DESCRIPTION

Kingsbury Fish & Wildlife Area is dedicated to providing quality hunting and fishing opportunities while maintaining 7,100 acres of grasslands, crop fields, thick brush, marsh areas and a 20 acre lake. The Kankakee River forms its south boundary.

Kingsbury is a remnant of the old Kingsbury Ordinance Plant which produced shells, cartridges and mortar rounds for World War II and the Korean conflict. The land was deeded to the state of Indiana in 1965 by the federal General Services Administration, and wildlife management began at that time.

Most revenues used in land acquisition, development, operation and maintenance of Kingsbury 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, anglers and trappers are proud to provide this property for the enjoyment of all people.

ACTIVITIES

Fishing

• Kingsbury Fish and Wildlife Area provides fishing areas along the Kankakee River, drainage ditches and 20 acre Tamarack Lake.
• No check-in is required for fishing. All size and bag limits apply. See a copy of the current fishing regulations for details.
• Primary species include channel catfish, bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, northern pike and rough fish.
• Boat ramps are located at parking area 5G for the Kankakee River and 5A for Tamarack Lake. A maximum 12-volt electric motor for lakes, gas motors allowed on the river.
• Shoreline fishing is located along the drainage ditches and Kankakee River.

Hunting

• Deer, pheasant, rabbit, squirrel, furbearers, dove, duck, goose and wild turkey are common at Kingsbury Fish & Wildlife Area.
• Daily check-in is required or all species. See the hunting and trapping guide for seasons and bag limits.
• The use of bonus antlerless deer permits is NOT allowed.
• Special hunts include waterfowl reservations, youth waterfowl hunt, reserved turkey hunts and early rabbit season. Standby drawings are held on all pre-drawn or reservation days.
• Daily waterfowl drawings begin at 4:30 a.m. local time. Waterfowl hunting hours end at 1 p.m. local time during the regular season.
• Kingsbury Fish and Wildlife Area headquarters operates a deer and turkey check station.
• The use of hunting dogs is allowed.
• Only male (cock) pheasants may be taken. Put take pheasant hunts are not offered at Kingsbury Fish and Wildlife Area.
• Tree stands are allowed at 12 noon from Sept. 1 through Jan. 10.

Shooting Range

• The shooting range is safe, modern and staffed by qualified range officers.
• Use of eye and ear protection is required of all participants and observers.
• The range has 37 shooting positions: 10 positions at 50 yards, five positions at 100 yards, 18 positions at 10,15 or 25 yards, and four shotgun stations.
• Bring your own paper targets or clay birds.
• Indoor restrooms accessible to persons with disabilities are available.
• Range is open Tuesday-Sunday, 9 a.m. CST to dusk (varies by season, call to check time).
• Fees for the range are $4 a day for age 18 and older, $2 a day for younger than 18 (under 18 must be accompanied by an adult), $10 a day for a family (ex: 2 adults and 2 children).
• Target practice is permitted only in established ranges.
• Call (219) 393-1128.

Archery Range

• The archery range is open to the public, 7 days a week, all daylight hours, first come, first served. Bring your own targets. Shooters must obey all range rules and regulations. Parking is permitted only in designated lot.

Wildlife Watching

• 7,100 acres of fallow land, crop fields, thick brush, grass lands, water ways and scattered stands of conifers and hardwoods attract hawks, owls, bald eagles, shorebirds, wading birds and a wide variety of resident and migrating songbirds.

Additional Opportunities

• Wetland trapping is available through drawing only. Drawing is held the first Saturday in October.
• A dog training area is provided in area 6 (see map).
• Resident and non-resident licenses and stamps are sold at the headquarters.
• Wild blackberries, raspberries, mushrooms and nuts may be gathered from the property.
• Mixsawbah State Fish Hatchery is located on Kingsbury Fish & Wildlife Area.
• Fish Lake Wetland Conservation Area is 11 miles from the headquarters.
• Galena Wetland Conservation Area is 18 miles from the headquarters.

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, contaminated areas 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 on Kingsbury Fish and Wildlife Area must be obtained before entering the field. Hunting badges or one-day hunting permit cards must be in the possession of the hunter at all times. Bagged game must be checked through the headquarters or recorded through established self-service procedures outlined at the headquarters. Self-service drop boxes are located throughout the property for your convenience. Contaminated areas are off limits at all times. If a wounded deer enters this area, contact property personnel.
• Night hunting for raccoons is permitted in areas 5, 6, 7, and 8 only.
• Dog training is available in Area 6 only. Sign up and obtain a permit at headquarters.
• Collecting Permits are required from the property manager or IDNR for the collection of anything except nuts, berries and mushrooms.

Target Ranges

Target ranges are open to the public on a first come, first served basis. All shooters must obey range rules and regulations. Park in designated lot only. Range hours may vary. Check with property headquarters for details. Target practice in established ranges only. Fees are charged. Phone: (219) 393-1128.

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. Park in designated lots only. Speed limit is 30 MPH unless otherwise posted. No horses, snowmobiles, ATVs or off-road vehicles are allowed. No hunting within 50 feet of any public road.

MAPS

• Kingsbury Fish and Wildlife Area Map in online viewable format
• Kingsbury Fish and Wildlife Area Map in Acrobat Reader format

GALLERY

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