September 2, 2025 • 37 mins
A discussion with new Indiana State Parks Director Brandt Baughman, Free Fishing Weekend is coming up, plus getting youth involved in shooting sports.
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Speaker 1 (00:29):
Lights, camera action. I wish somebody would say that to me,
because you know, when you have a staff of one,
you don't really have anybody giving you the countdown except
my great producer Scottie, who I can't think enough for
all the work that he does. But we don't care
about that. We care about the Indiana Outdoor Show today
(00:49):
is a big one. We have a brand new director
of our state Parks. That is correct. Of course, Dan
Bortner has retired. He was fifteen plus years leading state
parks and then the last five as head of our
department in Natural Resources. So we are going to introduce
you to the brand new director of State Parks. And
this does not come This is not an insignificant thing
(01:12):
because the state parks across our country here in Indiana
are recognized and the leadership of state parks has been
influential in the National Association of State Park Directors. So
we're going to visit with Bront Bauman, the new state
Park Director, and we couldn't be more happy about that.
We're also going to talk about Free Fishing Weekend coming
(01:34):
up here the end of this month, and we are
I think it's a twenty seventh as a matter of fact,
and we're also talking about a new app. I love apps.
We're going to talk about a new app that our
Department of Natural Resources, especially if you're in the Indie
metro area, has put together. We're going to find out
when free Fishing Weekend is what is the app? And
(01:55):
we're also going to talk again about shooting sports with
good friends. Shooting coach mentor Matt Beauchamp's going to join us,
and he is one of those that loves to make
his vocation his vacation and he has got a great
business out the Indiana Gun Club and great with kids,
teaching them how to get involved in the ever growing
(02:16):
sport of shooting sports. So we're going to visit. It's
a great, big show. As you can see. I don't
want to take any more time away because when we
come back, Bron Bowman is going to be with us,
the director of the State Parks. It's Indiana Outdoor Show.
Speaker 2 (02:36):
In so great to be with you.
Speaker 1 (02:42):
It is the Indiana Outdoor Show. I your host, Brian Pointer.
Great to be in the Indiana Outdoor Studios.
Speaker 3 (02:50):
Here.
Speaker 1 (02:50):
We are early September, which means we are just weeks
away from the firearm season starting in November, and the
archery season here in just a couple of weeks in
October for deer. The weather is going to turn, I promise,
and all is going to be good. But we couldn't
do this show without our good friends at Indiana Donor Network,
(03:13):
driven to save lives. And you can sign up to
be an organ in tissue donor when you buy your
hunting and fishing license. How easy is that. I just
went online to sign up and check some reserved hunts
and there it was. It was so easy and give
the gift of life. Heel dozens save many lives. As
(03:33):
you heard me mention at the top of our show,
brand new information. Great to visit with new people. And
this one is not insignificant. As we all are aware.
The long tenured previous director of the Department of Nactual Resources,
Dan Bortner, who spent fifteen years prior to that as
the director of State Parks, has retired and left his
(03:57):
legacy and now it's going to be in good hands. Recently,
the governor and all of those very important people found
it the right thing to do, which was to bring
one of Indiana's finest from inside longtime state Parks employee
and a long time contributor to all the great things
(04:19):
happening in state parks. Brought Bowman Is with us. It's
great to visit with you. How does it feel to
be the new director?
Speaker 4 (04:26):
Oh, it's very exciting. Thank you for having me, Brian.
It's you know, I just can't say how humbled and
grateful I am for this opportunity to lead Indiana State Parks.
You know, Phil, it's certainly been a recent goal. It's
not something I ever would have imagined would fall into place,
(04:46):
especially earlier in my career. So I'm just really grateful
to Dreg Morrison and the dn R leadership team for
giving me this opportunity.
Speaker 1 (04:56):
Well, it is and you know there's no pressure here,
my friend, Beg, because you and I have known each
other for a number of years in various capacities, and
I know you're one of the tireless workers within our
state parks and your service is certainly second to none.
But you know, Indiana has a pretty strong legacy of leadership,
(05:18):
not only with our state parks, but also on a
national level, very well respected and a lot of people
look to Indiana. That has to provide you with not
only some comfort to know that this is a great
destination Indiana for our state parks, but it's also it's
got to make you pucker up a little bit because
(05:39):
I know there's the weight of the world on your
shoulders as you lead this next generation. What does that
feel like? How do you approach that as you come
in and say, okay, now it's my turn.
Speaker 4 (05:50):
Oh well, the gravity is certainly not lost on me,
but I am you know, I'm very fortunate in my
thirty five year career with the DNR only had three
state park directors in thirty five years, and that's pretty
amazing considering the average tenure nationwide for state park directors
(06:10):
is less than three years. And the beauty of it
is is I still have all three of those directors
in my phone. So again, while the gravity's not lost
on me, I feel like I have the resources in
place when things get tough for challenging to know where
to reach out to.
Speaker 1 (06:31):
Boy Tata, Well, that is so important, and I think
that's really interesting, and we need to hover here for
a minute because this is unusual, and I think that's
why we have such a strong legacy of state parks
is because it's not just a political football, and there's
people there that have done great things to advance creative
things and really take this park system into the next level.
Speaker 4 (06:56):
Absolutely, and it's not only at the you know, it's
not only at the director level, but Indiana's team of
professionals is just unmatched, whether it's the you know, the
ones in central office and the leadership roles in terms
of deputy directors or regional managers, down to our property
staff just outstanding property managers. All of our team is
(07:19):
just highly professional and you know, I just I couldn't
be going into it. You know again, I'm you know,
nervous and excited, but I've got an outstanding team behind me,
and they're the ones that actually get things done well.
Speaker 1 (07:32):
Ginger Murphy, longtime contributor. We've been doing Indian Outdoors for
twenty eight years and she's been a huge part of that.
Sought her retirement well deserved after forty years. I think
you see a trend here, my friend. We have a
lot of very long tenured folks across our Department of
Natural Resources, but in parks, the team in place from
(07:53):
those that run the ends all the way down to
and all the way up through the leadership has been
second to none. So you've mentioned you've had these three
state park directors that you've worked for in thirty five years.
Tell us where you started, and I know you never
sought this, but now you're here, tell us the road
to get there.
Speaker 4 (08:10):
Well, it was it was a long road.
Speaker 3 (08:13):
You know.
Speaker 4 (08:13):
It's commonly said that I worked my way up from lifeguard,
but actually the fact of the matter is I spent
my first few weeks working as the pool cash here
at spring Mill State Park, and that was at a
time when it was a dollar a person to get
into the pool. So I think they really saw something
in my ability to multiply by one. And you know,
(08:34):
I've just I've just stuck with the career.
Speaker 5 (08:36):
Since that time.
Speaker 4 (08:37):
So yeah, I started as pool cash air and went
quickly to lifeguard or worked as a lifeguard all through college,
and then once I graduated college, I went to Obachi
State Park as the assistant property manager for a short
period of time about about ten months, and then spring
Mill State Park the assistant managersition opened up, and since
(08:58):
I had worked there all through college, I I took
the opportunity to transfer to spring Mill as assistant manager,
which I did for eleven years, and then I went
up to Indiana Dune State Park where I worked as
a property manager for over thirteen years up there, and
then transitioned over to the North Region Manager, where it's
advised all of the parks in the northern half the
(09:21):
state for about three years, and then I've been Deputy
Director of Operations, which basically covers the you know, the
budget at HR and finance and project management and all
those you know, all those various very sexy stuff capacities act. Yeah,
the stuff everybody likes to hear about. Did that since
(09:43):
about twenty twenty one, and now I've been given this opportunity.
So yeah, it's a it's been a very gradual process.
But yeah, pool cashier and lifeguard to director.
