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Western Great Lakes Gray Wolf
Phone: 612-713-5360
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Hunting / Fishing / Wildlife Observation & Photography / Interpretation / Environmental Education
PUBLIC USE
** NOTE: Due to the past use-history of the property as an ordnance testing facility, all visitors must view a safety video annually and sign an Acknowledgement of Danger form prior to entering the refuge. The safety video can be observed and access permits purchased at the refuge office on public use days (Mondays, Fridays, and the second and fourth Saturdays of the month). During hunting seasons, the safety video will be shown at 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 3:00 PM on public use days and the day before the firearm deer hunt (at 4:30 AM, 7:00 AM and 12:00 PM) and on archery deer hunts and turkey hunt days (at 5:30 AM, 7:00 AM and 12:00 PM). Access Fees ($3 Daily and $15 Annual per person) are waived for those 15 or under or holders of Interagency Senior Passports ($10 for those 62 or older) or holders of Interagency Access Passport (for those permanently disabled) or holders of Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp. A Separate Hunting Fee ($10; $5 for holders of Senior Passports and Access Passports) is required for hunting.**
All Refuge Public Use is subject to Refuge Rules & Regulations and regulations within 50 CFR.
Hunting for white-tailed deer and wild turkey occur on many areas of the refuge. Annual deer harvests are needed to prevent an overabundance of deer on the refuge. The refuge cooperates with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources in the establishment of hunting seasons and permit quotas as needed.
Fishing is allowed at Old Timbers Lake. Demand for public fishing at Old Timbers Lake exceeds parking and boat ramp facilities, therefore, a quota system is in place for boaters.
Wildlife Observation and Photography
The refuge offers many scenic vistas of hardwood forest, wetland, grassland and shrubland habitat. Species inhabiting the refuge include many types of plants, fish, and animals including some that are rare to the state. The combination of diverse wildlife and landscape beauty create excellent wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities at several sites around the refuge.
The major interpretive themes for Big Oaks NWR include habitat restoration and management on the refuge and Big Oaks NWR’s place in the National Wildlife Refuge System. These themes are the core messages of the interpretive program of the refuge, and are included in different forms of interpretive signs, leaflets, and exhibits.
The refuge staff seek partnerships with local schools, and state and local organizations to provide site-based learning about the restoration of habitat for wildlife and people. Partnership projects include hosting teacher workshops and youth leader programs.
Regularly scheduled public use activities are limited to the northeastern 4,000 acres of the refuge (MAP). This area was historically utilized by the Army for recreation purposes as it is the portion of the refuge least likely to contain Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) or has the lowest level of contamination by UXO.
Day Use Area Map
| INFORMATION ON LOCAL ACCOMMODATIONS | |||
| MADISON | JENNINGS CO. | RIPLEY CO. | |
