INDIANA — This fall and winter, the Indiana DNR will be testing hunter-harvested wild ducks for avian influenza as part of a national surveillance effort.

Duck hunters at eight properties will be asked to help by returning to the check station after a successful hunt to allow their birds to be tested. Birds will be tested as quickly as possible. Birds are the hunter’s to keep. The testing process is not invasive and does not damage meat.

The first round of testing will be conducted during opening weekend of duck season at the following properties:

• Oct. 24-25: Willow Slough, Kankakee, Pigeon River and Tri-County fish and wildlife areas.
• Oct. 31-Nov. 1: Goose Pond and Hovey Lake fish and wildlife areas; Brookville Lake (in the basement of the main office at Mounds State Recreation Area) and Monroe Lake, at the Stillwater Marsh check station on Kent Road.

Additional testing will occur throughout the fall and winter as large numbers of birds move through the various properties. Properties will post notices when they are taking samples.