Photo by Ralph Hensly.

Fortunately, for Hoosierland hunters, plenty of wildlife can be found within Indiana’s 36,418 square miles of land. However, as the human population continues to grow, the boundaries separating wildlife and humanity continue to shrink.

There are now about 6.3 million people in Indiana, which pushes the Hoosier State into 15th place in terms of most populated states. And probably more importantly when it comes to population levels of wildlife, Indiana is ranked 17th in population density.

Population density is a measure of the (human) population per unit area. In simple terms, an increase in population density generally means fewer habitats for wildlife. Fewer habitats for wildlife, as we all know, generally means less potential for wildlife to thrive.

To keep Indiana’s wildlife in good shape, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) employs wildlife biologists to help manage each major species (deer, turkeys, waterfowl, pheasants/quail and small game).

This article provides a preview of the major species using a question and answer format with some of the best wildlife biologists in the business. However, let’s first see what DFW Chief Wayne Bivans has to say about this subject matter.

Game & Fish: In general, and overall, how is the wildlife doing in Indiana? Are we continuing to lose more habitats to human development?

Bivans: Deer and turkeys continue to be our most sought-after game animals and populations continue to be strong statewide. However, small-game populations are generally not good due to habitat loss and degradation. Areas with good habitat and optimum weather conditions will produce small game. Human development continues at a slower pace due to the recent economic down turn, but nevertheless it continues.

Our energy situation relative to petroleum may drive the loss of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land to the production of more corn for ethanol. Urban sprawl continues at an unprecedented pace around our population centers of the state. Everyone wants their private means of transportation, which requires more energy as well as space, leaving less for wildlife.

G&F: What can the average sportsman in Indiana do to help improve habitat conditions that are so vital to each respective wildlife species?

Bivans: Buy a hunting and fishing license; these funds, as well as federal matches, support the programs of the DFW. They should know that general tax dollars do not contribute to wildlife habitat development and management. Join wildlife oriented non-government organizations (NGO) of choice and support their fund-raising efforts.