DESCRIPTION

Tri-County Fish and Wildlife Area is dedicated to providing quality hunting and fishing opportunities while maintaining 3,546 acres of land, with 650 acres of lakes and impoundments. This area is composed of flat to rolling upland fields and gradual to steep slopes of oak-hickory woodlands, falling off to depressions of wetlands. Tri-County includes 10 natural lakes with water depths of 75 feet.

Tri-County Fish and Wildlife Area was established in 1951. By 1953, formal management of the property was underway. In 1963, a dam was constructed at the outlet of six natural lakes, creating Flatbelly Marsh. This wetland is an important area for migratory waterfowl, furbearers, shorebirds and fish. Most revenues used in land acquisition, development, operation and maintenance of Tri-County Fish and 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 and fishing equipment. Indiana hunters and fishermen are proud to provide this property for the enjoyment of all people.

ACTIVITIES

Fishing

• Tri-County Fish and Wildlife Area has 10 natural lakes and 32 man-made impoundments with 200 acres of restored open water wetlands.
• No check-in is required for fishing. All fishing areas are closed during waterfowl seasons.
• Primary species include largemouth bass, bluegill, redear, crappie and put and take trout.
• Boats with electric motors are allowed on lakes and ponds. No gas motors permitted.
• Shoreline fishing is available at Goldeneye Pond, Bass Pond and the Wawasee Family Fishing Area.
• There is a special size and bag limit for largemouth bass on all Tri-County Fish and Wildlife Area waters. All other species size and bag limits apply. See the current fishing regulations for details.

Hunting

• Hunting opportunities for woodland game, upland game, waterfowl and furbearers are available at Tri-County Fish and Wildlife Area.
• Daily check-in is required. All hunting seasons and bag limits apply. See the current hunting regulations for details.
• Contact property headquarters for information on special hunts and pre-registration.

Wildlife Watching

• Tri-County Fish and Wildlife Area is composed of flat to rolling upland fields with oak hickory woodlands, falling off into wetlands and natural lakes. It provides excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year.

Neighboring Land

• Deniston Resource Area, Wawasee Family Fishing Area, Durham Lake Wetland Conservation Area, Pisqah Nongame Area and Chain-O-Lakes State Park are located near Tri-County Fish and Wildlife Area. Information on these areas is available at the property headquarters.

Additional Opportunities

• Wetland trapping is available through drawing only. Contact property prior to September 1 for details.
• A dog training area is provided in area B (see map).
• Additional hunting opportunities include waterfowl hunts by drawing and various special programs, check at property office for information.
• Shooting and archery ranges are located near the property headquarters.
• Hunting and fishing areas accessible to persons with disabilities are available. Ask for details.
• Nuts, berries and mushrooms may be gathered from the property.

NO Camping and NO Swimming Allowed.

Please Read and Obey All Signs.

RULES

In addition to state fish and wildlife laws, this property is governed by posted regulations affecting the public use of lands and facilities owned, leased or licensed by the Department of Natural Resources.

Posted Areas
Safety zones, refuges, waterfowl resting and other restricted areas are marked with appropriate signs. PLEASE READ AND OBEY ALL SIGNS.

Violations
Violation of any law, rule or regulation governing this property may be cause for forfeiting your hunting, fishing, or visiting privileges on this area.

Responsibility
The Division of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, will not be held responsible for any accidents or deaths occurring from the use of these facilities.

Permits
In addition to a hunting and/or fishing license, the following permits are required:

• Permission to hunt during the day on Tri-County Fish and Wildlife Area must be obtained before entering the field. One-day hunting permit cards must be in possession of the hunter at all times. Bagged game must be checked in through the check station or recorded through established self-service procedures outlined at the check station. Self-service drop boxes are located on the property for your convenience. No shooting of woodchuck (groundhogs) is allowed.
• Night and predator hunting, as well as, night running is permitted by using one-day permit cards available at the self-service check-in booth.
• A permit from the fish and wildlife headquarters is required to enter the waterfowl resting areas.
• Collection permits are required from the property manager or IDNR for collection of everything except nuts, berries and mushrooms.

Target Ranges

• Target ranges are open daily to the public on a first come first serve basis. All shooters must obey range rules and regulations.
• Range is open April through August from noon to 7 p.m. and September through March from noon. to 5 p.m.
  

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. Please be courteous to neighboring landowners. Look for property boundary and safety zone signs. Do not trespass on private property.

MAPS

• Tri–County Fish and Wildlife Area Map in online viewable format
• Tri–County Fish and Wildlife Area Map in Acrobat Reader format

GALLERY

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