Speaker 1 (09:58):
Well, I tell you there's a book somewhere, and there
may be a movie. Maybe Matt Damon will come and
solicit you to play you as the in the role
for the movie. But I do want to take this
very seriously because I think this is unique. May not
be unique in other states, but I think it's unique
here that we have people that have worked their way
through this system and it has truly become a vocation,
(10:23):
not just their job. And I'm so pleased that that
legacy continues and Director Morrison continues to impress with the
ability to put people in the right places. And this
is important. So as you take over this legacy, now,
if you had any chance to kind of say this
is kind of where I think need my vision is
(10:43):
and where we need to go. Two or three things
that kind of are front of mine. Top priorities, well
top priority.
Speaker 4 (10:50):
You've always got to go back to our mission, and
we know we are our main goal is to conserve
and manage and interpret for our resources. And that always
has to be the the overarching goal because we you know,
the Indiana State parks and and our reservoirs and uh
(11:11):
state recreation areas are just they're they're unmatched. There are
states you know, natural and cultural treasures. So that always
has to be friend of mind. Is the the preservation
the protection of the resource. But then you know, other
goals are are to to continue to provide the same
(11:32):
or a higher level of service and management at a
time where you know, quite frankly, we need to tighten
our belts budgetarily and and reduce our spend but you know,
hope hopefully doing that in a manner to where are
our guests and the resource do not feel a direct
(11:52):
impact of that. So that's that's obviously our our overarching
goal is is to you know, continue to provide the
highest level of service to our customers and protection to
our resource.
Speaker 1 (12:06):
Well, that's not an easy job in today's climate of
budgets and cuts and and you know, after the pandemic,
we saw such a flood of state park interest and
that has continued, but never without the pressures of money.
And I know that's always an important thing to keep
top of mind, so I don't and you've sounds like
(12:28):
you've got that experience, So that's going to be first
and foremost. I want to kind of switch from a
national perspective, Indiana has become kind of a model for
how things have been had done. What's some of the
feedback you've received from colleagues around the country as this
news of your new directorship has taken taken hold.
Speaker 4 (12:49):
Well, I've really appreciated, you know, the support I've received
from from other directors. As you mentioned, we are pretty
active and engaged, and I like to think high regarded
nationally in the state park world. And because of that,
we're actively engaged in National Association and State Park Directors.
(13:12):
So through our activity in that, I do know a
lot of directors and deputy directors nationwide and have had
the chance to you know, work with them and interface
with them. And the feedback I've gotten has been just
so greatly appreciated. It's you know, it is even though
we're spread out all across the nation, it is certainly
(13:34):
a tight knit community in the state park world.
Speaker 1 (13:37):
It is. Indeed, we're visiting with the new State Parks Director, Bromp.
Bowman is with us, and I am thrilled that we
have this opportunity as early in your tenure as we
could find you. And with that, you're going to oversee
some pretty monumental things here coming up. We've got the
new in, the first in that has been built since
(14:01):
the late nineteen thirties, and you just saw the over
overall construction and renovation of spring Mill State Park. And
you've got and this was the seventy fifth anniversary of
the DNR Pavilion. We can't forget that we're just weeks off,
weeks away from the State Fair by now, but you're
going to get to oversee some pretty landmark things in
(14:22):
our state. What else can we expect to see some
of the new things, anniversaries and things that you're going
to be able to oversee.
Speaker 5 (14:30):
Well.
Speaker 4 (14:31):
Of course, the big one, as you mentioned, is the
Lodge at Potato Creek. We're very excited about that. And
we've recently just opened the Pete and Allie Sky Golf
Center at the Fort Golf Course at Fort Harrison State Park.
So that's an exciting and unique new offering that we have.
(14:51):
We are continuing to move forward with our Community Grants
and Trails Section, which was formerly the UH Division of
Outdoor Wrecky. They are overseeing all kinds of exciting grant
opportunities and and UH trail ribbon cuttings right now. We've
recently just had the final ribbon cutting on the Demona
(15:15):
South Trail. That's going to be a huge asset for
UH the state of Indiana, particularly in southern Indiana where
where you will basically be able to get from Mitchell
to New Albany on a trail. So so that's very exciting.
Of course, we we always have, you know, just many
(15:35):
capital and rehab projects going on in state parks. You know,
all kinds of the the exciting things like you know,
uh sewer lift stations and HVAC systems and so on
and so forth. But we were also you know, continuing
to expand and develop any all of our programming that
(15:55):
we have. So there's just there's there's a lot moving parts,
and it's it's just a case where you're never done.
I was going to say, start to wind up one thing,
and several other things come down the pike. So it's
it's always exciting.
Speaker 1 (16:11):
Well, we're going to enjoy our conversations, ongoing with you
and looking forward to this new end. But you already
mentioned one of the key things, and I know it's
complex and requires a lot of partners, but the absolute
explosion of investment and trails across the state of Indiana
will continue to be a priority, and I know this
(16:31):
governor also appreciates that as well. So anything else for
the good of the cause, I mean, obviously you've got
a family who's excited, and you're you're excited, and and
things are going to get going here real quick. But
anything else we haven't talked about that you'd like to mention.
Speaker 4 (16:48):
Well, now again, I just I can't stress how you
know how meaningful this is to me and how exciting
it is. It's I, you know, basically started getting a
paycheck from the DNR and night and the you know,
just the fact that I'm still here and just still
(17:08):
love it as much as I ever have. I'm just
again just just humbled and grateful for this opportunity.
Speaker 1 (17:15):
Well, we're excited for you, and we look forward to
many more. Brant Bowman is our new Director of State Parks.
We thank you for your time. We look forward to
more in the future here with Indian Outdoors. Be safe,
best of luck, and stay in touch. Okay, thank you
so much, my pleasure. What a great addition, and we
look forward to this conversation with him. As I mentioned,
(17:37):
much more to come. We're going to talk a little
free fishing weekend. We're going to talk a little post
shooting sports month with our good friend Matt Beauchamp. It
is the Indiana Outdoor Show. I your host, Brian Pointer.
Don't think about going anywhere. We're going to be back
right after this. Indian Outdoors always a special time. My word,
(18:11):
I can't believe where this year has gone. Here we are,
we're knee deep in the hunting seasons already, and so
many things to talk about where do we find the time. Well,
that just means we have to come back. Of course,
we're brought to you by Indiana Donor Network Driven to
Save Lives dot org. I do mention that because if
you've missed any of our shows, you can always google
(18:32):
wherever you find your podcasts Indiana Outdoors Radio and boom,
there you have it. You get the last few episodes.
Nobody should be left out of any of it. So
with that, we still have fishing to do and you've
heard people fall fishing is sometimes the best and we
have a free fishing day coming up in September here,
(18:56):
the last one of the year. And joining us at
this time is Christina Cocotte and we appreciate you with
our department in Natural Resources understand that you've had the
opportunity to work with Cindy stit's one of our regular
guests here. How's that been and thanks for being a
part of Indian Outdoors.
Speaker 6 (19:13):
Yeah, absolutely, Brian, thank you so much for having me on.
I have had the honor of working with Cindy this
summer and it has absolutely been a pleasure.
Speaker 1 (19:21):
She's kind of a badass, isn't she.
Speaker 6 (19:23):
She is amazing I have learned so much from her
and the rest of the team.
Speaker 3 (19:27):
That I've been working with, and I.
Speaker 6 (19:29):
Will forever be grateful for every experience I've been able
to have this summer because of them.
Speaker 1 (19:34):
And this is where hopefully seeds are laid for a career.
And people always I always ask people how they you
know if they've been a biologist, did you ever see
yourself being a fisheries biologist or a wildlife biologist? And
ironically they all have something in common. They love the outdoors,
but the path to get to where they were is
(19:54):
never as it was intended. So I'm glad that you're there,
You've had a great summer. But I also want to
make make sure people are aware that our final free
fishing weekend is coming up. Here. When's the date and
what do people need to be aware of for free
fishing days? It's one of four throughout the year. This
is the last for twenty five. Tell us about it.
Speaker 3 (20:14):
Yeah, absolutely so.
