DESCRIPTION

Hillenbrand Fish & Wildlife Area is dedicated to providing quality hunting and fishing opportunities while maintaining 3,400 acres of upland game and wetland habitat, lakes and shallow impoundments. It is located east and west of S.R. 59 approximately five miles north of Linton.

Hillenbrand Fish and Wildlife Area was purchased by the state in 1995. Wildlife management efforts began immediately on the 3,400 acres of mostly reclaimed surface mine land in Greene County. Hillenbrand is 60 percent grasslands with 125 acres of wetland habitat. The property is named after Indiana businessman John A. Hillenbrand II for his dedication to Indiana's natural resources.

Most revenues used in land acquisition, development, operation and maintenance of Hillenbrand Fish and Wildlife Area are from the sale of game bird habitat hunting stamps and federal aid programs supporting sport fish and wildlife restoration. Federal funds are derived from taxes levied on sport fishing and hunting equipment. Indiana hunters and anglers are proud to provide this property for the enjoyment of all people.

ACTIVITIES

Fishing

• Hillenbrand Fish and Wildlife Area has 125 acres of available water impoundments, including 27 acre Horseshoe Lake.
• Primary species include bass, bluegill, redear, crappie and catfish.
• Gilmour, Crystal, Long, Moss, Midland, Beaver Dam and Front lakes have gravel boat ramps.
• All lakes are limited to a maximum 12-volt electric motor.
• No check-in is required for fishing. However, check for closures during waterfowl hunting season.
• There is a 14-inch minimum size limit on largemouth bass. All other size and bag limits apply. See Fishing Regulations for details.

Hunting

• Deer, rabbit, dove, quail and woodcock are common at Hillenbrand Fish & Wildlife Area. Limited hunting for wild turkey and waterfowl is available. See Hunting Regulations for details.
• Check-in is required. Small game, deer archery and late season deer hunters can pick up daily permits at a self-service check in area (see map).
• Drawings are held for waterfowl and the first 6 days of spring wild turkey hunting. Pre-registration is required for waterfowl and wild turkey, call the Goose Pond FWA office (812) 659-9901 for drawing times and location.

Wildlife Watching

• Enjoy watching deer, wild turkey and various bird species on the 3,400 acres of Hillenbrand Fish and Wildlife Area. Large congregations of migratory waterfowl can be seen in the wetland areas.

Additional Opportunities

• Wetland trapping is available by drawing only. Ask for details at Goose Pond FWA headquarters.
• Hunting areas accessible to persons with disabilities are available at Hillenbrand FWA. Ask for details at Goose Pond FWA headquarters.
• Blackberries and morel mushrooms may be gathered from Hillenbrand FWA.
• The dog training area at Hillenbrand FWA is everything east of County Road 1100W.

NO Camping and NO Swimming Allowed.

Please Read and Obey All Signs.

RULES

In addition to state fish and wildlife laws, this property is governed by posted regulations affecting the public use of lands and facilities owned, leased or licensed by the Department of Natural Resources.

Posted Areas

Safety zones, refuges, waterfowl resting and other restricted areas are marked with appropriate signs. PLEASE READ AND OBEY ALL SIGNS.

Violations

Violation of any law, rule or regulation governing this property may be cause for forfeiting your hunting, fishing, or visiting privileges on this area.

Responsibility

The Division of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, will not be held responsible for any accidents or deaths occurring from the use of these facilities.

Permits

In addition to a hunting and/or fishing license, the following permits are required:

• Permission to hunt during the day on Hillenbrand Fish and Wildlife Area must be obtained before entering the field. Daily hunt permit cards must be in possession of the hunter and recorded through established self-service procedures outlined at the check- in station. Self-service drop boxes are located on the property for your convenience.
• Night and predator hunting is allowed.
• No check-in or written permission is required for fishing. There is a minimum size limit of 14-inches for largemouth bass in effect on all state-owned, operated or leased waters except for free flowing streams. Some restrictions may limit fishing during waterfowl hunting season. Call the Goose Pond FWA office for details (812) 659-9901.

Traffic

Traffic on public roads through the area is governed by state and county laws. Traffic over service roads and trails, except by authorized vehicles, is restricted to walking. Off-road vehicles and horseback riding are not permitted. Please be courteous to neighboring landowners. Look for property boundary and safety zone signs. Stay at least 500 feet inside boundaries. Do not trespass on private property.

MAPS

• Hillenbrand Fish and Wildlife Area Map in online viewable format.
• Hillenbrand Fish and Wildlife Area Map in Acrobat Reader format

GALLERY

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