- Hillenbrand FWA Alerts
- None at this time.
Description
Hillenbrand Fish & Wildlife Area (FWA) in Greene County provides quality outdoor recreational opportunities while maintaining 3,631 acres of upland game and wetland habitat, lakes and shallow impoundments. It is located east and west of S.R. 59 approximately 5 miles north of Linton.
The property was purchased by the state in 1995. Wildlife management efforts began immediately on the mostly reclaimed surface mine land in Greene County. Hillenbrand is 60% 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 FWA 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, shooting, and hunting equipment. Indiana hunters and anglers are proud to provide this property for the enjoyment of all people.
Hillenbrand FWA is managed by Goose Pond FWA.
Prescribed grazing is used to create beneficial disturbance on fish & wildlife areas and accomplish specific vegetation management goals using domestic livestock. A limited number of livestock will graze or browse an area of land for a pre-planned timeframe to benefit native plants and improve wildlife habitat.
Hillenbrand FWA is piloting this new management practice for the Indiana DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife. Done in partnership with a local private cattle producer, the cattle grazing is expected to occur in two fenced-in areas on the western side of Hillenbrand FWA during the summer months. Public access will not be affected, but visitors should be aware and take caution when entering areas where cattle are present.
Popular activities
All hunters, range users, and dog runners are required to sign in and obtain the appropriate one-day access permit before entering the field at this property. The one-day permit card must be completed and returned to a self-service booth, drop box, or property office before you leave.
All other visitors are encouraged to obtain a miscellaneous one-day access permit before entering the field. The one-day access permit should be kept with you while visiting, then completed and returned to a self-service booth, drop box, or the office before you leave. The information you provide will help us identify ways to improve Indiana’s FWAs for all users. We appreciate your patience in taking the extra time to complete the permit. Your feedback and comments are valuable to us.
- Fishing
- Hillenbrand FWA has 125 acres of available water bodies, 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.
- 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.
- Midland Lake is stocked with trout. A fishing license and trout stamp are required to fish for these species.
- Hunting
- Deer, turkeys, rabbit, squirrels, quail, and woodcock are common. Limited hunting for dove and waterfowl is available. All hunting seasons and bag limits apply.
- Night hunters and small game, deer, and waterfowl hunters can pick up daily permits at a self-service check station. Check the Hillenbrand Property Map for locations.
- Hunting areas accessible to persons with disabilities are available. Call the Goose Pond Main Office line for more information – 812-512-9185
- Hillenbrand FWA participates in all youth hunting seasons. Drawings are held for youth turkey hunting.
Deer
- Deer hunting is self-service. Tree stands are allowed from Sept. 15 to Jan. 10. Your name, phone number and address must be on the stand and visible from the ground.
Turkey
- The first five days of spring turkey hunting is by reserve draw only. Reservations must be claimed by 5:30 a.m. ET at the Goose Pond FWA office. Unclaimed reservations will be offered in a standby drawing at 5:30 a.m. in the Goose Pond FWA office. Registration is required.
Waterfowl & Dove
- The shell limit for waterfowl hunters is 25.
- The shell limit for dove hunters is 50.
- Trapping
- Trapping opportunities are by drawing only. A special drawing for trapping is held at 11 a.m. on the first Saturday in October at the Goose Pond office.
- View statewide trapping regulations in the Hunting & Trapping Guide.
- Wildlife watching & birding
- Enjoy watching deer, wild turkey, and various bird species on the 3,631 acres of Hillenbrand FWA. Large congregations of migratory waterfowl can be seen in the wetland areas.
More activities
- Biking
- Bicycling is allowed on all paved and gravel roads that are open to vehicle travel. There are no mountain bike trails and off-road travel is prohibited.
- Dog running
- Dog training is permitted east of C.R. 1100 West.
- Dogs must always be leashed outside of the dog running and training area unless being used by a registered hunter in the pursuit of game.
- A valid hunting license is required for running dogs in the pursuit of wild game.
- Foraging
- Mushroom hunters must not enter the field before 1 p.m. during spring turkey season.
- Mushrooms, berries, and nuts may be gathered; however, a written permit is required to remove plants, animals, rocks and fossils.
- Hiking & walking
- Hiking & walking is permitted on Hillenbrand FWA. There are no established trails, but there are plenty of roadways and game trails.
- Water recreation
- Boat launching from a trailer is allowed at gravel boat ramps. These ramps are located at Gilmour, Crystal, Long, Moss, Midland, Beaver Dam, Shoveler East & West, and Front lakes.
- Canoes, kayaks, and other small watercraft that can be carried and slid into the water are permissible for use on the rest of the property.
- Boats are limited to a maximum 12-volt electric motor.
- Swimming is NOT allowed.
- Volunteering
- Need a reason to get outside and move? You can volunteer alone or in small groups at this property. Some activities include trash pick-up, basic gardening, painting, and more. Call the property office for details.
- While you’re at Hillenbrand Fish & Wildlife Area, have fun and fill a bucket with trash. You can bring your own 5-gallon bucket and pack out the trash with you.
- Report your good work by posting a photo on the Facebook group page "5-gallon challenge" and use the hashtag #bucketINtrashOUT. Every bucket counts.
- Your small act of kindness helps to keep our public lands healthy and beautiful.
Other properties managed by Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area
- Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area in Greene County provides quality outdoor recreational opportunities on 9,098 acres of prairie and marsh habitat. About 12,000 wildlife watchers visit each year, and the property records about 3,500 annual hunting efforts with one hunter visit for one day. Visitors are required to sign-in at the office or at any self-service centers on the property.
- Fairbanks Landing Fish & Wildlife Area in Sullivan County provides quality outdoor recreation opportunities on 8,030 acres of bottomland hardwoods, agriculture fields, prairie, and riparian habitat. Fairbanks Landing FWA rests along the Wabash River and is a great spot for fishing and birdwatching. Fairbanks Landing is open for public use.
- Morgan Bluff Wildlife Management Area (WMA) includes 455 acres of bottomland hardwoods, ephemeral wetlands, and an oxbow lake bordering the West Fork of the White River in southwestern Greene County. In 2020, INDOT transferred the property to the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife, and restoration work was completed as part of Interstate 69 mitigation. The property provides excellent hunting opportunities for deer, turkey, and waterfowl. Morgan Bluff WMA is open for public use; all regulations for Division of Fish & Wildlife properties apply. Access to the area crosses private land. Visitors should only drive on the gravel access lane and park only in the designated parking lot.
- Ashcraft Wildlife Management Area (WMA) includes 62 acres of mixed hardwood forest in eastern Greene County. This property provides hunting opportunities for squirrel, deer, and turkey. Ashcraft WMA is open for public use; all regulations for Division of Fish & Wildlife properties apply.
- Swamper Bend Wildlife Diversity Conservation Area (WDCA) is a 108-acre tract of bottomland hardwood in Knox County located in a bend of the White River. Swamper Bend WDCA was purchased to protect the state endangered swamp rabbit and its associated habitat. The swamp rabbit is the largest member of the cottontail genus, with individuals weighing 3-6 pounds. Rabbit hunting is strictly prohibited due to the similarities between the Eastern cottontail and the swamp rabbit. Other forms of hunting are allowed, as are fishing and trapping.
