Photo by Ron Sinfelt

It has been said that variety is the spice of life, and without doubt varied hunting activities in the outdoors can (and do) maintain our interest level, and the attraction to the sport of hunting. With Indiana's multiple hunting seasons, and varied species to go after, life can be pretty interesting and fun for Indiana hunters from August all the way through January.

If we stop and think about the many hunting options available in Hoosierland, it becomes apparent that Indiana is blessed with an abundance of natural resources. This abundance of natural resources means that whether you enjoy the challenge of taking bushytails while the leaves are still green, or the excitement of late-season waterfowl hunting, our state's hunting opportunities can keep you afield for months.

Although I don't have any official statistical study to rely on, it has been my personal observation that most hunters seek more than one type of game. For example, 100 percent of dove hunters that I know enjoy quail and pheasant hunting as well. And, most of the waterfowl hunters that I know are also deer hunters.

It stands to reason that part of the attraction to our sport is derived from the availability of more than one species to hunt. We enjoy being outdoors during different climatic seasons; we're able to employ different hunting techniques to fill game bags or tags. With this in mind, let's take a look at some of what's offered, and managed by, Indiana's Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in terms of hunting from August through January.

AUGUST
Squirrels Glendale FWA
The squirrel-hunting opener is usually Aug. 15, which marks the beginning of a new season. Seeking bushytails can be thought of as the primer for all of the fall hunting seasons to follow.

Moreover, I believe squirrel hunting has to be considered a "primer" in another way because many of today's hunters were introduced to the sport as youngsters by going squirrel hunting with their dad or a close relative. My dad got me started on hunting about 35 years ago by taking me along with him when he went squirrel hunting in a wood lot that isn't but a few miles from where I live.

It was on these trips as a youngster that I learned there are many aspects to being a good hunter, and it was on these trips that I learned about the excitement and intensity that comes with the hunt.

The Glendale Fish and Wildlife Area (FWA), which is near Montgomery in Daviess County, encompasses over 8,000 acres of public land for squirrel hunting. Last year, 857 squirrels were taken at Glendale FWA. "We've been doing well on squirrels; we saw them everywhere last year," said Glendale property manager Rob Sullender.

Glendale FWA has plenty of deciduous trees that bear the nuts that squirrels like, but Sullender noted that the squirrels had an additional food source last year. "Our property has plenty of hickory and oak trees, but we had locusts last year. The squirrels were feeding on them, and it seemed to help sustain them a little better," Sullender said.

In terms of where to hunt at Glendale, Sullender had great news. "Pretty much the entire property is good for squirrels," he said. For more information on Glendale FWA, call (812) 644-7711.

SEPTEMBER
Doves Willow Slough FWA
For those wing-shooters who like fast-paced dove-hunting action, Willow Slough FWA is hard to beat. Year after year, Willow Slough, which is in Newton County near Morocco, posts good to outstanding dove-harvest numbers.