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Deer Creek Fish & Wildlife Area

Deer Creek FWA
Deer Creek FWA is west of Putnamville, IN
(Putnam county) off of U.S. 40.  
Mailing Address:
2001 W. County Road 600 S
Greencastle, IN 46135
765-653-0453
Office Hours: M-F, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m ET
 
 

Deer Creek FWA advisories

  • The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has adjusted services, events and operations to protect Hoosiers and prevent further spread of COVID-19. Please visit on.IN.gov/dnrcovid19 for a listing of what is open, closed, restricted and canceled.
  • Properties are operating hunt and trap draws differently this year due to COVID-19. View the property procedures.
  • All visitors must obtain a one-day access permit before entering the field, regardless of their activity. Visitors must keep their one-day access permit on them while visiting and must complete and return their permit to a self-service booth, drop-box, or the office before leaving.

Upcoming Events at Deer Creek FWA

 

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  • Description

    Possession of the land which comprises Deer Creek Fish & Wildlife Area began in 2010 with a transfer of 1,962 acres from the Putnamville Correctional Facility to the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish & Wildlife. After 2010, several more parcels were added to Deer Creek, bringing the current total to 2,175 acres. The property is comprised of rolling interspersed agriculture and mature oak-hickory woods. A four-acre pond on the north portion offers fishing for bass, bluegill and catfish. Deer Creek winds through the south portion of the property, with a low-head dam, iron bridge and a concrete creek crossing. A smaller, unnamed creek crosses the north portion of the property.

  • Activities

    Fishing

    Deer Creek Fish & Wildlife Area provides fishing on a 4-acre pond located on the north portion of the property and in Deer Creek, which runs through the southern portion.

    • All fishing requires daily self-service check-in and possession of a daily Permit Card obtained at check-in stations. 
    • Shoreline fishing is allowed. Primary species include catfish, crappie, bluegill, redear and largemouth bass.
    • There are no boat ramps located on the property.
    • Only electric trolling motors are allowed.
    • Fishing access for persons with disabilities is available. Ask for details.
    • See Fishing Regulations for details.

    Hunting

    • All hunting requires the use of non-toxic shot and daily self-service check-in and possession of a daily Permit Card obtained at check-in stations.
    • Deer, turkey, rabbit, squirrel, quail, dove, woodcock, furbearer and waterfowl are available.
    • Quail and rabbit hunting is available Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday only.
    • Turkey hunting 
      • Spring season: During the first five days of spring season, there are two pre-season draws. Apply through DNR’s Reserved Hunt site. After the first five days, hunting is permitted by daily self-service check-in through the end of the season.
      • Fall season: Hunting is permitted by daily self-service check-in.
    • Dove season hunting hours are from 8 a.m. until noon the first three days. After the first three days, hunting hours are ½ hour before sunrise until sunset. Non-toxic shot only.
    • Deer firearm season is by draw only. Apply at the Reserved Hunt site.
      • Bonus antlerless tags are not permitted during deer season and there is no deer hunting during the special antlerless season.
    • Hunting areas for persons with disabilities are available. Ask for details.

    Trapping

    Wildlife Watching

    • Non-hunting activities including wildlife watching, walking, mushroom hunting, gathering nuts, etc. require daily self-service check-in. 

    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.

    Shooting Range

    The Deer Creek Shooting Range, located on property at 8004 South S.R. 243, Cloverdale, IN 46120 is ADA compliant, safe, modern and staffed by qualified range officers.

    • Range admission is $4 daily. Use of eye and ear protection is required for all participants and observers. Visitors should bring their own targets and ammunition. 
    • The range includes a 10-yard pistol range, a 25-yard range, a 50-yard range, and a 100-yard range and a separate shotgun range.
    • Indoor restrooms are available.
    • Visit Fish & Wildlife Area Shooting Ranges for seasonal hours and announcements. For more information or to contact the range, please call 765-276-3032.

    NO Camping and NO Swimming Allowed.

    Please Read and Obey All Signs.

  • Rules

    For additional property rules, visit Indiana Fish & Wildlife Area Rules webpage.  Property specific rules can be found below, if applicable.  Contact the property directly for specific questions.

    Neighboring Land

    The Putnamville Correctional Facility adjoins Deer Creek Fish & Wildlife Area. Trespassing will not be tolerated by the Department of Correction.

  • Maps
  • Green Valley Public Fishing Area

    Green Valley Public Fishing Area

    Green Valley Public Fishing Area is about 150 acres of wooded ground in Vigo County, Indiana. Green Valley Lake was originally constructed as a water supply reservoir for a coal mining operation. At that time, it had a surface area of 40 acres. In 1994, a new 13-acre basin was created. The basin had a maximum depth of about 20 feet, with an average depth of 10 feet. The property was purchased by the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish & Wildlife in the mid-1960s. There is a concrete boat ramp that provides access to the lake and good shoreline fishing opportunities.

    ACTIVITIES

    Fishing
    • Shoreline fishing is allowed. Species include bluegill, crappie, bass and catfish.
    • Only electric trolling motors are permitted.
    • See Fishing Regulations for details.
    Hunting
    • All hunting requires the use of non-toxic shot.
    • Deer, turkey, rabbit, squirrel, quail, dove, woodcock, furbearer and waterfowl are available.
    • Bonus antlerless tags are not permitted during deer season and there is no deer hunting during the special antlerless season.
    • See Hunting & Trapping for details
    Trapping
    • Trapping is permitted. Upland trapping is restricted to the use of dog-proof traps. All other traps must be completely covered by water.

    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.

    For additional DNR managed property rules, visit Indiana Fish & Wildlife Property Rules. For more information contact the office at 765-653-0453.

    Posted Areas

    Safety zones 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 & Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, will not be held responsible for any accidents or deaths occurring from the use of these facilities.

    Permits
    • A hunting and/or fishing license is required to hunt/fish this property.
    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. Park in designated lots only.