Notice From IDNR// NOT Fishing // Gun Related

DNR Public Hearing on Carrying Handguns
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The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has scheduled two public hearings to receive comments on the permanent rule proposals to allow handguns to be carried (1) at DNR properties (2) while deer hunting, (3) while turkey hunting, and (4) while chasing opossums and raccoons.

A temporary rule authorizing the possession of handguns while participating in these activities was authorized last September and is set to expire this year.

The hearings will be held at 6 p.m. (EDT) at the following locations:

1) Tuesday, May 15, at the Patio Building at the Miami County Fairgrounds located at 1029 W. 200 N. in Peru (Miami County)

2) Wednesday, May 16, at Spring Mill State Park in the Lakeview Room; 6666 Hwy 60 East in Mitchell (Lawrence County)

Specifically, the changes would permanently allow individuals with handgun licenses for personal protection to carry a handgun on DNR properties. The other changes involve hunting activities on both private and public land. Those with handgun licenses for personal protection would continue to be able to carry such firearms when hunting wild turkeys or when hunting deer with a bow and arrow. Similarly, properly licensed individuals would also be able to continue to carry a handgun when running dogs for opossums and raccoons during the chasing season. Previously, DNR rules prohibited carrying licensed handguns in these instances. These proposals allow a means of personal protection while hunting or visiting a DNR property.

The Natural Resources Commission preliminarily adopted these rule changes in November 2006. The preliminarily adopted rules can be viewed at: http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/about/rules.html.

Click on "Handgun-Related Rule Package."

Public comments can be submitted by e-mail, written letter, or at the public hearing.

Written comments can be sent to:

Hearing Officer
Natural Resources Commission
402 W. Washington Street, W272
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Comments can also be e-mailed to: [email protected]

Written comments must be received no later than Friday, May 18.

A copy of the public hearing report will be available at www.IN.gov/nrc prior to final consideration by the NRC. The NRC will likely consider these rule changes for final adoption in July. If approved by the NRC, attorney general and governor, the changes would become effective later this year.

Individuals who need reasonable modifications for effective participation in public meetings should call the DNR ADA coordinator, (317) 232-4200 (voice and TDD).