Speaker 6 (20:15):
Our last free fishing day of the year is September
twenty Seventh's we do, like you said, a couple of
them throughout the year. They are super great opportunities. It's
a day where you don't need a fishing license to
go out and go fishing. It's really awesome for any
Indiana resident. It is for Indiana residence only. Really great
opportunity for anybody who's interested in trying out.
Speaker 3 (20:36):
Fishing and they don't they're.
Speaker 6 (20:37):
Not sure if they want to make that commitment yet,
gives them a really good opportunity to experience that without
having to buy the license just yet. Also a great
way for people that are regular anglers to go and
take their friends out who they maybe want to introduce
to fishing and have never gone before.
Speaker 3 (20:53):
Take them out and give them an opportunity to experience
that as well, and get.
Speaker 6 (20:57):
As many people introduce to angling as we can. Because
what better way is there to spend a Saturday in
the summer.
Speaker 1 (21:03):
There's no better way. And this free fishing days. People
are like, well, what's the big deal. Well, let's say
you want to go somewhere and you just want to
take some people. Well, this is a good opportunity where
you don't have to worry about getting a license. However,
I think you would agree with me on this, Christina,
that buying a hunting license or buying a fishing license
(21:25):
is probably the best conservation dollars you could invest because
of the leverage that those dollars go, and that's how
our Fish and Wildlife Division is funded. But let's just
say you're on a spur of the moment, this is
a good opportunity to put on your calend and say
we're going, we're taking some people. We don't need to
worry about having a license on our state waterways doesn't
affect private property. But I'm glad that you brought up.
(21:48):
You can try it, so to speak. And these have
become wildly popular. Are these part of a national program
or are these just set up in Indiana.
Speaker 6 (21:57):
Off the top of my head, I think you can
find it in other states. I definitely would have to
look into that again, but I know Indiana is.
Speaker 3 (22:04):
Very well known.
Speaker 1 (22:05):
See, that's my job is to hit you with hard
hitting questions that you're ut prepared for because I just
come up with stuff off the top of my head.
Speaker 3 (22:12):
Nonetheless, that's totally fine.
Speaker 1 (22:13):
All right. We got free fishing coming up here on
the twenty seven, so you got plenty of time to
look forward to that. I'm also interested in this new app.
I love apps. Okay, and Cindy and I were talking
recently about this new app that's called the DNR Trip Planner.
It's kind of an Indianapolis area. I don't want you,
(22:35):
I don't can't really describe it as well as you can.
But what is this app all about? I'm very excited.
Speaker 6 (22:40):
Yeah, absolutely, So it's called the Trip Planner. If you're
wanting to find it online, little subtle promo here, but
not very.
Speaker 3 (22:48):
Subtle because I'm going to talk about it for a
little bit.
Speaker 1 (22:50):
There's nothing subtle about Indiana Outdoors. Just hit it, hit
it full frontal perfect.
Speaker 6 (22:55):
You can google Indiana Fishing Trip Planner, or if you
want to put the website in, it's just https the
double dots forward slash Indiana Fishingplanner dot com. If you
plug that into your phone or a computer, it'll bring
you to a website. That website will ask you a
couple different questions, so you'll fill in the county you're in.
(23:15):
From there, it'll give you location options. Then you'll be
able to choose who's going just kind of adults, teenagers, kids,
how long you guys are going to be going out
a day trip or just a quick afternoon and then
if you're fishing from a boat, a paddle craft off
the bank. You'll then hit Generate your fishing Plan, and
this app will put out an entire plan for you
(23:38):
for your day, the fish that you can find in
the area that you'll be going to, how to catch them,
the best fishing rig, setup, bait, as well as a
packing list for the kind of fishing you're doing, the
group you're bringing, and the length of your stay. So
right now it is only for the Indy area and
it is only fishing, but it has been a super
awesome program. It makes it a lot easier for families
(23:59):
to play and a trip because you know, it takes
some time to plan a trip, especially if you're going
with younger kids. You don't always know what to pack
for a day on the water. So we did this
to just kind of increase accessibility for busy families with fishing.
Speaker 1 (24:13):
Christina Colcott or Cocot, I'm sorry, is our guest. You
did so well on this year first experience on Indian Outdoors.
Tell us about when you're not working with Cindy and
our department in Natural Resources. Tell us about you very
briefly and what you look forward to doing and why
you're working with Cindy. This summer.
Speaker 6 (24:30):
Yeah, absolutely, So I'm finishing up my senior year at IU,
and I was looking for a summer job, and I
quite frequently look at the Work for Indiana website, especially
in the DNR section, and this opportunity popped up. I
had the best interview I have genuinely ever had, and
I got the job, and I've been lucky enough to
(24:51):
work with them all summer.
Speaker 3 (24:53):
So after this, just.
Speaker 6 (24:54):
Finishing up this school year and trying to find another.
Speaker 3 (24:57):
Job within the DNR because the.
Speaker 6 (25:00):
People that work for the DNR are just some of
the best people I have ever met, and I have
been honored to work for them this summer and look
forward to continuing a career path with them because I
can't see myself anywhere else.
Speaker 1 (25:11):
So what do you study at DAYU?
Speaker 6 (25:14):
So I have two majors.
Speaker 1 (25:15):
A criminal of course you do overture, but there's no trophies.
We don't give trophies on Indiana Outdoors.
Speaker 3 (25:20):
Well, just wait till I tell you about my.
Speaker 1 (25:21):
Three miners philosophy philosophy.
Speaker 6 (25:25):
So I have two majors criminal Justice and Environment and
Sustainability Studies with a concentration in biodiversity. And I have
three miners, in outdoor recreation parks, in human ecology, psychology
and animal behavior.
Speaker 1 (25:40):
Wow, that's the You could probably take over the Indian
Outdoor Show with that resume. My word congratulates.
Speaker 3 (25:46):
I don't think I could better do a better job
than you.
Speaker 1 (25:49):
Thank you all right. Last question is if you could
design the dream job given what you just described, what
would that be now that you've had a summer in
all these degrees coming, what would be your idea deal position.
Speaker 6 (26:01):
My ideal position or dream job.
Speaker 3 (26:03):
Wow, that is a tough one.
Speaker 6 (26:05):
I love so many different things that the DNR does.
One of my favorite things that I have been doing
is working with our volunteers at.
Speaker 3 (26:12):
The state Fair.
Speaker 6 (26:13):
And I do want to give a shout out. They
have been incredible. They were amazing during the State Fair.
Absolutely cannot thank them enough. It has been so incredible
to work with a bunch of dedicated individuals like that.
So honestly, any kind of job that would bring me
in contact with dedicated volunteers like that educating young children
about fishing, hunting the outdoors, because people like that are
(26:35):
really what got me interested in that, and so I
would love to be that person for a young boy
or girl that wants to get involved. If I could
make that kind of impact on someone that they now
want a career in this or want to spend their
life outdoors like that would just be the highest honor
for me, and I couldn't think of anything better to
do with my life.
Speaker 1 (26:52):
Well, we hope for the best for you. We appreciate
the update. Free Fishing weekend coming up September twenty seventh.
Check out this new in the area A trip planner
sounds fantastic. I hope it gets expanded because there's a
lot of folks that could use all that good information.
But most importantly, thanks for being a part of Indian
Outdoors and we wish you the best of luck.
Speaker 5 (27:12):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (27:12):
Absolutely, thank you so much again, Brian. This has absolutely
been a pleasure, my.
Speaker 1 (27:15):
Pleasure for sure. It is the Indiana Outdoors Show. See
we bring you all the good stuff, give you the
updates and when who if you talk about a new app,
you gotta have it. We got to talk about it.
It's our scoop here in Indian Outdoors. Don't go anywhere.
We're just getting this thing started. I am your host,
Brian Pointer. We're brought to you by Indiana Donor Network
driven two Saved Lives dot Org back right after this.
Speaker 2 (27:44):
And.
