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Indiana Department of Natural Resources

Explore the historical timeline and legislative milestones of Indiana's fish and wildlife conservation laws, reflecting the state's commitment to environmental protection and wildlife preservation. Learn about the penalties and enforcement procedures established over the years.

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Indiana Department of Natural Resources

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  1. Indiana Department of Natural Resources Procedures, Guidelines, and Evaluation of Appropriate Conservation and Ecological Techniques for Indiana Conservation Officers and Prosecuting Attorneys

  2. First fish and wildlife laws in Indiana • 1849: Greene County made it illegal to poison fish. • 1857: Introduction of closed season on deer, wild turkey, quail, pheasant and prairie chicken. • 1867: Statewide ban on seining, netting, trapping or shooting fish. • 1871: Law passed banning putting poisonous materials in water in order to kill or injure fish. • 1873: Law protecting songbirds was passed. • 1877: Seasons set for duck and woodcock. • 1881: Legislature created the Office of Commissioner of Fisheries. • 1889: County Road Supervisors given authority to enforce fish and game laws (first Conservation Officers). • 1897: Legislature gave commissioner the power to appoint at least one deputy in every county. Deputies had no salary, but received $10 from each conviction. • 1901: First time hunting license was required. Deputies given $60 a month salary. • 1903: Commissioner recommended that license fees be used to pay deputies to do away w/ the "commission upon conviction" system. He stated that deputies would often "entice persons to violate the law to get fees." • 1911: Act was passed establishing game wardens. Salary was $75 a month. Within a decade, Indiana wardens were averaging 55 arrests apiece, which set a national record.

  3. Title 14 - Natural Resources and Criminal Penalties • IC 14-22-38-1 Penalties for Fish and Wildlife (a) Except as otherwise provided in this article and subject to subsection (b), a person who violates this article commits a Class C infraction (b) Except as otherwise provided in this article, a person who knowingly or intentionally violates this article commits a Class C misdemeanor (c) A person may not be charged with both: • a Class C misdemeanor; and • a Class C infraction

  4. Title 14 - Natural Resources and Criminal Penalties • Examples • IC 14-22-6-7 Spotlighting • IC 14-22-6-9 Hunting on Public Highways • Current: Class C misdemeanor • SEA 52: Class C infraction; Class C misdemeanor, if knowingly or intentionally • SEA 52: Can’t file both Class C infraction and Class C misdemeanor • IC 14-22-38-3 Taking a Deer or Wild Turkey • Current: Class B misdemeanor; Class A misdemeanor, if prior • SEA 52: Still Class B misdemeanor; Class A misdemeanor, if prior

  5. Title 14 -Natural Resources and Criminal Penalties • IC 14-22-38-4 Illegal Taking of Deer or Wild Turkey • Changes the ($500) reimbursement fee (($1000) for priors) from the court “shall” to the court “may” order • SEA 52 does not amend IC 14-15-8 (Operating a Motorboat While Intoxicated) • SEA 52 does not amend offense levels for IC 14-16-1 (Off-Road Vehicles) • SEA 52 does not amend IC 14-31-3 (Ginseng)

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