Cabin fever should be nonexistent this February. With rabbit season winding down Feb. 15, there are still plenty of things to do in the outdoors.
One day last week, Roger Murdock and I took to the field to hunt stray ears of corn. With the landowner’s permission, we gathered missed ears of corn and looked for shed antlers. A bonus was a flock of sandhill cranes migrating north.
We found about 20 ears of corn and left plenty for the local wildlife. We didn’t find any sheds, but now is the time to look. Waiting until morel season is too late. Rodents quickly consume the antlers for the calcium.
Experienced shed hunters train their dogs to hunt for antlers. About 85 percent of shed antlers are found in open fields. If you go, make sure you have permission and don’t forget to listen for the sandhill cranes. They make a gargled cooing sound and will be passing over for the next three weeks.
Fields tend to be moist in the winter months. Wear boots into the field, and then change back at your vehicle. Bring a bag for your muddy boots. Also, take along a camera.
Last Friday, I was hunting with Todd Staley and Larry Lawson. I was walking through some heavy briars when I heard a rabbit screeching. I turned around to see that Daisy, my beagle, had caught a rabbit. Apparently, the cottontail saw me and decided to sit tight. It did not see the dog trailing.
I turned and laid down my gun. I was going to take the rabbit from Daisy. When I knelt, the rabbit wiggled free. By the time I recovered my gun, the rabbit was gone.
We never did get that rabbit. Daisy ran it to a junk pile.
According to the Indiana DNR, Facebook followers can talk online with different people from the Department of Natural Resources once a month during a new program starting Feb. 9.
The “Talk to an Expert” series features DNR experts on scheduled topics for one hour a month on the DNR Facebook page. Topics and experts will change every 3-4 weeks. The series is an opportunity to ask DNR personnel questions. Those who don’t have a specific question will have the chance to learn from others or clear up misconceptions.
The first program on Feb. 9, from 2 to 3 p.m., will feature two conservation officers: Lt. William Browne (public relations) and Lt. Larry Morrison (outdoor education). These conservation officers will answer questions about DNR conservation laws.
Future topics, instructions on how to join a conversation on Facebook and commenting guidelines are posted at dnr.IN.gov/7315.htm.
To join in the chats, go to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Facebook wall, facebook.com/INdnr, and click “like” (if you are not already a “friend”). You may begin typing in questions during the hour, and the DNR experts will answer questions as time allows.
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Rick Bramwell: Plenty to do outdoors throughout February
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