IN public area deer hunting

Does anyone have experience in hunting deer at any of the State FWA's in northwest Indiana? I am looking at Jasper Pulaski, Kingsbury, Winamac and Willow Slough. I have heard about the large number of deer at Kingsbury, and one of the rangers at JP tells me about the number of nice bucks taken but, like many people, there are other aspects to hunting deer that make a certain area a 'good' deer hunting area.

I have 2 boys (17 and 14) that will be hunting with me. The 14-year-old and I will likely bow hunt, as well as all 3 of us will gun hunt. Because I will have my boys with me, safety (i.e. the number and 'sanity' of the other people in the woods) is a HUGE concern. Last year, we went to 2 different areas in the Menomonee system and we saw more hunters than trees! Plus, the courtesy (or amazing lack thereof) of many hunters was astounding. I actually saw 2 guys within 35 yards of each other overlooking a corner of an ag field!!!

I know that hunting on public grounds stacks the odds against me but you play the cards you're dealt. What I am looking for is feedback from people that have actually hunted these areas. This goes a long way in gauging a site for a good quality hunt and experience.

Thanks for your input. Stay safe and have fun.

I have a friend that hunts the Winamac area,I'll ask him about it for you,he also hunts Missinewa area,i'll check him on that too.

Good luck.

Jeff, I have hunted Kingsbury a few times over the last 20 Years, and I have found it to be rather as you suspect. Plenty of deer,(mostly 1-3 yr. old) and plenty of hunters. I guess it depends on the day you choose to hunt. Opening day is a madhouse, and is done by way of a drawing, to limit the number of hunters.(at least it was.) Weekdays are less congested, but you can still just about look in any direction and see orange. Public land invites the 'weekend warrior' types, who hunt with the Walmart tags still on their camo, and don't give a care about ethical. 'If it walks anywhere near me, I'm killing it!' I live in Northern In., and I have found private land to hunt, thus avoiding the crowds and the hassle. If you aren't lucky enough to find private property, then the FWA's are 'a place to hunt'. I've heard Winamac is a little better, but I've never hunted there. The other FWA's I've tried are Tri-County and Pigeon River. Both offer decent hunting, as long as you can get away from the crowds. Tri-County is near Syracuse in the noth-center of the State, and Pigeon River is near Mongo, in the NE corner of the State. I hunt near Pigeon River, and there are PLENTY of deer in the area. I think it is tougher hunting there, and maybe that would mean fewer crowds. I don't want to discourage you from trying these areas, just be forewarned about the opening days. And , if you bowhunt, they are much more pleasant. I guess the main thing is to get out and give it a shot. Good luck

My buddy says Winamac has lots of deer if you know where to look, and doesn't get as crowded as many wma's do, Missinnewa does get crowded and kind of crazy,stick with Winamac

Happy hunting.

Used to huint in public hunting grounds her in Wisc. same problem. I f you ever get the chance to hunt on private land don't pass it up. You'll never go back to public land.

correction I did go back to public land a couple time to go Pheasant hunting.