Pigeon River

Pigeon River Fish and Wildlife Area was established in 1956 when three impoundments in the Pigeon River Valley were acquired by the State of Indiana. These included Mongo, Nasby and Ontario reservoirs. Since then, the state has acquired additional land along the river valley. Currently the property covers over 12,600 acres.

Most revenue used in land acquisition, development, operation and maintenance of Pigeon River Fish and Wildlife Area is derived from the sale of hunting, fishing and trapping licenses. Funds are also received from the federal PittmanRobertson 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.

Although hunting, fishing, shooting and trapping are the primary use for the Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area, camping, wildlife watching, nature study, nut, berry and mushroom picking are some of the secondary uses of the property available to all.

Photo by Keith James Photography

HUNTING • Hunting for furbearers, deer, quail, rabbit, squirrel, waterfowl, dove, pheasant and wild turkey is common at Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area. • Daily check-in is required. All hunting seasons and bag limits apply. • Special hunts include youth waterfowl, daily waterfowl drawings, drawings for turkey hunting and put-and-take pheasant hunts. • Hunting areas available for disabled. • Area D is designated for dog training. • Wetland trapping available. Ask for details.

TARGET RANGES • Target ranges are open to the public on a first come, first serve basis. All shooters must obey range rules and regulations. • Range is open April - Aug., 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and

Sept. - March, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except during waterfowl season, when range hours are restricted from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. • The range is closed on Mondays. 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. Parking allowed in designated parking lots only.

WILDLIFE WATCHING • Pigeon River Fish and Wildlife Area provides excellent waterfowl watching.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES • Seasonal nuts, mushrooms and berries may be gathered from the property. During spring turkey season mushroom hunting is allowed only after 1 p.m. daily.

NEIGHBORING LAND • Tamarack Bog Nature Preserve, Curtis Creek Trout

Rearing Station, Fawn River State Fish Hatchery and

Pokagon State Park are located near the Fish and

Wildlife Area.

LaGrange County is home to nearly 70 freshwater lakes — one fifth of the freshwater lakes in Indiana! LaGrange County also is lucky enough to have the second-longest standing county-wide lakes council in Indiana, which work to keep their members well informed.