Love Kayaking? Indiana DNR Wants You to Help Track Wildlife This Summer

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is looking for Paddlecraft Index Volunteers this summer. Ready to paddle into action?

How Indiana Paddlers Can Make a Difference

If you enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or even paddleboarding, Indiana DNR needs your help. As someone who spends time outdoors and on the water, you have a particularly useful vantage point that allows you to spot wildlife that lives in and around Indiana waterways.

Why Wildlife Tracking in Indiana Matters

Biologists track sightings to help them estimate changes in population and location of various wildlife in the state of Indiana. By becoming a Paddlecraft Index Volunteer, you can help facilitate the important work that they do.

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What Is the Paddlecraft Wildlife Index?

Beginning June 1, 2025, you can use your time on the water to report back to Indiana DNR on what kind of wildlife you encounter on your outings. The information that you share will be added to the Indiana Paddlecraft Wildlife Index.

Paddling is a great way to enjoy Indiana’s natural beauty, observe wildlife, and connect with nature. Indiana paddlers have a unique opportunity to observe wildlife while enjoying Indiana’s countless water resources. Indiana DNR would like more information about the wildlife that spend time around Indiana’s waterways.

Who Can Be a Paddlecraft Index Volunteer?

So, whether you kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, as long as you use a non-motorized watercraft, you are eligible to participate as a Paddlecraft Index Volunteer.

How to Sign Up & Get Your Volunteer Packet

You can learn more about volunteering and reporting your sightings at Indiana DNR Website. After signing up through the volunteer link at the website, yo will receive a packet in the mail with additional information about participating as a Paddlecraft Index Volunteer. If you're new to paddling, you can learn more about Indiana Water Trails here.

READ MORE: Is It Legal to Drink & Kayak in Indiana?

Meet the Wildlife You Might Encounter

See photos below of some of the "key species" the Indiana Department of Natural Resources say are "either challenging to study or are lacking Indiana-specific information." You just might encounter one on your next outdoor adventure.