The Natural Resources Commission (NRC) granted final approval to administrative rule changes that will allow turkey hunters to use .410 caliber and 28-gauge shotguns in addition to already-legal shotguns. The amendments also include requirements associated with shot size and density for these additional firearms, which includes allowing tungsten super shot No. 9 and 10. This change gives turkey hunters greater flexibility with hunting equipment, particularly for turkey hunting by youth and others who may have been previously hindered by having to use more traditional hunting equipment.
By emergency rule, DNR Director Dan Bortner has authorized the rule’s immediate use in time for this year’s spring turkey season.
In other action, the NRC:
Granted final adoption to amend 312 IAC 9-3-3 to allow muzzleloaders that have the powder loaded from the breech end and require only that the bullet be loaded from the muzzle end to be used during firearms, youth, late special antlerless, and reduction zone (when firearms are allowed) seasons for taking white-tailed deer.
Granted final adoption to amend 312 IAC 9-3-11 to allow trappers to take beavers at any time of day on the opening and closing days of the existing season for trapping beavers.
Approved the merger of the Division of Outdoor Recreation into the Division of State Parks and the merger of the Division of Oil & Gas into the Division of Reclamation in order to better serve Hoosiers.
