HANNA — The Indiana Division of Fish and Wildlife will open a new Wetland Conservation area in southern LaPorte County on Sept. 1. Known as the Dick Blythe Wetland Conservation Area, this 200-acre property sits adjacent to the Kankakee River off of County Road 50 East.

Restoration efforts for this property have occurred over the last 18 months and should be completed by mid-August. These efforts include the creation of 20 seasonal shallow-water areas, multiple ditch plugs, and seeding of the site back to a sedge meadow habitat.
Hunting efforts on this parcel will be controlled by Kankakee Fish and Wildlife Area. Waterfowl hunts will occur on Mondays and Fridays this fall, with shooting stopping at noon CST.  
A preseason drawing will be held for the upcoming teal and goose season. Hunters are welcomed to apply for this drawing at Kankakee FWA headquarters, located at 4320 W. Toto Rd. in North Judson. Hunters must drop off a copy of their license to be eligible for the September season hunts from now through Aug. 21. Each hunter is allowed one entry into the drawings and must choose the day for which they would like to be entered.
The drawing will occur on Aug. 22 at noon CTS. The public is welcome to attend. Dick Blythe WCA will also have the following additional regulations: 
• Deer hunting will be archery only.
• Hunters are allowed to use bonus antlerless permits on this property.
• All tree stands or ground blinds need to be portable and clearly marked with the hunter's name and address.
• Upland game hunting will require steel shot on this property.
Additionally, quail and pheasant hunting is currently prohibited to allow a huntable population to be achieved. All other upland hunting is allowed except for when waterfowl hunts are occurring on Mondays and Fridays before noon. All other state and federal regulations also apply.
For more information call Kankakee FWA, (574) 896-3522.