Fishing

• Hillenbrand FWA 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.
• 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.
• Small game, deer and waterfowl hunters can pick up daily permits at a self-service check station (see map).
• Deer hunting is by self-service sign-in procedure. Tree stands are allowed from Sept. 15 to Jan. 10; your name, phone number and address must be visible from the ground.
• 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.
• The shell limit for waterfowl hunters is 25.
• The shell limit for dove hunters is 50.
• Hillenbrand FWA participates in all youth hunting seasons. Drawings are held for youth turkey hunting.
• Hunting areas accessible to persons with disabilities are available.
• Dog training is permitted east of County Road 1100 West. You must sign in on the dog running/night hunting sheet daily when training dogs.

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. All traps and snares must be set underwater.

Volunteer Opportunities

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.

Wildlife Watching

• Enjoy watching deer, wild turkey and various bird species on the 3,631 acres of Hillenbrand Fish & Wildlife Area. Large congregations of migratory waterfowl can be seen in the wetland areas.
• Mushrooms, berries, and nuts may be gathered, however a written permit is required to remove plants, animals, rocks and fossils.

NO Camping and NO Swimming Allowed.
Please Read and Obey All Signs.

A record of Fish & Wildlife Area property rules can be found on the Indiana Fish & Wildlife Area Rules webpage. Property specific rules can be found below, if applicable. Contact the property directly for specific questions.

Permits

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

• Permission to hunt during the day on Hillenbrand FWA 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.

• Hillenbrand Property Map