obtained a short-term loan in 2020 to upgrade its wastewater treatment plant, and now officials are preparing to seek long-term financing. The matter was discussed during the Monday, July 8, meetings of the Board of Public Works and Safety and Common Council.
In 2020, the Council approved sewer works bond anticipation note, which allowed the work to begin. The loan must either be paid in full – including interest – or refinanced before June 1. Beau Zoeller, the city’s attorney, noted that the 2020 vote approved both the short-term and long-term financing of the project.
Andre Riley, of Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors in Indianapolis, said that Salem is in a good position to obtain a low interest loan through the state. The state’s low interest loans see a lot of applicants, making it competitive. It was noted that the Indiana Finance Authority has favorably ranked Salem 13th of 108 communities seeking the loans.
The state’s loans have interest rates of about 2.5 percent or less. If the city were to obtain other financing, interest rates could be about double that amount.
The city currently owes about $2.4 million on the note, including interest; however, it’s possible the city could refinance that debt and obtain more funds to pay for mandated upgrades to remain compliant with state and federal guidelines as well as capital improvement needs.
The work approved in 2020 was based on an assessment conducted by Wessler Engineering. Part of that assessment included smoke testing of the city’s underground wastewater pipes. Wessler had told the city to expect a total project cost between $1.4 million and $1.5 million.
In May 2020, officials approved the bond anticipation note of up to $3 million. In addition to construction costs and interest, other costs such as administrative fees are included in the loan.
In December 2020, Thieneman Construction Inc. was approved as the winning bidder for the $1.4 million project.
The 2020 vote came about a year after the Indiana Department of Environmental Management fined the City of Salem $6,000 for violations by the city’s wastewater plant. Those violations included six instances when an estimated 3.5 million gallons of raw sewage was released into the West Fork of the Blue River.
Every May, wild turkey chicks (poults) begin to hatch in Indiana, and DNR needs your help counting turkey broods (hens with poults) and hens without poults.
Brood reports have been collected every year since 1993 to calculate the annual Wild Turkey Production index, which informs biologists about population status and guides management decisions for the species.
Please share your 2024 observations with us online from July 1 until Aug. 31. Recording observations takes less than five minutes, and no login is required.
We rely on your observations to calculate our Production Index, so every report counts! We appreciate your participation.
The wild turkey brood reporting period is July 1 - Aug. 31
Wild turkey hen with ten poults. Photo by Dan Kaiser.
Help the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife monitor summer production of wild turkeys by recording wild turkey sightings during July and August using our online survey tool.
Why count turkeys?
Brood surveys provide useful estimates about annual production by wild turkey hens and the survival of poults (young turkeys) through the summer brood-rearing period. Summer brood survival is generally the primary factor influencing wild turkey population trends. Information on summer brood survival is essential for sound turkey management. Information gathered through the brood survey includes:
- Average brood sizes (hens + poults). For example, in the photo above there is one hen with seven poults, for a brood size of eight.
- Percentage of adult hens with poults.
- Production Index (PI) = total number of poults/total number of adult hens
What is a wild turkey brood?
A wild turkey brood is composed of at least one adult hen with young (poults). As the summer progresses, multiple broods may gather into what is termed a “gang” brood with several adult hens and multiple broods of poults of varied ages. During summer, adult gobblers (male turkeys) play no role in raising a brood and either form small male only “bachelor” flocks or are observed as a single gobbler.
No gobblers should be reported.
- 2022 Turkey Brood Report
- 2021 Turkey Brood Report
- 2020 Turkey Brood Report
- 2019 Turkey Brood Report
- 2018 Turkey Brood Report
- 2017 Turkey Brood Report
What should I report if I see a turkey brood or some turkey hens without poults?
We are interested in the following observations of turkeys from across the state:
- Number of adult hens with the number of poults or
- Number of adult hens without poults and
- County and date of each observation.
Please provide as accurate a count of both hens and poults as possible. It is also just as important to record observations of hens without poults. Don’t compile multiple observations as one report, instead report each different observation separately, even if observations of different broods are made on the same day in the same county. Understand that by mid to late August, turkey poults are normally about two-thirds the size of an adult, and a juvenile gobbler (jake) can be about the same size as an adult hen. Suspected repeat observations of the same turkeys during the same month should not be recorded.
Wild turkey hen with eight poults.
Need help identifying male and female turkeys?
Females are generally smaller in body size, about the size of a Canada Goose (8-12 lbs), and their coloration is duller brown to buff with no obvious iridescence. In general, female wild turkeys do not have a visible beard. In contrast, males have larger bodies, much larger than a Canada Goose (18-28 lbs), and their general coloration is very dark, appearing black with an iridescent sheen. Most adult male wild turkeys have a visible beard.
Turkey Teaser Results
The full brood report will be posted above once it is available. In the meantime, enjoy these maps that show participation by county and brood reports by landcover from the 2023 Turkey Brood Reporting period. If there are no reports from your area, but you saw a turkey brood this past summer, make sure to check back in July and August to submit your own reports and contribute to turkey management.
If you have questions about the turkey brood survey, please email Wildlife Index, at
The Washington County Community Foundation is hosting it's annual Open House Thursday, July 18, at Cornerstone Hall, 1500 RC Morris Drive Salem. The public is invited, and there is no cost to attend.
A full meal will be provided, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Please RSVP to attend the meal by calling 812-883-7334 or email
The event replaces the original Annual Meeting for the organization. Guests may come and go as they please or attend the entire evening until 7:30 p.m.
There will be a program at 7 p.m. featuring three organizations that received grants from WCCF donors--Washington County Family YMCA, CAST (Creating Avenues for Student Transformation) and the Bradie Shrum Elementary STEAM/Robotics Team. Representatives from these grant recipients will tell stories of how lives in the community have been impacted thanks to the generous donors of WCCF.
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