Speaker 1 (27:52):
Indian Outdoors rolls on this beautiful September. Are so grateful
to be with you and always great to visit with
our friend Bron Bowman, the new director of the Division
of State Parks. And of course free Fishing Weekend coming
up here in just a few weeks. We are on
the heels of free fishing. No, well, that's later. We're
(28:14):
on the heels of National Shooting Sports Month. One of
my favorite things is to get out on under the range,
and one of my favorite people that I've come across
that is helping a lot of folks get into shooting
sports is a good friend and shooting partner Matt Bouchamp
joins us and Matt, it's great to have you talk
about shooting sports. But you're a perfect example of kind
of making your vacation or your vocation or whatever that
(28:37):
statement is. You've really turned what was a hobby into
something that's helping a lot of people into the shooting
sports world.
Speaker 5 (28:44):
How you doing, I'm doing really well. It's always great
to talk to you.
Speaker 3 (28:47):
VP.
Speaker 5 (28:49):
Yeah, coming off the heels of National Shooting Sports Month
was really busy, both with lessons and with tournaments, both
here locally and traveling. So it's good to be kind
of grounded for a little bit and have a chance
to chat with you. I really appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (29:02):
I no problem, you know. I want to try to
demystify a lot of the things fly fishing and black
powder sports, all the romantic things, well, the shooting sports.
I've sent my kids to the four eight shooting program.
I value learning how to how to handle and be
respectful of a firearm, but shooting sports in general. I
(29:25):
have found that our youth, our young adults is something
that it doesn't discriminate with age, sex, height, weight, nothing.
It's the great equalizer and it teaches so many great
things and it's just exploding in popularity. You have to
have people flooding to you for lessons. How do you do?
How do you what do you try to teach them?
Speaker 5 (29:45):
Great question? So you know, I do youth and adult lessons,
but the probably the more rewarding is the volunteer portion.
Because I volunteer with a local team called Targetbusters that's
sponsored by Indiana Gun Clubs. So we get to practice
out here, and frankly, we feel really spoiled because not
many teams have their own sporting class facility that's all
(30:06):
to their own one day a week. And Philip out
here has been incredibly gracious to us, so we appreciate that.
And we've got his son on the team now, which
is wonderful as a as a young nine year old
shooter and competitive definitely has a dead talent. But yeah,
with the with the kids, you know, the head coach
and I often say that we really have a youth
development program with shotguns rather than just a shooting team,
(30:28):
because really we are teaching these kids respect. We're teaching
them reverence, we're teaching them good sportsmanship, we're teaching them safety.
And then we travel with them. We go to a
couple of tournaments here in the Midwest are that are
actually really big shows. You know, you go to a
national tournament for let's Goolastic clay target program and there
(30:49):
could be twenty seven to twenty eight hundred shooters from
across the country throwing close to three four million targets
over a ten day stretch. It's a very impressive and
quickly growing sport. And to your point about the non discrimination,
you know, I get questioned a lot my parents especially
about well, what's the right age for my child to
start shooting? And my response is that it's not really
(31:12):
an age. It's more about overall maturity and physical strength.
So I've met eight year olds that can safely load, unload,
and handle a shotgun, and I've met twelve year olds
that can't. So really it's just about getting out and
testing the waters a little bit and seeing if it's
a good fit. And then sometimes we have to press
pause for that family and say, you know what, try,
(31:33):
let's try again next year. Let's keep them coming out.
And then sometimes we say you need to sign up
for the team. And we wound up this season with
almost thirty two I think thirty one to thirty two
kids on the team, and I'd say eighty percent of
them were really active, so it was a great season
for us.
Speaker 1 (31:49):
Matt Beauscham is with us, and you might see him
if you've been to the gun club. He spends most
of his time out there, both professionally and personally. And
I know you have another job, so out of respect
to your employer, it's not like you live out there,
but you know what I'm saying, You know what you're
talking about And one of the things that I wanted
to make sure of is that people knew and you've
(32:10):
already hit on this is I think the youth, whatever
you want to describe, our young folks are so gravitating.
They're gravitating to these outdoor sports. Whether it's the National
Archery and the schools program, thousands of kids are learning
the discipline of archery, the history, the philosophy, the physics.
(32:32):
Same thing with shooting sports. I know no safer place
than with certified instructors. And you put these young people
out there, they take to this like moths to flame.
It's insane and I love it, and they're good learners
and they pick up a life hobby for the rest
of their life.
Speaker 5 (32:50):
So true. Yeah, I've started with There's been probably five
or six kids in the last couple of seasons that
have joined the team because mom or dad. We'll see
on LinkedIn or Facebook or or see a sign that
I've got around the club saying come out for try
a lesson, and so they bring their child up for
a lesson, and oftentimes it's kids kind of in middle
school or early high school and we come out. I've
(33:12):
got some I've got some youth sized guns that I
will bring all along for a loaner, and that child
and their parent goes, oh yeah, I do like this,
Oh this is cool, and we just give a basic
first lesson. You know, my my first, like you said,
my my my side hustle, as it were, is is
to teach sporting clays and help develop both adults and
(33:34):
kids alike. And I happen to parlay that with my
business development job in the commercial real estate industry, so
that instead of bringing people to golf for whatever you
know people do to build relationships, well, I come out
and shoot.
Speaker 1 (33:47):
Sporting clays are my hero.
Speaker 5 (33:50):
Well your minds it works out real good.
Speaker 1 (33:52):
All right. So we've been talking about getting people young
and old. Listen, I've shot with you dozens of time,
and I always pick something up. And I know you've
tried officially to help me, but I'm a lost cause.
So I just appreciate your patients. But don't take that
as any litmus test. If people want to come out
and take a lesson, get involved, bring a family, whatever
(34:14):
you do, what do people get in touch with you?
Speaker 5 (34:18):
Great question? So I guess the easiest way to do
it is to throw out my my mobile numbers. I'm
a big Texter. It's just three one seven two two
three four four one eight. I also do have cards
as available at the gun club desk. There will be
a silhouette of a guy wearing a cowboy hat, and
I've got signs along the course of the gun club
(34:38):
with QR codes, so you can literally just scan that
and shoot me a text and I'll be glad to
schedule time. I usually do lessons with private clients, you know,
Friday afternoons, Wednesday evenings, Saturdays. Try to reserve the work
hours for work.
Speaker 1 (34:52):
That's a terrible habit. Get out of that habit, Matt.
I appreciate you as always. If they need to find you,
just go out to the gun club. Google it, call
Phil out at the gun club and they'll get you
in contact. Appreciate your promotion and advocacy for the shooting sports.
Great teacher, and we appreciate all that you do. And
another opportunity to be on Indian Outdoors. We look forward
talking to you real soon. Thank you friend, my pleasure.
(35:15):
It is the Indiana Outdoor Show. Don't even think about it.
We're coming back right after this Indian Outdoors. It is
(35:41):
that time of the day where we have to kind
of wrap up what we've done. Matt Bouschamp one of
my good friends and have tried to take lessons from him,
and I learn every time shooting sports that is spends
a lot of time at the gun club. Just call
Phil out at the Indiana Gun Club and they'll get
you connected to if he didn't catch his number, or
(36:02):
just go out there. He's got signs and sponsorships and
truly one of the greats when it comes to getting
our next generation young and old. I might add he
even teaches an old Kajur like me the good stuff.
Thank him for being here. Brand new Director of our
Department in Natural Resources, Brot Bowman, was with us for
an extended conversation this morning. Always love to have these
(36:26):
types of announcements and for the citizens of Indiana, just
know that we are in the absolute most capable hands.
The legacy of our state parks will continue to thrive
and we couldn't be more happy with Director Morrison's decision
on that. And also free Fishing Weekend coming up here
(36:47):
in a couple of weeks. Thanks to our department for
bringing us up to speed on Matt plus a brand
new free an app to help you plan your next trip,
especially if you're in the metro area. Hopefully that gets expanded. Folks,
remember Turning Approacher one eight hundred tip I D n R.
