Indiana Ag Connection - Patoka Lake Controlled Dove Hunt Outlined

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Patoka Lake Controlled Dove Hunt Outlined
Indiana Ag Connection - 08/14/2020

Wildlife Management staff at Patoka Lake will conduct two separate in-person drawings for two controlled mourning dove hunting opportunities on Sept. 1. The drawings will begin promptly at 6 a.m. (ET) at the Archery Range Shelterhouse in Newton-Stewart State Recreation Area.

The first drawing will be for a staked position in a controlled dove hunt field designated for youth hunters only. This drawing and hunt is intended for youth (ages 12 to 17) who are new to dove hunting and need mentoring in the sport. Youth participating in this drawing will be required to show proof of their youth hunting license and must have a parent or guardian with them while they hunt. Only youth will be allowed to hunt in this field; parents/guardians are expected to mentor and teach their respective youth hunter. A maximum of two firearms will be allowed per staked position (i.e., one parent/guardian and two youth being mentored). Approximately seven staked positions are expected to be drawn for this field on Sept. 1.

The second drawing will be for a staked position in a standard controlled dove hunt field. Approximately 15 to 20 staked positions are expected to be drawn, and there is a maximum of two firearms per stake allowed.

Hunters are reminded to procure the proper licenses, stamps, and their federal HIP number. Hunters are also reminded that they are federally required to use non-toxic shot of size 6 or smaller, and have their firearm plugged so that the firearm can only contain three shells at any time. Hunters participating in the controlled hunt will be limited to 50 shells.

Shooting hours for both of the controlled hunts at Patoka Lake on Sept. 1, will be from 6:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET. Both controlled hunt fields will be closed after 1 p.m. ET. All fields surrounding the controlled sunflower field will be subject to similar time restrictions. There will be no "stand-by" or refilling of shooting stations for early departures on Sept.1.

All sunflower and millet/sorghum fields will be considered open and subject to regular shooting hours starting Sept. 2. Regular shooting hours will be one half hour before sunrise to sunset through the legal season(s).

Hunters should call DNR Law Enforcement at 812-837-9536 regarding specific questions on federal or state laws, statutes, and rules. For other information on the hunts, call Patoka Lake at 812-685-2464 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and ask for the wildlife specialist.

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