- Busseron Creek FWA Alerts
- None at this time.
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
- Busseron Creek FWA has 85 acres of available bodies of water.
- Primary species include bass, bluegill, redear, crappie, and catfish.
- 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 state size and bag limits apply. See Fishing Regulations for details.
- Hunting
- Turkey, deer, rabbit, squirrel, and waterfowl are common at Busseron Creek FWA. There are also limited opportunities for quail hunting.
- Rabbit, quail, and dove hunting are permitted Wednesday and Saturday during legal hunting hours.
- Night hunters and small game, deer, and waterfowl hunters can pick up daily permits at a self-service check station. Check the Busseron Creek 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
- Busseron Creek FWA participates in all youth hunting seasons.
Deer
- Deer hunting during the opening weekend of deer firearms season is by reserved draw only. Drawing occurs at the Goose Pond FWA Visitors Center at 13540 W 400 S, Linton, IN at 6:15 a.m. on Saturday. Firearms hunting is self-service after the first weekend.
- Archery and muzzleloader hunting are self-service during archery and muzzleloader season and after the first weekend of deer firearms season.
- Tree stands are allowed from Sept. 15 to Jan. 10. Either your name, phone number, address, or DNR Customer ID number must be on the stand and be visible from the ground.
Turkey
- The first five days of spring turkey hunting are by reserved draw only. Reservations must be claimed by 5:30 a.m. ET at the Goose Pond FWA Visitors Center. Unclaimed reservations will be offered in a standby drawing at 5:30 a.m. in the Goose Pond FWA Visitors Center. Registration is required.
Waterfowl & Dove
- The shell limit for waterfowl hunters is 25.
- The shell limit for dove hunters is 50.
- Trapping
- Trapping is by self-service sign-in procedures. Please contact Goose Pond FWA for details.
- View statewide trapping regulations in the Hunting & Trapping Guide
- Wildlife watching & birding
- Enjoy watching deer, wild turkey, and various bird species on the 3,950 acres of Busseron Creek 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 in Unit C. See Busseron Creek FWA property map.
- 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 and walking is allowed at Busseron Creek FWA. There are no established trails, but there are plenty of roadways and game trails available to enjoy.
- Water recreation
- Boat launching from a trailer is allowed at the gravel boat ramp on Pintail Pit.
- 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, invasive plant removal, painting, and more. Call the property office for details.
Other properties managed by Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.