I've been goat hunting in South Dakota and found it is hard to practice here in the same wind you'll find out west. The days are few and far between when we have wind here in Indiana that compares with the sustained winds out west. I had a blast, I'm sure you will too.
I haven't hunted squirrels in a few years but I've used shotguns from 410 - 12 ga usually #6 shot. I've used 22 rifles and handguns but always concerned about bullet travel if I had an errant shot. I even used my bow and the cool thing about that is the fact a lot of us can hunt the same...
When you check the bird on line, you will received a reference number and you just write it on your temporary transportation tag. There will not be any "check in tag" if checked in on line.
I can't stand face paint. To me its a pain to put on, a pain to take off and if I'm hunting away from home and need to stop at the store, get gas, pick up food, it just looks stupid walking around with face paint. A head net is the only way to go in my book.
https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/the_great_outdoors/209324-indianas_turkey_electronic_harvest_reporting_system_telecheck.html
I used the CheckIN system and it worked like a charm, very slick!!!
Check stations are still open! But I guess if they ever close there is nothing that keeps you from stopping by the ol' store and show off your kill to your buds.
Nice to have the Hunter Ed class under your belt. I took it several years ago along with bowhunter education even though I wasn't required to take either one to obtain a license. Some other states require it also so if you ever think about going out of state to hunt you'd never have to worry...
Congratulations! It sounds like you've got a good head on your shoulders and can go far. I've got some family members who enlisted, did their 20 and retired. Thank you for your service!!!
I have plenty of ag fields nearby and haven't had much luck with deer hitting turnips. However, my Buck Forage Oats planted around Sept 1st have been hit hard.