For thirty years, this land was leased public ground. In 2016 the lease ended and the gates closed. Indiana DNR bought it outright in 2024 and reopened it as Busseron Creek Fish & Wildlife Area in April 2025. Nearly 4,000 acres in northern Sullivan County, the largest conservation acquisition the state has made in twenty years.
The 3,950 acres hold bottomland forest, marshland, swamps, lakes, and upland grass. Hunters work the property for turkey and deer in season, with waterfowl through the wetlands and rabbit and quail in the brush. Migratory songbirds move through the trees. The 85 acres of water hold bass, bluegill, redear, crappie, and catfish.
The property is open year-round and free to enter. Hunting, fishing, trapping, foraging, hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching are all permitted. Dog training is allowed in Unit C only. Hunters and dog runners need to complete a one-day access permit at the self-service booth before heading into the field, and other visitors are encouraged to do the same.
Busseron Creek FWA is managed out of Goose Pond FWA in Linton. The property office takes calls at (812) 512-9185.