It's a free confidential call. Turn in the bad guys.
See you next week, See outside everybody
Lights, camera action. I wish somebody would say that to me,
because you know, when you have a staff of one,
you don't really have anybody giving you the countdown except
my great producer Scottie, who I can't think enough for
all the work that he does. But we don't care
about that. We care about the Indiana Outdoor Show today
(00:49):
is a big one. We have a brand new director
of our state Parks. That is correct. Of course, Dan
Bortner has retired. He was fifteen plus years leading state
parks and then the last five as head of our
department in Natural Resources. So we are going to introduce
you to the brand new director of State Parks. And
this does not come This is not an insignificant thing
(01:12):
because the state parks across our country here in Indiana
are recognized and the leadership of state parks has been
influential in the National Association of State Park Directors. So
we're going to visit with Bront Bauman, the new state
Park Director, and we couldn't be more happy about that.
We're also going to talk about Free Fishing Weekend coming
(01:34):
up here the end of this month, and we are
I think it's a twenty seventh as a matter of fact,
and we're also talking about a new app. I love apps.
We're going to talk about a new app that our
Department of Natural Resources, especially if you're in the Indie
metro area, has put together. We're going to find out
when free Fishing Weekend is what is the app? And
(01:55):
we're also going to talk again about shooting sports with
good friends. Shooting coach mentor Matt Beauchamp's going to join us,
and he is one of those that loves to make
his vocation his vacation and he has got a great
business out the Indiana Gun Club and great with kids,
teaching them how to get involved in the ever growing
(02:16):
sport of shooting sports. So we're going to visit. It's
a great, big show. As you can see. I don't
want to take any more time away because when we
come back, Bron Bowman is going to be with us,
the director of the State Parks. It's Indiana Outdoor Show.
Speaker 2 (02:36):
In so great to be with you.
Speaker 1 (02:42):
It is the Indiana Outdoor Show. I your host, Brian Pointer.
Great to be in the Indiana Outdoor Studios.
Speaker 3 (02:50):
Here.
Speaker 1 (02:50):
We are early September, which means we are just weeks
away from the firearm season starting in November, and the
archery season here in just a couple of weeks in
October for deer. The weather is going to turn, I promise,
and all is going to be good. But we couldn't
do this show without our good friends at Indiana Donor Network,
(03:13):
driven to save lives. And you can sign up to
be an organ in tissue donor when you buy your
hunting and fishing license. How easy is that. I just
went online to sign up and check some reserved hunts
and there it was. It was so easy and give
the gift of life. Heel dozens save many lives. As
(03:33):
you heard me mention at the top of our show,
brand new information. Great to visit with new people. And
this one is not insignificant. As we all are aware.
The long tenured previous director of the Department of Nactual Resources,
Dan Bortner, who spent fifteen years prior to that as
the director of State Parks, has retired and left his
(03:57):
legacy and now it's going to be in good hands. Recently,
the governor and all of those very important people found
it the right thing to do, which was to bring
one of Indiana's finest from inside longtime state Parks employee
and a long time contributor to all the great things
(04:19):
happening in state parks. Brought Bowman Is with us. It's
great to visit with you. How does it feel to
be the new director?
Speaker 4 (04:26):
Oh, it's very exciting. Thank you for having me, Brian.
It's you know, I just can't say how humbled and
grateful I am for this opportunity to lead Indiana State Parks.
You know, Phil, it's certainly been a recent goal. It's
not something I ever would have imagined would fall into place,
(04:46):
especially earlier in my career. So I'm just really grateful
to Dreg Morrison and the dn R leadership team for
giving me this opportunity.
Speaker 1 (04:56):
Well, it is and you know there's no pressure here,
my friend, Beg, because you and I have known each
other for a number of years in various capacities, and
I know you're one of the tireless workers within our
state parks and your service is certainly second to none.
But you know, Indiana has a pretty strong legacy of leadership,
(05:18):
not only with our state parks, but also on a
national level, very well respected and a lot of people
look to Indiana. That has to provide you with not
only some comfort to know that this is a great
destination Indiana for our state parks, but it's also it's
got to make you pucker up a little bit because
(05:39):
I know there's the weight of the world on your
shoulders as you lead this next generation. What does that
feel like? How do you approach that as you come
in and say, okay, now it's my turn.
Speaker 4 (05:50):
Oh well, the gravity is certainly not lost on me,
but I am you know, I'm very fortunate in my
thirty five year career with the DNR only had three
state park directors in thirty five years, and that's pretty
amazing considering the average tenure nationwide for state park directors
(06:10):
is less than three years. And the beauty of it
is is I still have all three of those directors
in my phone. So again, while the gravity's not lost
on me, I feel like I have the resources in
place when things get tough for challenging to know where
to reach out to.
Speaker 1 (06:31):
Boy Tata, Well, that is so important, and I think
that's really interesting, and we need to hover here for
a minute because this is unusual, and I think that's
why we have such a strong legacy of state parks
is because it's not just a political football, and there's
people there that have done great things to advance creative
things and really take this park system into the next level.
Speaker 4 (06:56):
Absolutely, and it's not only at the you know, it's
not only at the director level, but Indiana's team of
professionals is just unmatched, whether it's the you know, the
ones in central office and the leadership roles in terms
of deputy directors or regional managers, down to our property
staff just outstanding property managers. All of our team is
(07:19):
just highly professional and you know, I just I couldn't
be going into it. You know again, I'm you know,
nervous and excited, but I've got an outstanding team behind me,
and they're the ones that actually get things done well.
Speaker 1 (07:32):
Ginger Murphy, longtime contributor. We've been doing Indian Outdoors for
twenty eight years and she's been a huge part of that.
Sought her retirement well deserved after forty years. I think
you see a trend here, my friend. We have a
lot of very long tenured folks across our Department of
Natural Resources, but in parks, the team in place from
(07:53):
those that run the ends all the way down to
and all the way up through the leadership has been
second to none. So you've mentioned you've had these three
state park directors that you've worked for in thirty five years.
Tell us where you started, and I know you never
sought this, but now you're here, tell us the road
to get there.
Speaker 4 (08:10):
Well, it was it was a long road.
Speaker 3 (08:13):
You know.
Speaker 4 (08:13):
It's commonly said that I worked my way up from lifeguard,
but actually the fact of the matter is I spent
my first few weeks working as the pool cash here
at spring Mill State Park, and that was at a
time when it was a dollar a person to get
into the pool. So I think they really saw something
in my ability to multiply by one. And you know,
(08:34):
I've just I've just stuck with the career.
Speaker 5 (08:36):
Since that time.
Speaker 4 (08:37):
So yeah, I started as pool cash air and went
quickly to lifeguard or worked as a lifeguard all through college,
and then once I graduated college, I went to Obachi
State Park as the assistant property manager for a short
period of time about about ten months, and then spring
Mill State Park the assistant managersition opened up, and since
(08:58):
I had worked there all through college, I I took
the opportunity to transfer to spring Mill as assistant manager,
which I did for eleven years, and then I went
up to Indiana Dune State Park where I worked as
a property manager for over thirteen years up there, and
then transitioned over to the North Region Manager, where it's
advised all of the parks in the northern half the
(09:21):
state for about three years, and then I've been Deputy
Director of Operations, which basically covers the you know, the
budget at HR and finance and project management and all
those you know, all those various very sexy stuff capacities act. Yeah,
the stuff everybody likes to hear about. Did that since
(09:43):
about twenty twenty one, and now I've been given this opportunity.
So yeah, it's a it's been a very gradual process.
But yeah, pool cashier and lifeguard to director.
