DESCRIPTION

Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area is dedicated to providing quality hunting and fishing opportunities while maintaining 6,206 acres of upland game habitat, marsh, running creeks and shallow impoundments.

Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area was purchased by the state from Camp Atterbury, an army training installation established in 1942. In 1969, wildlife management efforts began on over 6,000 acres. The remaining military area, a training facility for the National Guard and Army Reserve units, coordinates with Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area to authorize limited hunting on military property when not in conflict with training operations. In October of 2010, 1,200 acres were released to the Indiana National Guard in exchange for 2,057 acres of surplus land from the Indiana Department of Corrections in Putnam County, Indiana. Presently the property totals 5,000 acres.

Most revenues used in land acquisition, development, operation and maintenance of Atterbury Fish & 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

• Atterbury Fish and Wildlife Area provides 270 acres of available water, 10 impoundments, including 75 acre Pisgah Lake.
• Channel catfish, bluegill, redear and largemouth bass are the major species present.
• Stone Arch Lake, Beaver Bottom and Pisgah Lake have concrete boat ramps, and Teal Marsh and Mallard Marsh have gravel boat ramps.
• All lakes are limited to a maximum 24-volt electric motor.
• No check-in is required. However, five impoundments are closed during waterfowl season.
• There is a 14-inch minimum size limit on largemouth bass. All other size and bag limits apply. See Fishing Regulations for details.
• A fishing pier accessible to persons with disabilities is present at Beaver Bottom.

Hunting

• Deer, rabbit, squirrel, grouse, dove, woodcock, ducks and geese are common at Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area.
• Check-in is required. All hunting seasons and bag limits apply. See Hunting Regulations for details.
• Special hunts include a three-day Military Deer Hunt, Put-Take Pheasant Hunt.
• Dog training areas are provided in sections 13-B, 13-C and 13-D. (See map)

Shooting Range

• Please visit http://atterburyshootingcomplex.com/ for information on hours and pricing.

Wildlife Watching

• 5,000 acres of upland and woodland game habitat along with marsh and shallow impoundments attract over 200 species.
• Atterbury is an excellent songbird viewing area all year round.

Neighboring Land

• Driftwood State Fishing Area is a 260 acre neighboring property ideal for bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie and tiger muskellunge. Plover Pit has two concrete boat ramps, and Meadowlark and Sandpiper pits have gravel access ramps. A picnic area is also available.
• Johnson County Park and Recreation Area offers camping, swimming, fishing, equestrian events and other recreational activities.

Additional Opportunities

• Wetland trapping is available through a drawing held the first Saturday in October.
• Dog training areas are provided in sections 13-B, 13-C and 13-D. (See map)
• Additional hunting opportunities include: A three-day Military Refuge Deer Hunt and Put-Take Pheasant Hunt.
• Hunting areas accessible to persons with disabilities are available. Ask for details at the headquarters.
• Blackberries, raspberries, morels and walnuts may be gathered from Atterbury Fish and Wildlife Area.

NO Camping and NO Swimming Allowed.

Please Read and Obey All Signs.

RULES

Authority

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 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

• In addition to a hunting and/or fishing license the following permits are required.
• Permission to hunt during the day on Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area 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 checking station. Self-service drop boxes are located on the property for your convenience.
• Night and predator hunting is only permitted by daily permit cards from the property manager.
• A permit from the fish and wildlife headquarters is required to enter the waterfowl resting area.
• 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. Partial closures exist on five fishing areas during waterfowl hunting season.
• A launching permit is NOT required on Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area.

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.

MAPS

• Atterbury Fish and Wildlife Area Map in online viewable format
• Atterbury Fish and Wildlife Area Map in Acrobat Reader format
• 2012 Atterbury Put-Take Pheasant Map

GALLERY

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