The National Park Service (NPS) is reminding hunters that—though hunting season has started in Indiana—no hunting of any kind is permitted within Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

This prohibition applies regardless of land ownership, to any property within the boundaries of the National Lakeshore. It is the hunters’ responsibility to ensure that they are not hunting within park boundaries.

Hunters must be sure not to hunt or otherwise shoot or injure any wildlife within the National Lakeshore boundary, even if the boundary is not clearly indicated, NPS said. Hunting within Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is prohibited under federal authority (36 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 2.2).

Anyone violating the National Lakeshore’s no-hunting restrictions is subject to federal felony charges and to the seizure and forfeiture of all equipment, including firearms, vehicles, stock, tack, and other equipment used during the hunting violation. Violators will also be required to appear before the U.S. Magistrate.

Hunters may not pursue, dress out, or transport legally wounded or killed animals that end up within park boundaries unless ccompanied by a park ranger. Hunters should call the park tip number at (800) ParkTip to report such incidents and to arrange for a ranger escort.

NPS welcomes the public’s assistance in helping to protect the park’s wildlife. Illegal or suspicious hunting activity can be reported to (800) ParkTip 24 hours a day seven days a week. Reporting parties do not have to identify themselves and all reports are kept confidential. Legally taken animals may not be stored overnight anywhere in the park, including campgrounds, parking lots, or any other visitor facilities. All park roads are closed to the transportation of lawfully taken wildlife, unless specifically approved in writing by a park ranger.

Posted 9/30/2011