Speaker 1 (09:58):
Well, I tell you there's a book somewhere, and there
may be a movie. Maybe Matt Damon will come and
solicit you to play you as the in the role
for the movie. But I do want to take this
very seriously because I think this is unique. May not
be unique in other states, but I think it's unique
here that we have people that have worked their way
through this system and it has truly become a vocation,
(10:23):
not just their job. And I'm so pleased that that
legacy continues and Director Morrison continues to impress with the
ability to put people in the right places. And this
is important. So as you take over this legacy, now,
if you had any chance to kind of say this
is kind of where I think need my vision is
(10:43):
and where we need to go. Two or three things
that kind of are front of mine. Top priorities, well
top priority.
Speaker 4 (10:50):
You've always got to go back to our mission, and
we know we are our main goal is to conserve
and manage and interpret for our resources. And that always
has to be the the overarching goal because we you know,
the Indiana State parks and and our reservoirs and uh
(11:11):
state recreation areas are just they're they're unmatched. There are
states you know, natural and cultural treasures. So that always
has to be friend of mind. Is the the preservation
the protection of the resource. But then you know, other
goals are are to to continue to provide the same
(11:32):
or a higher level of service and management at a
time where you know, quite frankly, we need to tighten
our belts budgetarily and and reduce our spend but you know,
hope hopefully doing that in a manner to where are
our guests and the resource do not feel a direct
(11:52):
impact of that. So that's that's obviously our our overarching
goal is is to you know, continue to provide the
highest level of service to our customers and protection to
our resource.
Speaker 1 (12:06):
Well, that's not an easy job in today's climate of
budgets and cuts and and you know, after the pandemic,
we saw such a flood of state park interest and
that has continued, but never without the pressures of money.
And I know that's always an important thing to keep
top of mind, so I don't and you've sounds like
(12:28):
you've got that experience, So that's going to be first
and foremost. I want to kind of switch from a
national perspective, Indiana has become kind of a model for
how things have been had done. What's some of the
feedback you've received from colleagues around the country as this
news of your new directorship has taken taken hold.
Speaker 4 (12:49):
Well, I've really appreciated, you know, the support I've received
from from other directors. As you mentioned, we are pretty
active and engaged, and I like to think high regarded
nationally in the state park world. And because of that,
we're actively engaged in National Association and State Park Directors.
(13:12):
So through our activity in that, I do know a
lot of directors and deputy directors nationwide and have had
the chance to you know, work with them and interface
with them. And the feedback I've gotten has been just
so greatly appreciated. It's you know, it is even though
we're spread out all across the nation, it is certainly
(13:34):
a tight knit community in the state park world.
Speaker 1 (13:37):
It is. Indeed, we're visiting with the new State Parks Director, Bromp.
Bowman is with us, and I am thrilled that we
have this opportunity as early in your tenure as we
could find you. And with that, you're going to oversee
some pretty monumental things here coming up. We've got the
new in, the first in that has been built since
(14:01):
the late nineteen thirties, and you just saw the over
overall construction and renovation of spring Mill State Park. And
you've got and this was the seventy fifth anniversary of
the DNR Pavilion. We can't forget that we're just weeks off,
weeks away from the State Fair by now, but you're
going to get to oversee some pretty landmark things in
(14:22):
our state. What else can we expect to see some
of the new things, anniversaries and things that you're going
to be able to oversee.
Speaker 5 (14:30):
Well.
Speaker 4 (14:31):
Of course, the big one, as you mentioned, is the
Lodge at Potato Creek. We're very excited about that. And
we've recently just opened the Pete and Allie Sky Golf
Center at the Fort Golf Course at Fort Harrison State Park.
So that's an exciting and unique new offering that we have.
(14:51):
We are continuing to move forward with our Community Grants
and Trails Section, which was formerly the UH Division of
Outdoor Wrecky. They are overseeing all kinds of exciting grant
opportunities and and UH trail ribbon cuttings right now. We've
recently just had the final ribbon cutting on the Demona
(15:15):
South Trail. That's going to be a huge asset for
UH the state of Indiana, particularly in southern Indiana where
where you will basically be able to get from Mitchell
to New Albany on a trail. So so that's very exciting.
Of course, we we always have, you know, just many
(15:35):
capital and rehab projects going on in state parks. You know,
all kinds of the the exciting things like you know,
uh sewer lift stations and HVAC systems and so on
and so forth. But we were also you know, continuing
to expand and develop any all of our programming that
(15:55):
we have. So there's just there's there's a lot moving parts,
and it's it's just a case where you're never done.
I was going to say, start to wind up one thing,
and several other things come down the pike. So it's
it's always exciting.
Speaker 1 (16:11):
Well, we're going to enjoy our conversations, ongoing with you
and looking forward to this new end. But you already
mentioned one of the key things, and I know it's
complex and requires a lot of partners, but the absolute
explosion of investment and trails across the state of Indiana
will continue to be a priority, and I know this
(16:31):
governor also appreciates that as well. So anything else for
the good of the cause, I mean, obviously you've got
a family who's excited, and you're you're excited, and and
things are going to get going here real quick. But
anything else we haven't talked about that you'd like to mention.
Speaker 4 (16:48):
Well, now again, I just I can't stress how you
know how meaningful this is to me and how exciting
it is. It's I, you know, basically started getting a
paycheck from the DNR and night and the you know,
just the fact that I'm still here and just still
(17:08):
love it as much as I ever have. I'm just
again just just humbled and grateful for this opportunity.
Speaker 1 (17:15):
Well, we're excited for you, and we look forward to
many more. Brant Bowman is our new Director of State Parks.
We thank you for your time. We look forward to
more in the future here with Indian Outdoors. Be safe,
best of luck, and stay in touch. Okay, thank you
so much, my pleasure. What a great addition, and we
look forward to this conversation with him. As I mentioned,
(17:37):
much more to come. We're going to talk a little
free fishing weekend. We're going to talk a little post
shooting sports month with our good friend Matt Beauchamp. It
is the Indiana Outdoor Show. I your host, Brian Pointer.
Don't think about going anywhere. We're going to be back
right after this. Indian Outdoors always a special time. My word,
(18:11):
I can't believe where this year has gone. Here we are,
we're knee deep in the hunting seasons already, and so
many things to talk about where do we find the time. Well,
that just means we have to come back. Of course,
we're brought to you by Indiana Donor Network Driven to
Save Lives dot org. I do mention that because if
you've missed any of our shows, you can always google
(18:32):
wherever you find your podcasts Indiana Outdoors Radio and boom,
there you have it. You get the last few episodes.
Nobody should be left out of any of it. So
with that, we still have fishing to do and you've
heard people fall fishing is sometimes the best and we
have a free fishing day coming up in September here,
(18:56):
the last one of the year. And joining us at
this time is Christina Cocotte and we appreciate you with
our department in Natural Resources understand that you've had the
opportunity to work with Cindy stit's one of our regular
guests here. How's that been and thanks for being a
part of Indian Outdoors.
Speaker 6 (19:13):
Yeah, absolutely, Brian, thank you so much for having me on.
I have had the honor of working with Cindy this
summer and it has absolutely been a pleasure.
Speaker 1 (19:21):
She's kind of a badass, isn't she.
Speaker 6 (19:23):
She is amazing I have learned so much from her
and the rest of the team.
Speaker 3 (19:27):
That I've been working with, and I.
Speaker 6 (19:29):
Will forever be grateful for every experience I've been able
to have this summer because of them.
Speaker 1 (19:34):
And this is where hopefully seeds are laid for a career.
And people always I always ask people how they you
know if they've been a biologist, did you ever see
yourself being a fisheries biologist or a wildlife biologist? And
ironically they all have something in common. They love the outdoors,
but the path to get to where they were is
(19:54):
never as it was intended. So I'm glad that you're there,
You've had a great summer. But I also want to
make make sure people are aware that our final free
fishing weekend is coming up. Here. When's the date and
what do people need to be aware of for free
fishing days? It's one of four throughout the year. This
is the last for twenty five. Tell us about it.
Speaker 3 (20:14):
Yeah, absolutely so.
