Muscatatuck is a quiet, uncrowded place for hunters to enjoy a public hunt in southern Indiana. Archery deer hunting begins in October during the state archery season. There is no shotgun deer season on the refuge. Muzzleloader deer hunting is permitted during the state muzzleloader season. About 75 percent of the almost-8,000-acre refuge is open to deer hunting – and deer are abundant. While hunting with close-range weapons makes hunting a challenge, most hunters will at least see deer.
The refuge also hosts a spring turkey hunt that is by lottery the first six days of the state season, then open to all hunters for the duration of the season. Turkey populations are outstanding, and birds can be found throughout the refuge woodlands. Ducks, light and dark geese, woodcock, dove, merganser and coot can be hunted in the waterfowl hunting zone located in the southeast portion of the refuge along the banks of the Vernon Fork of the Muscatatuck River, which annually floods the adjacent timber. While these species get most of the attention, the refuge has large populations of rabbit, squirrel, raccoon, skunk, opossum, red and gray fox, which are open to hunting. Quail hunting also is permitted although the species is hard to find. Two weekend youth hunts are held by lottery for deer and turkey (concurrent with state youth hunt weekends). The deer youth hunt is in September and the turkey youth hunt is in April. To apply for the youth hunts contact the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Everyone who hunts on the refuge is required to carry a Refuge Hunting Leaflet with them while hunting.
