August 17, 2005
Contact:  Rick Moore, Hoosier Energy (812) 876-0282


Early waterfowl hunting dates set for Turtle Creek Reservoir

Turtle Creek Reservoir will have limited fishing hours during six days of early waterfowl hunting season in September 2005. These dates will be:

The 1,500-acre reservoir, operated by Hoosier Energy, will be closed to fishing from 4:30 a.m. until noon on each of these six days. The early goose and teal hunting seasons were developed under state and federal guidelines. Selection for hunting locations will be held at 4:30 a.m. each of these six days.

After the selection process, hunting is allowed from legal hunting hours until noon. Hunters must be off the lake by 1 p.m. The reservoir will reopen for fishing at that time.

In the random drawings for waterfowl blinds, preference will be given to parties of two and three as one group, then individual hunters. Upland game hunting is not permitted at the lake or on other area properties owned by Hoosier Energy.

Dates and times for regular waterfowl hunting at Turtle Creek Reservoir will be announced later this fall after those seasons are established by the State of Indiana.

User fees for Turtle Creek Reservoir are: $1 for persons 16 years old and younger and 65 years old and older; all others will be charged $3. Season passes for reservoir use are also available. A valid hunting license and required waterfowl stamps are necessary to hunt at Turtle Creek Reservoir. All other state and federal waterfowl hunting regulations apply. Hunters must use state approved shot.

In addition to being one of southwestern Indiana's popular recreation areas, Turtle Creek Reservoir provides cooling water for the Merom Generating Station. The power plant is owned by Hoosier Energy, the power supplier for 17 central and southern Indiana electric cooperatives.