Youth mountain bike event planned this month

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department presents a free biking event in partnership with the Brown County Sheriff’s Department this month.

Strider bikes size 16, 20 and 24 as well as small, medium and large 26ers will be available for use, but participants are welcome to bring their own mountain bikes.

A mobile, wooden track will be set up at the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, 55 State Road 46 East, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23.

The event is being made possible by the IMPD Youth Mountain Bike Project.

Participants are asked to preregister on the Brown County Bikes website www.browncountybikes.com/service/events/.

Raptor Rendezvous canceled, center accepting donations

Indiana Raptor Center’s fundraiser event Raptor Rendezvous has been canceled again for this year due to COVID-19.

Canceling their annual fundraiser for the second year in a row leaves the nonprofit organization seeking donations from the community to help them assist juvenile birds through the winter.

To make a donation to the Indiana Raptor Center visit their website at www.indianaraptorcenter.com and click on any of the heart-shaped buttons on the pages to be directed to the center’s Paypal account. Checks can also be sent to the Indiana Raptor Center at P.O. Box 1163 Nashville, Indiana 47448.

Though linen and blanket donations are appreciated, the Indiana Raptor Center asks that they be taken to Community Closet, St. Vincent de Paul or take blankets to the Brown County Humane Society.

DNR asks hunters to use non-toxic shot

With dove and waterfowl hunting season underway, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters to use non-toxic shot.

Due to the ongoing ammo shortage, non-toxic shot is harder to find, but it is imperative for the health of doves, which may accidentally ingest shot in hunting fields.

Use of non-toxic shot is a state and federal law. As hunters prepare for the upcoming waterfowl seasons opening or plan to hunt doves in November, buying ammo well in advance is recommended.

Keep migrating birds safe from windows

As migratory birds begin to fly south, flying into windows is a common occurrence. Up to one billion birds die annually after striking glass, making it the second largest human-caused killer of birds in the U.S. Birds fly into windows for a number of reasons, including seeing reflections of the open sky, or being chased by a predator.

The DNR recommends taking the following steps to avoid window collisions:

• Apply 1/8 inch thick patterns to the glass, spaced two inches apart. These patterns should be bright or light colored and visible from ten feet away.
• Install external insect screens.
• Place birdfeeders, baths, or other objects that may attract birds at least 30 feet from windows, or right on the window with suction cups. Plant shrubs nearby so songbirds have a place to hide from predators.

Deer hunters urged to remember safety tips

With the deer reduction zone season underway and the statewide archery deer season starting Oct. 1, Indiana Conservation Officers want to remind hunters to stay safe.

The various deer hunting seasons run through Jan. 31, 2022. It is estimated that more than 300,000 people will participate in some form of deer hunting in Indiana during that span.

The most common injuries during deer seasons are accidents involving tree stands and elevated platforms. Hunters should follow the safety tips listed below when hunting from an elevated position:

Before the hunt:

• Read and understand the tree stand manufacturer’s instructions.
• Check tree stands and equipment for wear, fatigue, and cracks or loose nuts/bolts, paying particularly close attention to parts made of material other than metal.
• Practice at ground level.
• Learn how to properly wear your full-body safety harness.

During the hunt:

• Wear your full-body safety harness.
• Use a tree stand safety rope.
• Make certain to attach your harness to the tree before leaving the ground, and that it remains attached to the tree until you return to the ground.
• Maintain three points of contact during ascent and descent.
• Use boots with non-slip soles to avoid slipping.
• Use a haul line to raise and lower firearms, bows and other hunting gear.
• Make certain firearms are unloaded, action open, and safety on before attaching the haul line.

Additional safety tips:

• Carry emergency equipment, such as a cell phone and flashlight.
• Make a plan before you hunt.
• Tell someone your plan, including where you will be hunting and when you plan to return.
• Stick to your plan.
• Identify game before pointing a firearm.
• Know your target and what is beyond it.

For more information, see hunting.IN.gov.