This was in our local paper tonight, it is a start!

After a year-long hiatus, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ban on field trials at state fish and wildlife areas has been lifted.

The service said the trials had bad impacts to fish and wildlife and other recreation at these areas. But after the Indiana Department of Natural Resources conducted its own environment assessment on trials impact, it found that the trials could resume with some modifications to make sure competitions don't interfere with other hunting activities and to avoid damaging the surrounding habitat.

Field trials resume this spring at Pigeon River, Tri-County, Winamac and Glendale fish and wildlife areas. Field trials are competitions where hunting dogs are tested for their ability to track, locate, flush and retrieve game birds or mammals.


-Field trials will be limited to Feb. 1 through April 15, during daylight hours only.
-From Feb. 1 through April 15, a maximum of 10 days may be used for field trials. Field trials may not exceed two days in length.
-All participants must be on foot.
-Field trials may not occupy an area more than 100 acres in size. The location is to be determined by the property manager.

Hey MLA, I'm a fellow Hoosier, and I live next to Winamac F&W. Could you tell me which paper this was in? I don't know what retriever trials are planned for Winamac, but I know the Club that previously ran FT's there isn't going to this spring.

Todd

Here is the link:

http://www.etruth.com/news/277249747368407.bsp