Glendale, Pigeon River, Winamac and Tri-County state fish and wildlife areas will resume hosting field trials this spring. The practice had been halted after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which provides funds for acquisition and management of many state fish and wildlife areas, evaluated field trials and their impacts to fish and wildlife and other recreation at these areas. An environmental assessment, prepared by the DNR and approved by the Service, outlines modifications to some field trials to minimize impacts at the fish and wildlife areas.
Some aspects of the field trials, which are used to judge hunting dogs in the field, have been modified to ensure the competitions do not interfere with other hunting activities and also avoid damage and disturbance to habitat and wildlife on state properties. Those changes include:
- Field trials will be limited to February 1 through April 15, during daylight hours only
- From February 1 through April 15, a maximum of 10 days may be used for field trials. Field trials may not exceed two days in length
- All participants must be on foot
- Field trials may not occupy an area more than 100 acres in size. The location is to be determined by the property manager
"We recognize the popularity of field trials and are pleased that Hoosiers will again be able to pursue this sport on state areas, and in a way that protects the resources were all working to conserve," said Bill Hartwig, Regional Director for the Service.
The DNRs Division of Fish and Wildlife prepared the environmental assessment -- which explores several options for field trials at state properties -- after a federal review found the states field trial program on some properties had expanded to the extent that primary uses on these lands were excluded, and habitat damage was occurring. Field trials at state properties were discontinued in 2001; however, with the finalization of the assessment, field trials will resume with some modifications at Winamac, Pigeon River, Tri-County, and Glendale.
Field trials or tests are competitions in which hunting dogs are tested for their ability to track, locate, flush, or retrieve game birds or mammals. A trial may be formally organized by a regional or national organization or may be informally conducted by a local club. Trials include pointer dog trials conducted and viewed from horseback (not allowed on the areas described above), and non-horseback events such as pointer, flusher, retriever, and beagle trials in which dog handlers and observers follow on foot. Pen-raised game birds such as pheasants or quail are usually placed on the course for dogs to point, flush, or retrieve. These birds may or may not be shot for retrieval.
The environmental assessment was prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act which applies to the actions of all federal agencies. The field trial program managed by the DNR will occur on property purchased in whole or in part and managed with funding through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration (Pittman-Robertson) Act, administered by the Service.
To view a copy of the final environmental assessment, visit the Services website at
