Hovey Lake Fish & Wildlife Area

• The most common game species at Hovey Lake FWA include waterfowl, deer, turkey, and squirrel; however, all the major game species are present.
• Hovey Lake FWA uses a combination of restricted areas, restricted hunter numbers, daily drawings, preseason drawings, and self-service permit check-in to control hunting efforts. Check with the property for current regulations.
• Flooding often limits hunting opportunities. Check with the property for current water conditions.
• All hunting seasons and bag limits apply. See Hunting Regulations for details.

Deer Hunting

• Archery, firearms, and muzzleloader seasons are by self-service check-in.
• Tree stands are allowed on the property from Sept. 15 – Jan. 10. Tree stands must have owner information attached and include name, address and phone number, or DNR Customer Identification Number.
• Antlerless deer cannot be taken with a firearm during firearms season at Fish & Wildlife areas, including Hovey Lake FWA.
• The hunting unit around the lake is closed to deer hunting starting opening day of firearms season.

Small and Upland Game Hunting

• A variety of small and upland game species can be found on the property including fox and gray squirrels, rabbits, crow, and quail.
• These species can be hunted by self-service during their respective hunting seasons.

Turkey Hunting

• The first five days of spring turkey season are reserved hunts that can be applied for online. There will be a stand-by drawing these days for unfilled spots at 4:30 a.m. at the property office.
• Hunting is by self-service check-in for the remainder of the spring season.
• Spring turkey hunting hours are from ½ hour before sunrise until noon CT.
• Fall turkey hunting is by self-service check-in.

Waterfowl Hunting

• Waterfowl hunting opportunities are offered by draw, reserved hunts, and self-service.
• Daily drawings for draw units are held at 4:30 a.m. during the regular waterfowl season. Please see the Waterfowl Rules and Map and Waterfowl Draw Schedule for more details.
• Hunting is permitted on units not included in the draw system by self-service check-in from ½ hour before sunrise to sunset.
• Reserved hunt days are Friday and Sunday. Hunters can sign up online for these hunts Aug. 19-Sept. 15.
• No hunting is permitted in the Waterfowl Resting Area.
• Waterfowl hunters may possess a maximum of 25 shot shells daily during the teal, duck, and dark goose seasons.
• Early teal season and dark goose seasons outside of duck season are by self-service check-in from ½ hour before sunrise to sunset.

Dove Hunting

• The first two days of dove season, Sept. 1 and 2, are by draw only.
• The drawing will take place at 11 a.m. CT at the Hovey Lake Office.
• Dove hunters may possess a total of 50 shells.
• Shells must be non-toxic.
• Starting Sept. 3, hunting is by self-service from ½ hour before sunrise to sunset.
• Hovey Lake FWA Dove Fields 2024

• Wetland trapping is allowed through a special drawing at the Hovey Lake FWA office. Drawing date is the first Saturday in October. Call the office for details.

• Dog running is allowed in specific areas on the property. Contact property for maps and rules.

• Mushrooms, berries, and nuts may be gathered; however, a written permit is required to remove plants, animals, rocks, and fossils.

While there are no designated trails, there are mowed lanes that can be used to explore the property. Inquire at the office for what trails are available when you plan on visiting.

• The 1400-acre Hovey Lake is an excellent spot to explore by paddle while experiencing some of Indiana’s only bald cypress trees up close.
• Swimming is not allowed in Hovey Lake.
• Boat ramp is located at 15000 HWY 69 Mount Vernon, IN 47620.
• Hovey Lake is closed for recreational paddling from late-October until mid-February. Contact property for exact date each year.