Programs & History
- History of the Division of Fish and Wildlife
- Fish and Wildlife Sections
- Funding for Fish and Wildlife
- Mission Statement
History of Fish and Wildlife
1901 - First Indiana hunting license sold for $1
1913 - Original fishing license added to hunting license, still $1
1919 – Department of Conservation (DOC) established with 5 divisions:
- Division of Fish and Game
- Division of Entomology
- Division of Forestry
- Division of Geology
- Division of Lands and Waters
In 1919 the Division of Fish and Game included 39 employees, of which 27 were game wardens. The main focus of division was to increase hunting opportunities through the purchase of land.
Shortly after the turn of the century- 3,000 sportsmen’s clubs in Indiana totaled a membership of more than 300,000. These organizations rallied the State Legislature into action to purchase land for Wildlife. Properties such as the Brown County Game Preserve and the Jasper County Game Reservation were the direct results of these efforts.
Today, a diversity of recreation enthusiasts of all ages enjoys hunting and fishing opportunities statewide with:
- 330 Public Access Sites
- 130,000 acres for wildlife management
- 22 Fish and Wildlife Areas
The quest for additional wildlife habitat is an ongoing process thanks to the original efforts of Indiana’s sportsman’s organizations. See how you can help.
Click here for more Department of Natural Resources History
Fish and Wildlife Sections
Fisheries Section
The Fisheries Section is responsible for monitoring and research of the fish populations and aquatic habitats in Indiana’s freshwater lakes, streams, and rivers. Additionally, the operation of several state fish hatcheries provides a source of additional fish for stocking purposes statewide. The fisheries section is responsible for acquiring and maintaining public access sites for fishing opportunities. A Lake Michigan office includes staff dealing with issues unique to the Great Lakes including invasive species.
Wildlife Section
The Wildlife Section is responsible for managing 130,000 acres of wildlife habitat on 21 Fish & Wildlife Areas (FWA), providing technical and financial resources for wildlife habitat improvements on private lands, and conducting wildlife surveys and research. FWAs are primarily managed to provide quality hunting, fishing, trapping, and recreational shooting opportunities. Wildlife biologists assist private landowners with recommendations for wildlife habitat improvements and wildlife population management strategies. Research/Survey biologists monitor game populations, wildlife disease, and conduct research.
Wildlife Diversity Section
The Wildlife Diversity Section is responsible for the conservation and management of over 750 species of nongame and endangered wildlife.
In 1982 the state legislature established the Nongame Fund to be used exclusively for the protection, conservation, management and identification of nongame and endangered species. The WDS does not receive any state tax appropriations and is funded through voluntary contributions to the Nongame Fund.
Example projects include reintroduction of Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons and Ospreys to Indiana airways.
Lake and River Enhancement Section
The Lake and River Enhancement Section joined the Division in 2005 after 18 years in the Division of Soil Conservation. LARE provides financial and technical resources to address nutrient and sediment problems in publicly accessible lakes and rivers.
Boaters pay a Lake and River Enhancement fee registering their boats with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The funds also provide grants to control invasive aquatic plants and to remove sediment from lakes.
Natural Resources Education Center
Programs of the Natural Resources Education Center at Fort Harrison State Park:
- Project WILD-Wildlife education
- Project WET-Water Education for Teachers
- Hoosier Riverwatch-for water quality and volunteer monitoring training
- GoFishIN-to expose students to fishing.
- Hoosier Outdoor Heritage-to expose students to nature and the outdoors
Since 2006, the Fish Pond at the Indiana State Fairgrounds provides thousands of young visitors the opportunity to experience fishing-many for the first time in their life.
Funding for Fish and Wildlife
- The DFW sells hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses. All revenue is used for managing fish and wildlife resources in Indiana. No license money goes into the state general fund.
- The DFW Fish and Wildlife Sections also receive money through the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Programs administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Indiana receives approximately $11.00 for every person that purchases a fishing license and $22.00 for every person that purchases a hunting license. Currently, Indiana receives approximately $8,000,000 in federal reimbursement. This money is used to manage fish and wildlife resources in Indiana . So, even if you don’t hunt or fish, you can buy a combination license at $25/year and Indiana will receive an additional $33 in federal funds to be used for fish and wildlife conservation.
- The Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) section collects the LARE registration fee when a boaters register their boats with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (web). All funding is used by the LARE program to enhance and protect aquatic habitat.
- The DFW Wildlife Diversity Section is dependent upon donations to the Nongame Fund. Donate on your Indiana State income tax form or click here. The WDS also receives funding from the State Wildlife Grant program administered by USFWS.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to professionally manage Indiana's fish and wildlife for present and future generations, balancing ecological, recreational, and economic benefits.
Statute
Indiana statute defines the authority and responsibilities of the DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife:
The [Division of Fish and Wildlife] shall . . . provide for the protection, reproduction, care, management, survival and regulation of wild animal populations regardless of whether the wild animals are present on public or private property . . . [and) Organize and pursue a program of research and management of wild animals that will serve the best interests of the resources and the people of Indiana.
(Indiana CodeTitle 14, Article 22, Chapter 2, Section 3)
Values
- Fish and wildlife resources belong to all the people of Indiana.
- Regulated hunting, fishing and trapping are important wildlife management tools.
- Professional management is essential to the long-term welfare of fish and wildlife resources.
- Fish and wildlife resources enrich the quality of human life.
- Fish and wildlife resources are renewable and when wisely managed, will indefinitely provide numerous public benefits such as hunting, fishing, trapping and wildlife viewing.
- Stewardship of fish and wildlife resources is a shared responsibility between resource managers and the citizens of Indiana.
- Public participation is essential for effective resource management.
- Regulated hunting, fishing and trapping are legitimate pursuits when conducted in fair chase.
- Hunting, fishing, trapping and wildlife conservation are vital parts of our heritage.
Targets
- The mission and values of the Division of Fish and Wildlife provide a foundation for the following targets:
- Protect aquatic and terrestrial habitat for all wildlife species through initiatives such as land acquisition, conservation easements, reserve programs (2002 Farm Bill), partnerships, improved land use and educational strategies.
- Establish a computerized point of sale sport licensing system.
- Utilize proactive marketing strategies to increase the sale of hunting, fishing and trapping licenses, and to communicate and educate the public on the importance of fish and wildlife management and conservation programs.
- Increase the capabilities of the Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program commensurate with new federal funding opportunities.
- Develop solid, landscape-level biological information and utilize that information to communicate the importance of active management for all wildlife species.
- Improve opportunities for the hunting, fishing and trapping public to enjoy their traditional pursuits.
- Establish protocols to address invasive species and wildlife disease issues.
Stay Connected
