Natural Resources Department

wilbur wright fish & wildlife area

Are you an Indiana local with a passion for outdoor activities, whether it's honing your shooting skills, enjoying a day of fishing, or exploring natural landscapes? The facility associated with the Natural Resources Department at 2239 IN-103, New Castle, IN, is a key component of the Wilbur Wright Fish & Wildlife Area. This expansive public property, managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), offers a fantastic array of recreational opportunities, making it a beloved destination for residents of Henry County and beyond. While not a traditional "campground" in the sense of offering overnight camping sites, it serves as a vital hub for outdoor enthusiasts, providing accessible facilities for various activities that connect Hoosiers with nature.

The Natural Resources Department's presence at 2239 IN-103, New Castle, IN 47362, USA, refers to a critical access point for the Wilbur Wright Fish & Wildlife Area (FWA). This location is strategically placed in Henry County, offering convenient accessibility for many Indiana residents. For those traveling from Indianapolis, the drive typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, making it an easy day trip. From Muncie, it's an even shorter drive, approximately 30-40 minutes. Even from Cincinnati, Ohio, or Louisville, Kentucky, the area is within a reasonable two-hour drive, appealing to those seeking diverse outdoor opportunities in eastern Indiana. The Wilbur Wright FWA encompasses 1,070 acres of river valleys and associated uplands, with the Big Blue River forming its western boundary. Its address on IN-103 provides direct and easy access via well-maintained state roads, ensuring a smooth journey for all visitors. This prime location allows Indiana locals to quickly transition from urban or suburban environments to a vast natural setting, ready for a day of outdoor enjoyment.

While the Natural Resources Department location at 2239 IN-103, New Castle, IN, primarily functions as a public access point for the Wilbur Wright Fish & Wildlife Area, it offers a range of services centered around outdoor recreation and wildlife management. It is important to note that this is not a traditional campground with overnight camping facilities, but rather a hub for day-use outdoor activities. Here's a breakdown of the services you can expect:

• Free Outdoor Shooting Range: A major draw for many, the area provides a free outdoor shooting range. This includes facilities for archery, handguns, rifles, and shotguns. Users must adhere to posted range rules and regulations, including mandatory eye and ear protection.

• Public Hunting Areas: The vast acreage of Wilbur Wright FWA offers opportunities for various types of hunting, including deer, rabbit, quail, squirrel, dove, woodcock, and waterfowl. All state hunting seasons and bag limits apply, and accessibility options are available for persons with disabilities. Check-in is required for hunting activities.

• Fishing Access: With the Big Blue and Little Blue rivers running through the property, shoreline fishing is available. The Big Blue River is notably stocked with rainbow trout once a year, and opportunities for carp and smallmouth bass fishing also exist. No check-in is required for fishing.

• Dog Training Areas: Dog training is permitted on the property in designated areas, except within safety zones, providing a valuable resource for dog owners and trainers.

• Hiking and Walking Trails: The property offers opportunities for hiking and walking. Access lanes are mowed periodically for a backcountry hiking experience, and the Wilbur Wright Trail also runs along the south side of the property.

• Water Recreation: Canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are allowed on the Big Blue and Little Blue rivers. While swimming is prohibited, these activities offer a peaceful way to explore the waterways. Users must have a wearable personal flotation device (PFD).

• Foraging: Mushrooms, berries, and nuts may be gathered for personal use, though a written permit is required for the removal of plants, animals, rocks, and fossils.

• Wildlife Viewing and Birdwatching: With over 200 species of birds and various wildlife inhabiting the uplands, marsh, and wooded habitats, the area is an excellent spot for birdwatching and general wildlife viewing year-round.

• Volunteer Opportunities: Individuals and small groups can volunteer for activities like trash pickup, invasive plant removal, and painting, contributing to the upkeep of the area.

The Wilbur Wright Fish & Wildlife Area, accessible via the Natural Resources Department office at 2239 IN-103, New Castle, offers a range of features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Indiana:

• Comprehensive Shooting Facilities: The highlight for many is the "awesome free outdoor shooting range," as noted by visitors. It's a well-regarded public facility that supports safe firearm and archery practice, catering to a variety of shooting disciplines with designated areas for different firearm types.

• Diverse Ecosystems: The 1,070-acre property boasts diverse habitats, including river valleys, uplands, mature woods, fallow cropland, and prairie grasses. This variety supports a wide range of wildlife, enhancing opportunities for hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

• Abundant Hunting Opportunities: For hunters, the area is rich with game, including deer, rabbits, quail, squirrels, doves, woodcock, and waterfowl. The managed habitat ensures robust populations, providing ample opportunities during legal seasons.

• Quality Fishing: The presence of the Big Blue and Little Blue rivers, with regular trout stockings in the Big Blue, offers excellent fishing experiences. This adds a significant recreational dimension for anglers.

• Accessible Public Land: Being a state-managed Fish & Wildlife Area, it offers free access for day use, making it an affordable and readily available option for outdoor recreation for all Hoosiers. Accessible hunting areas are also available for those with disabilities.

• Peaceful Natural Setting: Despite the popularity of the shooting range, the vastness of the property ensures that other activities like hiking and wildlife viewing can be enjoyed in a relatively peaceful and immersive natural environment.

• Historical Significance: The property itself has an interesting history, having been transferred from the Indiana Department of Mental Health's New Castle State Hospital to the DNR, and then specifically to the Division of Fish & Wildlife for management.

• Educational and Safety Focus: The DNR's management emphasizes safe firearm handling practices and responsible participation in outdoor sports, with clear rules and potentially range officer oversight at the shooting facilities.

For more information about the Wilbur Wright Fish & Wildlife Area, including shooting range hours, hunting regulations, or general inquiries, you can use the following contact information. Note that the phone number provided is for the District Wildlife Biologist for the area, which is part of the DNR management for the property.

Address: 2239 IN-103, New Castle, IN 47362, USA (This is the primary address for the Wilbur Wright Fish & Wildlife Area office and shooting range.)

Phone: (765) 529-6319 (This number is associated with Kent Hanauer, District Wildlife Biologist for this area.)

For general Indiana DNR information or other FWA-specific details, it's often helpful to consult the official Indiana DNR website or the Fish & Wildlife Area Shooting Ranges webpage.

The Wilbur Wright Fish & Wildlife Area, with its associated Natural Resources Department presence at 2239 IN-103, is exceptionally well-suited for Indiana locals seeking diverse and accessible outdoor recreation. For Hoosiers who enjoy shooting sports, the free outdoor range is a significant asset, providing a consistent and well-regulated place to practice and improve skills without cost barriers. Hunters across the state will find the extensive public hunting grounds to be a valuable resource for pursuing various game species. Additionally, the opportunities for fishing in the Big Blue and Little Blue rivers offer a tranquil pastime for anglers of all experience levels. Its relatively close proximity to major population centers like Indianapolis makes it an easy day trip for a wide range of activities, allowing locals to maximize their time outdoors without lengthy commutes. Beyond specific pursuits, the vast natural landscape provides a crucial space for passive recreation like hiking and wildlife observation, allowing Indiana residents to decompress and reconnect with nature right in their own backyard. This facility embodies the DNR's commitment to providing public access to natural resources, making it an invaluable asset for the Indiana community.

Natural Resources Department

2239 IN-103, New Castle, IN 47362, USA