Speaker 6 (20:15):
Our last free fishing day of the year is September
twenty Seventh's we do, like you said, a couple of
them throughout the year. They are super great opportunities. It's
a day where you don't need a fishing license to
go out and go fishing. It's really awesome for any
Indiana resident. It is for Indiana residence only. Really great
opportunity for anybody who's interested in trying out.
Speaker 3 (20:36):
Fishing and they don't they're.
Speaker 6 (20:37):
Not sure if they want to make that commitment yet,
gives them a really good opportunity to experience that without
having to buy the license just yet. Also a great
way for people that are regular anglers to go and
take their friends out who they maybe want to introduce
to fishing and have never gone before.
Speaker 3 (20:53):
Take them out and give them an opportunity to experience
that as well, and get.
Speaker 6 (20:57):
As many people introduce to angling as we can. Because
what better way is there to spend a Saturday in
the summer.
Speaker 1 (21:03):
There's no better way. And this free fishing days. People
are like, well, what's the big deal. Well, let's say
you want to go somewhere and you just want to
take some people. Well, this is a good opportunity where
you don't have to worry about getting a license. However,
I think you would agree with me on this, Christina,
that buying a hunting license or buying a fishing license
(21:25):
is probably the best conservation dollars you could invest because
of the leverage that those dollars go, and that's how
our Fish and Wildlife Division is funded. But let's just
say you're on a spur of the moment, this is
a good opportunity to put on your calend and say
we're going, we're taking some people. We don't need to
worry about having a license on our state waterways doesn't
affect private property. But I'm glad that you brought up.
(21:48):
You can try it, so to speak. And these have
become wildly popular. Are these part of a national program
or are these just set up in Indiana.
Speaker 6 (21:57):
Off the top of my head, I think you can
find it in other states. I definitely would have to
look into that again, but I know Indiana is.
Speaker 3 (22:04):
Very well known.
Speaker 1 (22:05):
See, that's my job is to hit you with hard
hitting questions that you're ut prepared for because I just
come up with stuff off the top of my head.
Speaker 3 (22:12):
Nonetheless, that's totally fine.
Speaker 1 (22:13):
All right. We got free fishing coming up here on
the twenty seven, so you got plenty of time to
look forward to that. I'm also interested in this new app.
I love apps. Okay, and Cindy and I were talking
recently about this new app that's called the DNR Trip Planner.
It's kind of an Indianapolis area. I don't want you,
(22:35):
I don't can't really describe it as well as you can.
But what is this app all about? I'm very excited.
Speaker 6 (22:40):
Yeah, absolutely, So it's called the Trip Planner. If you're
wanting to find it online, little subtle promo here, but
not very.
Speaker 3 (22:48):
Subtle because I'm going to talk about it for a
little bit.
Speaker 1 (22:50):
There's nothing subtle about Indiana Outdoors. Just hit it, hit
it full frontal perfect.
Speaker 6 (22:55):
You can google Indiana Fishing Trip Planner, or if you
want to put the website in, it's just https the
double dots forward slash Indiana Fishingplanner dot com. If you
plug that into your phone or a computer, it'll bring
you to a website. That website will ask you a
couple different questions, so you'll fill in the county you're in.
(23:15):
From there, it'll give you location options. Then you'll be
able to choose who's going just kind of adults, teenagers, kids,
how long you guys are going to be going out
a day trip or just a quick afternoon and then
if you're fishing from a boat, a paddle craft off
the bank. You'll then hit Generate your fishing Plan, and
this app will put out an entire plan for you
(23:38):
for your day, the fish that you can find in
the area that you'll be going to, how to catch them,
the best fishing rig, setup, bait, as well as a
packing list for the kind of fishing you're doing, the
group you're bringing, and the length of your stay. So
right now it is only for the Indy area and
it is only fishing, but it has been a super
awesome program. It makes it a lot easier for families
(23:59):
to play and a trip because you know, it takes
some time to plan a trip, especially if you're going
with younger kids. You don't always know what to pack
for a day on the water. So we did this
to just kind of increase accessibility for busy families with fishing.
Speaker 1 (24:13):
Christina Colcott or Cocot, I'm sorry, is our guest. You
did so well on this year first experience on Indian Outdoors.
Tell us about when you're not working with Cindy and
our department in Natural Resources. Tell us about you very
briefly and what you look forward to doing and why
you're working with Cindy. This summer.
Speaker 6 (24:30):
Yeah, absolutely, So I'm finishing up my senior year at IU,
and I was looking for a summer job, and I
quite frequently look at the Work for Indiana website, especially
in the DNR section, and this opportunity popped up. I
had the best interview I have genuinely ever had, and
I got the job, and I've been lucky enough to
(24:51):
work with them all summer.
Speaker 3 (24:53):
So after this, just.
Speaker 6 (24:54):
Finishing up this school year and trying to find another.
Speaker 3 (24:57):
Job within the DNR because the.
Speaker 6 (25:00):
People that work for the DNR are just some of
the best people I have ever met, and I have
been honored to work for them this summer and look
forward to continuing a career path with them because I
can't see myself anywhere else.
Speaker 1 (25:11):
So what do you study at DAYU?
Speaker 6 (25:14):
So I have two majors.
Speaker 1 (25:15):
A criminal of course you do overture, but there's no trophies.
We don't give trophies on Indiana Outdoors.
Speaker 3 (25:20):
Well, just wait till I tell you about my.
Speaker 1 (25:21):
Three miners philosophy philosophy.
Speaker 6 (25:25):
So I have two majors criminal Justice and Environment and
Sustainability Studies with a concentration in biodiversity. And I have
three miners, in outdoor recreation parks, in human ecology, psychology
and animal behavior.
Speaker 1 (25:40):
Wow, that's the You could probably take over the Indian
Outdoor Show with that resume. My word congratulates.
Speaker 3 (25:46):
I don't think I could better do a better job
than you.
Speaker 1 (25:49):
Thank you all right. Last question is if you could
design the dream job given what you just described, what
would that be now that you've had a summer in
all these degrees coming, what would be your idea deal position.
Speaker 6 (26:01):
My ideal position or dream job.
Speaker 3 (26:03):
Wow, that is a tough one.
Speaker 6 (26:05):
I love so many different things that the DNR does.
One of my favorite things that I have been doing
is working with our volunteers at.
Speaker 3 (26:12):
The state Fair.
Speaker 6 (26:13):
And I do want to give a shout out. They
have been incredible. They were amazing during the State Fair.
Absolutely cannot thank them enough. It has been so incredible
to work with a bunch of dedicated individuals like that.
So honestly, any kind of job that would bring me
in contact with dedicated volunteers like that educating young children
about fishing, hunting the outdoors, because people like that are
(26:35):
really what got me interested in that, and so I
would love to be that person for a young boy
or girl that wants to get involved. If I could
make that kind of impact on someone that they now
want a career in this or want to spend their
life outdoors like that would just be the highest honor
for me, and I couldn't think of anything better to
do with my life.
Speaker 1 (26:52):
Well, we hope for the best for you. We appreciate
the update. Free Fishing weekend coming up September twenty seventh.
Check out this new in the area A trip planner
sounds fantastic. I hope it gets expanded because there's a
lot of folks that could use all that good information.
But most importantly, thanks for being a part of Indian
Outdoors and we wish you the best of luck.
Speaker 5 (27:12):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (27:12):
Absolutely, thank you so much again, Brian. This has absolutely
been a pleasure, my.
Speaker 1 (27:15):
Pleasure for sure. It is the Indiana Outdoors Show. See
we bring you all the good stuff, give you the
updates and when who if you talk about a new app,
you gotta have it. We got to talk about it.
It's our scoop here in Indian Outdoors. Don't go anywhere.
We're just getting this thing started. I am your host,
Brian Pointer. We're brought to you by Indiana Donor Network
driven two Saved Lives dot Org back right after this.
Speaker 2 (27:44):
And.
