Description
Wilbur Wright Fish & Wildlife Area is 1,070 acres of river valleys and associated uplands in Henry County. The Big Blue River is the western boundary, and the dark, organic soil floodplain occupies approximately one-third of the property. The remainder of the property is the adjacent uplands and the Little Blue River valley. The property has areas of mature woods, fallow cropland, prairie grasses and forbs, and other areas of early to mid-successional habitat. There are also areas of annual and perennial wildlife food plots, and there is a small wetland near the Big Blue River. An ADA accessible hunting area featuring a mix of upland and woodland is located on the property.
Wilbur Wright was created with surplus state lands transferred from the Indiana Department of Mental Health (New Castle State Hospital) to the DNR Division of State Parks in 1972. The acreage was transferred to the Division of Fish & Wildlife in 1974 when wildlife management began with trees and food plots planted throughout the property.
Most revenues used in land acquisition, development, operation, and maintenance of Wilbur Wright FWA are derived from the sales of hunting, fishing, and trapping license 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.
Additional recreational opportunities are available at other properties managed by this office. The properties include Province Pond Wetland Conservation Area, Randolph County Wildlife Management Area, and Modoc Wildlife Management Area. Details.
- Amenities
A pit toilet is located at the Wilbur Wright office parking lot.
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 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.
More activities
Other properties managed by this office
- J.E. Roush FWA provides quality outdoor recreational opportunities while maintaining 7,347 acres of land, 900 acres of lake, and 350 acres of impoundments. The property, which is approximately 15 miles long, is a long narrow band along the Wabash River. This property has mandatory check-in at self-service stations for all activities. Checking in includes obtaining a free one-day access permit, keeping it on your person while visiting, and returning it at the end of your visit. There are draws for some species. Please contact the office for more details.
- Province Pond Wetland Conservation Area is a 210-acre public property with a concrete boat ramp and bass, bluegill, and catfish fishing. This area also offers upland game, woodland, and waterfowl hunting. It has a self-service check-in station on-site and a mandatory check-in for hunting. No check-in is required for fishing. A draw is held online for opening weekend of waterfowl season and, for only those two days, waterfowl hunting is restricted only to drawn waterfowl hunters.
- Randolph County Wildlife Management Area is a 519-acre public property that offers upland, woodland, and waterfowl hunting.
- Modoc Wildlife Management Area is a 167-acre public property that offers upland and woodland hunting.
- Dog training is not allowed on Modoc, Province Pond, or Randolph County properties. Dogs can only be used on these properties for active pursuit of game.
- To learn more about the location and types of activity on these properties, view the Where to Hunt map.