By LINNEA PETERCHEFF
Department of Natural Resources Fish and Wildlife

The Natural Resources Commission has scheduled three hearings to accept public comment on a package of proposed rule changes governing deer hunting, wild animals found dead, nuisance wild animals, cottontail rabbits, wild pigs, quail and pheasant hunting on DNR-managed properties, ruffed grouse, wild turkey hunting, reptiles, amphibians, exotic fish, sport fishing and commercial fishing on Wabash River boundary waters and other inland water.

Among the proposed changes are rules that would allow the use of high-powered rifles for deer hunting, a 25-fish daily bag limit on sunfish (that includes bluegill) and suspension of the ruffed grouse hunting season. For a complete list of proposed amendments with additional information about each proposal, see dnr.IN.gov/fishwild/2362.htm.

The hearings will be:

• 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 16, at Spring Mill State Park, 3333 SR 60 E., Mitchell.
• 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, at The Garrison Conference Center, Fort Harrison State Park, 5753 Glenn Road, Indianapolis.
• 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 25 at the DNR Northeast Regional Office, 1353 Governors Dr., Columbia City.

Public comments can be submitted online at www.in.gov/nrc/2377.htm. Locate the “comment on this rule” link in the Rules Docket for the Fish & Wildlife Biennial Rules Amendment Package.

Comments also can be mailed to Natural Resources Commission, Indiana Government Center S., 100 North Senate Ave., Room N501, Indianapolis, IN 46204-2200.

The deadline for submitting public comments is midnight Wednesday, March 25.