Speaker 1 (27:52):
Indian Outdoors rolls on this beautiful September. Are so grateful
to be with you and always great to visit with
our friend Bron Bowman, the new director of the Division
of State Parks. And of course free Fishing Weekend coming
up here in just a few weeks. We are on
the heels of free fishing. No, well, that's later. We're
(28:14):
on the heels of National Shooting Sports Month. One of
my favorite things is to get out on under the range,
and one of my favorite people that I've come across
that is helping a lot of folks get into shooting
sports is a good friend and shooting partner Matt Bouchamp
joins us and Matt, it's great to have you talk
about shooting sports. But you're a perfect example of kind
of making your vacation or your vocation or whatever that
(28:37):
statement is. You've really turned what was a hobby into
something that's helping a lot of people into the shooting
sports world.
Speaker 5 (28:44):
How you doing, I'm doing really well. It's always great
to talk to you.
Speaker 3 (28:47):
VP.
Speaker 5 (28:49):
Yeah, coming off the heels of National Shooting Sports Month
was really busy, both with lessons and with tournaments, both
here locally and traveling. So it's good to be kind
of grounded for a little bit and have a chance
to chat with you. I really appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (29:02):
I no problem, you know. I want to try to
demystify a lot of the things fly fishing and black
powder sports, all the romantic things, well, the shooting sports.
I've sent my kids to the four eight shooting program.
I value learning how to how to handle and be
respectful of a firearm, but shooting sports in general. I
(29:25):
have found that our youth, our young adults is something
that it doesn't discriminate with age, sex, height, weight, nothing.
It's the great equalizer and it teaches so many great
things and it's just exploding in popularity. You have to
have people flooding to you for lessons. How do you do?
How do you what do you try to teach them?
Speaker 5 (29:45):
Great question? So you know, I do youth and adult lessons,
but the probably the more rewarding is the volunteer portion.
Because I volunteer with a local team called Targetbusters that's
sponsored by Indiana Gun Clubs. So we get to practice
out here, and frankly, we feel really spoiled because not
many teams have their own sporting class facility that's all
(30:06):
to their own one day a week. And Philip out
here has been incredibly gracious to us, so we appreciate that.
And we've got his son on the team now, which
is wonderful as a as a young nine year old
shooter and competitive definitely has a dead talent. But yeah,
with the with the kids, you know, the head coach
and I often say that we really have a youth
development program with shotguns rather than just a shooting team,
(30:28):
because really we are teaching these kids respect. We're teaching
them reverence, we're teaching them good sportsmanship, we're teaching them safety.
And then we travel with them. We go to a
couple of tournaments here in the Midwest are that are
actually really big shows. You know, you go to a
national tournament for let's Goolastic clay target program and there
(30:49):
could be twenty seven to twenty eight hundred shooters from
across the country throwing close to three four million targets
over a ten day stretch. It's a very impressive and
quickly growing sport. And to your point about the non discrimination,
you know, I get questioned a lot my parents especially
about well, what's the right age for my child to
start shooting? And my response is that it's not really
(31:12):
an age. It's more about overall maturity and physical strength.
So I've met eight year olds that can safely load, unload,
and handle a shotgun, and I've met twelve year olds
that can't. So really it's just about getting out and
testing the waters a little bit and seeing if it's
a good fit. And then sometimes we have to press
pause for that family and say, you know what, try,
(31:33):
let's try again next year. Let's keep them coming out.
And then sometimes we say you need to sign up
for the team. And we wound up this season with
almost thirty two I think thirty one to thirty two
kids on the team, and I'd say eighty percent of
them were really active, so it was a great season
for us.
Speaker 1 (31:49):
Matt Beauscham is with us, and you might see him
if you've been to the gun club. He spends most
of his time out there, both professionally and personally. And
I know you have another job, so out of respect
to your employer, it's not like you live out there,
but you know what I'm saying, You know what you're
talking about And one of the things that I wanted
to make sure of is that people knew and you've
(32:10):
already hit on this is I think the youth, whatever
you want to describe, our young folks are so gravitating.
They're gravitating to these outdoor sports. Whether it's the National
Archery and the schools program, thousands of kids are learning
the discipline of archery, the history, the philosophy, the physics.
(32:32):
Same thing with shooting sports. I know no safer place
than with certified instructors. And you put these young people
out there, they take to this like moths to flame.
It's insane and I love it, and they're good learners
and they pick up a life hobby for the rest
of their life.
Speaker 5 (32:50):
So true. Yeah, I've started with There's been probably five
or six kids in the last couple of seasons that
have joined the team because mom or dad. We'll see
on LinkedIn or Facebook or or see a sign that
I've got around the club saying come out for try
a lesson, and so they bring their child up for
a lesson, and oftentimes it's kids kind of in middle
school or early high school and we come out. I've
(33:12):
got some I've got some youth sized guns that I
will bring all along for a loaner, and that child
and their parent goes, oh yeah, I do like this,
Oh this is cool, and we just give a basic
first lesson. You know, my my first, like you said,
my my my side hustle, as it were, is is
to teach sporting clays and help develop both adults and
(33:34):
kids alike. And I happen to parlay that with my
business development job in the commercial real estate industry, so
that instead of bringing people to golf for whatever you
know people do to build relationships, well, I come out
and shoot.
Speaker 1 (33:47):
Sporting clays are my hero.
Speaker 5 (33:50):
Well your minds it works out real good.
Speaker 1 (33:52):
All right. So we've been talking about getting people young
and old. Listen, I've shot with you dozens of time,
and I always pick something up. And I know you've
tried officially to help me, but I'm a lost cause.
So I just appreciate your patients. But don't take that
as any litmus test. If people want to come out
and take a lesson, get involved, bring a family, whatever
(34:14):
you do, what do people get in touch with you?
Speaker 5 (34:18):
Great question? So I guess the easiest way to do
it is to throw out my my mobile numbers. I'm
a big Texter. It's just three one seven two two
three four four one eight. I also do have cards
as available at the gun club desk. There will be
a silhouette of a guy wearing a cowboy hat, and
I've got signs along the course of the gun club
(34:38):
with QR codes, so you can literally just scan that
and shoot me a text and I'll be glad to
schedule time. I usually do lessons with private clients, you know,
Friday afternoons, Wednesday evenings, Saturdays. Try to reserve the work
hours for work.
Speaker 1 (34:52):
That's a terrible habit. Get out of that habit, Matt.
I appreciate you as always. If they need to find you,
just go out to the gun club. Google it, call
Phil out at the gun club and they'll get you
in contact. Appreciate your promotion and advocacy for the shooting sports.
Great teacher, and we appreciate all that you do. And
another opportunity to be on Indian Outdoors. We look forward
talking to you real soon. Thank you friend, my pleasure.
(35:15):
It is the Indiana Outdoor Show. Don't even think about it.
We're coming back right after this Indian Outdoors. It is
(35:41):
that time of the day where we have to kind
of wrap up what we've done. Matt Bouschamp one of
my good friends and have tried to take lessons from him,
and I learn every time shooting sports that is spends
a lot of time at the gun club. Just call
Phil out at the Indiana Gun Club and they'll get
you connected to if he didn't catch his number, or
(36:02):
just go out there. He's got signs and sponsorships and
truly one of the greats when it comes to getting
our next generation young and old. I might add he
even teaches an old Kajur like me the good stuff.
Thank him for being here. Brand new Director of our
Department in Natural Resources, Brot Bowman, was with us for
an extended conversation this morning. Always love to have these
(36:26):
types of announcements and for the citizens of Indiana, just
know that we are in the absolute most capable hands.
The legacy of our state parks will continue to thrive
and we couldn't be more happy with Director Morrison's decision
on that. And also free Fishing Weekend coming up here
(36:47):
in a couple of weeks. Thanks to our department for
bringing us up to speed on Matt plus a brand
new free an app to help you plan your next trip,
especially if you're in the metro area. Hopefully that gets expanded. Folks,
remember Turning Approacher one eight hundred tip I D n R.
It's a free confidential call. Turn in the bad guys.
See you next week, See outside everybody
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