DESCRIPTION

Crosley Fish and Wildlife Area is made up of 4,228 acres of rolling hills, ponds and the Muscatatuck River. Approximately 80 percent of the property is wooded. Most of the terrain is covered with steep to gently rolling hills. About seven miles of the Muscatatuck River flows through the property. The property also has 13 ponds, ranging in size from 2-14 acres.

Crosley Fish and Wildlife Area gets its name from Powel Crosley, the man who originally owned the property. Powel Crosley, maker of the Crosley automobile, purchased the land in 1931 and maintained it as a private hunting and fishing area. The DFW purchased the land in 1958.

Most revenues used in land acquisition, development, operation and maintenance of Crosley Fish and Wildlife Area are derived from the sale of hunting, fishing and trapping licenses. Funds are also received from the federal Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson programs to aid fish and wildlife restoration. These funds are derived from taxes levied on sport hunting and fishing equipment. Indiana hunters and fishermen are proud to provide this property for the enjoyment of all people.

ACTIVITIES

Fishing

• Crosley Fish and Wildlife Area contains 13 ponds that range in size from 2-14 acres.
• About seven miles of the Muscatatuck River flows through the property.
• Fishing is allowed on all lakes. No check-in required.
• Largemouth bass size limit is 14 inches. All other bag and size limits apply.
• Eight of the 13 ponds have ramps. Electric motors only.
• Shoreline fishing is available at all ponds and the Muscatatuck River.

Hunting

• Deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbit, limited quail, woodcock, and waterfowl hunting is available. There are special hunts for the first six days of turkey season. Check-in required. Night hunting by permit only.
• ADA- Hunting is allowed in designated areas by permit from the property manager.

Wildlife Watching

• The 4,228 acres of rolling hills, ponds and the Muscatatuck River attracts a wide variety of song birds, hawks, waterfowl, turkeys and deer. These wildlife provide plenty of opportunities for hiking, bird and wildlife watching throughout the property.

Neighboring Land

• Splinter Ridge Fish and Wildlife Area is located 10 miles east of Madison on S.R. 56. It offers 2,460 acres open for hunting.
• Clifty Falls State Park is located near Madison. They offer camping, picnicking and swimming.
• Muscatatuck County Park is located in North Vernon. Camping, picnicking and playgrounds are available at this park.

Additional Opportunities

• Shooting range for rifle shotgun and archery is available.
• Wetland trapping by drawing only. Call office for details
• Dog training is allowed in area E-1 and E-2
• Hiking is permitted at the property. No marked trails are available.
• Bird and wildlife watching – wide variety of song birds, hawks, waterfowl, turkeys and deer.
• Mushrooms, berries and nuts may be gathered, although no removal of plants, animals, rocks or fossils is allowed.
• Boating and canoeing is allowed. Crosley has no boat rental.
  

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. Pursuant to the Authority of Chapter 60, Acts of 1919, Chapter 120 and Chapter 353, Acts of 1945, Chapter 221, Acts of 1957, Chapter 406 and Chapter 441, Acts of 1965; and the Indiana Code of 1971, 14-3-3.

Posted Areas

Safety zones, refuges, waterfowl resting areas 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 form the use of these facilities.

Permits

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

• A daily hunt permit card is required. These must be obtained before entering the field and kept in the hunter's possession while in the field. The permits need to be returned at the end of the day in one of the drop boxes on the property.

Target Ranges

• A rifle, shotgun and archery range are available. All shooters must obey range rules and regulations.
• Range is open daily April through August from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and September through March from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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.
• No motorized vehicles, horses or bicycles are permitted beyond county roads.
• Parking in designated lots only.

MAPS

• Crosley Fish and Wildlife Area Map

GALLERY

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