Field Herping Newb...

[dsnider8818]

I live in Central Indiana and I am trying to get into field herping but I'm not sure where to begin. When I say I don't know where to begin what I mean is that I am unsure of where I can (legally) go to find herps. For those of you who do any sort of regular field herping: where it you go to do this?... State parks, private land, public land, etc....? Like I said before, I am in central Indiana so my options are a little more limited then say Florida or Texas but I am confident there are is still plenty opportunity for a good time here.

[pdomensis]

You've got some good state parks and other public lands out there. You can't catch or keep, but there are plenty of things to see and photograph. Most rivers and creeks have fishing access or trails that are good places to try. Probably your best bet is to go private, but just be sure you have permission. Although when I was in Fort Wayne I found that farmers and landowners didn't care about there forested/boggy ground. Those are the areas that are too much work to turn into a corn field.

You might contact the state Herp society or check for herping groups on facebook.

[pet_snake_78]

Use google earth to search nearby parks for suitable habitat for the species you are seeking out. For example, look for large openings in the woods where snakes may congregate under rocks or small woodland pools where salamanders might breed at the right time of year in wooded areas. Next you need to get the GPS coordinates and then use a handheld GPS so you can go straight to the spot without getting lost.

[dsnider8818]

I never thought of using Google earth. Thanks for the ideas