- Crosley FWA Alerts (1)
- The bridge crossing on River Road at the Muscatatuck River is closed for an indefinite period of time; however, you can still access the western side of the property (including the shooting range) by taking Highway 3 north to County Road 25W, keeping left onto County Road 115 South then turning back south on County Road 75W. For more information, contact Crosley Fish & Wildlife Area at 812-346-5596.
Description
Crosley Fish & Wildlife Area is made up of 4,288 acres of rolling hills, ponds, and the Muscatatuck River. Approximately 80% of the property is wooded. Most of the terrain is covered with steep to gently rolling hills. About 7 miles of the Muscatatuck River flows through the property. The property also has 13 ponds, ranging in size from 2-14 acres.
Crosley Fish & Wildlife Area gets its name from Powel Crosley, the man who originally owned the property. Powel Crosley, maker of the Crosley automobile, purchased the land in 1931 and maintained it as a private hunting and fishing area. The DFW purchased the land in 1958.
Most revenues used in land acquisition, development, operation and maintenance of Crosley 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, shooting, and fishing equipment. Indiana hunters and anglers are proud to provide this property for the enjoyment of all people.
- Amenities
Pit Toilet Locations:
- Behind the main office
- Shooting range
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
- Crosley Fish & Wildlife Area contains 13 ponds that range in size from 2-14 acres. You can find information on each body of water on the Where to Fish map.
- About 7 miles of the Muscatatuck River flows through the property.
- Fishing is allowed on all lakes. Contact the main office with any questions or concerns.
- Largemouth bass size limit is 14 inches. All other bag and size limits apply. See fishing regulations for details.
- Boat Ramps are located on Crosley Lake, Goose Pond, Teal Pond, Whip-poor-will Lake, Nighthawk Lake, Harsin Pond, Mallard Pond, Wood Duck Pond, and the Muscatatuck River. Electric motors only.
- Shoreline fishing is available at all ponds and the Muscatatuck River.
- Hunting
- Deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbit, limited quail, woodcock, and waterfowl hunting is available. Night hunting by permit only.
- Hunting areas accessible for persons with disabilities are available by permit from the property manager. Ask for details at the office.
Deer
- Deer stands are allowed overnight between Sept. 15 and Jan. 10. Tree stands must be marked with the owner’s name, address, and phone number OR the owner’s DNR Customer ID Number. Fasteners (e.g., screw-in steps and screw-in bow and gun hangers) and anything else used in conjunction with a tree stand and a tree or pole climber that penetrates a tree more than ½ inch is prohibited.
Turkey
- For the first five days of season, drawn hunters may check in at 5:30 a.m. at the main office, and the no-show drawing is at 6 a.m.
- Wild turkeys may be hunted only from one-half hour before sunrise until 1 p.m.
- Shooting range
- Shooting Ranges for pistol, shotgun, rifle, and archery are available.
- Target ranges are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.
- All shooters must obey range rules and regulations.
- Range hours are as follows:
- Archery Range: Dawn to dusk.
- Gun Range: Jan-Feb: Friday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Mar-Dec: Wednesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Closed: Monday and Tuesday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
See the Fish & Wildlife Area Shooting Ranges webpage for more details.
- Trapping
- Wetland trapping is by draw only. The trapping draw is held on the first Saturday in October at 10 a.m. Call the office for details.
- View statewide trapping regulations in the Hunting & Trapping Guide.
- Wildlife watching & birding
- The 4,288 acres of rolling hills, ponds and the Muscatatuck River attract a wide variety of songbirds, hawks, waterfowl, turkeys, and deer. These wildlife provide plenty of opportunities for bird and wildlife watching throughout the property.
More activities
- Biking
Bicycling is allowed on county roads. There are no mountain bike trails and off-road travel is prohibited.
- Dog running
- Dog training is only allowed in Unit E.
- During dog running season, dogs can be used for active pursuit of game.
- Foraging
- Mushrooms, berries, and nuts may be gathered; however, a written permit is required to remove plants, animals, rocks, and fossils.
- Please note that during spring turkey season, mushroom hunters are not allowed on the property until after 1 p.m. ET. Please call the office for dates and any questions.
- Hiking & walking
While there are no designated trails, there are mowed lanes that can be used to explore the property. Inquire at the office for what trails are available when you plan on visiting. Trails are not mowed from early spring until mid-July to protect wildlife.
- Water recreation
- Boating and canoeing are allowed. Crosley has no boat rental.
- Swimming is prohibited.
- 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, basic gardening, painting, and more. Call the property office for details.
Other properties managed by this office
- Splinter Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area is located 10 miles east of Madison on S.R. 56. It offers 3,014 acres of woodlands and steep hills open for hunting.
- Austin Bottoms Conservation Area is bounded by the intersection of the Muscatatuck with Interstate 65 and State Road 31 on the east side and flows westward to Jackson-Washington State Forest on the west side. Approximately 2,355 acres are now open for hunting and fishing. It consists of a variety of habitat types, dominated by bottomland forests and wetlands.
- To learn more about the location and types of activity on these properties, view the Where to Hunt map.
