DESCRIPTION

Blue Grass Fish and Wildlife Area is a unique natural resource area because all of the land has been stripmined. Blue Grass FWA covers approximately 2,532 acres and features about 28 pits and lakes (600 acres of water). Blue Grass FWA is dedicated to providing and main taining quality hunting, fishing and wildlife watching opportunities.

Blue Grass Fish and Wildlife Area is named after Blue Grass Creek, which lies just east of the property. Amax Coal Company began mining operations in October 1973, and ceased operations in 1993. Re-vegetation was carried out using herbaceous cover and woody species planted in clumps and strips. This is a unique area, one that offers outdoor enthusiasts an array of opportunity. Most revenues used in land acquisition, development, operation and maintenance of Blue Grass 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

• Seven boat ramps are available on five pits.
• Outboards are permitted on Blue Grass, Otter and Loon pits at idle speed only. Electric trolling motors only on all other pits.
• Blue Grass is closed to fishing during late waterfowl hunting seasons
• Blue Grass Fish and Wildlife Area provides approximately 600 acres of water in 28 pits. No check-in is required for fishing.
• An 18-inch size limit for largemouth bass and 2 fish bag limit is in effect on Blue Grass Pit and Loon Pit. A 14-inch size limit for largemouth bass on all other pits. All other state size and bag limits apply.

Hunting

• Deer, quail, rabbit, and waterfowl are common at Blue Grass Fish and Wildlife Area.
• Self-service check-in is required. A self-service permit station is located on the property. Daily permit cards must be in the possession of the hunter to enter the field. The cards must be returned to any of the drop boxes at the end of the day. Drop boxes are located throughout the property.
• Special Guidelines:
• Waterfowl hunting is allowed one half hour before sunrise until noon (local time) on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Hunting in waterfowl resting area is not allowed. Blinds may be constructed but must be removed at the end of the hunt day.
• Small Game hunting is permitted on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday during legal hunting hours.
• Deer and turkey hunting is allowed every day during deer season, during legal hunting hours.

Wildlife Watching

• More than 2,500 acres of upland habitat, shallow impoundments and lakes attract a wide variety of song birds, hawks, and waterfowl.

Camping

• Camping, picnicking, and open campfires are not allowed. No swimming is allowed.

Additional Opportunities

• Wetland trapping by permit only. Trapping opportunities allocated through drawing. For details, call (812) 789-2724
• No camping, picnic or boat rental provided.
• Mushrooms, berries and nuts may be gathered, however a written permit is required to remove plants, animals, rocks and fossils.
• Hunting and fishing areas for the disabled are available through written permit from Sugar Ridge FWA.
• Dog training is allowed only in the area north of Boonville-New Harmony Road.

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:

• Permission to hunt during the day on Blue Grass Fish and Wildlife Area must be obtained before entering the field. Daily hunt permit cards must be in the possession of the hunter and recorded through established selfservice procedures outlined at the check station. Self-service drop boxes are located on the property for your convenience. No shooting of woodchuck (groundhogs) is allowed.

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

• Blue Grass Fish & Wildlife Area Map in online format
• Blue Grass Fish & Wildlife Area Map in Acrobat Reader format

GALLERY

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