Under IC 4-22-2-24, notice is hereby given that on December 9, 2021, at 5:00 p.m., the Natural Resources Commission will hold a virtual public hearing using Webex on proposed amendments to 312 IAC 8-2-3 governing the use of ground blinds, trail cameras, and bait, and 312 IAC 8-2-10 governing the use of magnets and the collection of shed antlers.

Individuals may join the public hearing in two ways:

To join by phone using only audio, please dial 1-240-454-0887. When prompted, enter access code 23145249235##.

To join using video, please use the website address, meeting number, and password provided below. Please Note: If you have never used Webex, we suggest that you begin the process at least 10 minutes early because you will be prompted to download Webex before joining the meeting.

Meeting number (access code): 2314 524 9235

Meeting password: 3JMrhC5meG3

If you need technical assistance, please contact Scott Allen at 317-232-4699 or sallen@nrc.in.gov.

IC 4-22-2-24(d)(3) Justification Statement:

All requirements or costs by the rule amendments on regulated entities under IC 4-22-2-24(d)(3) are reasonably necessary for the implementation of Title 14 of the Indiana Code.

312 IAC 8-2-3: This rule amendment establishes a requirement for a person who takes advantage of the added opportunities to leave a tree stand, hunting blind, or trail or game camera on a DNR property to identify the stand or hunting blind left overnight with the name, address, and telephone number of the owner of the stand or the owner's customer identification number issued by the department. This requirement allows DNR property staff and Indiana conservation officers to better regulate properties and address conflicts between hunters or properly handle a blind left after the hunting season.

312 IAC 8-2-10: The amendment in this rule that will require a license from a department representative to use a magnet or magnetized equipment to remove an item from public waters on a DNR property ensures that DNR property staff are aware of the activity, which will allow DNR to properly control the disposal of firearms and other dangerous items that might be retrieved and prevent people from leaving unwanted retrieved items on the shore where it poses a hazard to other users. This rule also limits the size of the magnets that can be used to only those that are able to be carried and retrieved by hand without the assistance of motorized equipment, thereby limiting the size of the items that can be removed.

The DNR has the statutory authority to adopt rules under IC 14-11-2-1. The Natural Resources Commission has the statutory authority to adopt rules pursuant to IC 14-10-2-4.

Sources of information for determining costs and benefits were obtained from staff of the DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife, State Parks, and Forestry.

Individuals requiring reasonable accommodations for participation in this event should contact the Natural Resources Commission at:

Indiana Government Center North

100 North Senate Avenue, Room N103

Indianapolis, IN 46204-2273

Attn: ADA Compliance

The proposed rule amendments may be inspected and copied at the Natural Resources Commission, Division of Hearings, Indiana Government Center North, 100 North Senate Avenue, Room N103, Indianapolis, IN 46204-2273, or may be obtained upon request by calling (317) 232-4699. Written comments may be submitted to the same mailing address or electronically through https://www.in.gov/nrc/rules/rulemaking-docket/.