The contact number for Kankakee FWA is (574) 896-3522. Please call for current conditions and draw information.

SOUTH ZONE
Patoka River National
Wildlife Refuge
The Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is an expansive river bottom waterfowl-hunting hotspot. It is located to the north of Oakland City, in Pike and Gibson counties. The Patoka River NWR is formed along the Patoka River, and it is huge at over 25,000 acres.

This South Zone hotspot is near the Wabash River, and it is in the north-south flyway of the Wabash River basin. It is geographically positioned in an area that provides an excellent opportunity for geese to rest and feed.

You must bring your own blind at Patoka River NWR because there are no permanent blinds. The hotspot in the Patoka River NWR is Oatsville Bottoms, which will typically flood several miles wide. If floodwaters are present and freeze-up has not occurred, this area usually attracts the most waterfowl.

The Gibson Power Plant is located nearby immediately to the west of the refuge, and it helps to pull waterfowl into the refuge, especially during the late season.

Hunters who are planning on visit the refuge are advised to call for the latest freeze-up conditions, and to check the flood stage of the river, as well.

Because of its size and location in the lower latitudes of Indiana (where it stays a little warmer in January), the Patoka River NWR has plenty of potential to attract geese in the late season. The number for Patoka River FWR is (812) 749-3199. You can call this number and request a map of this property, too.

Blue Grass FWA
The Blue Grass FWA is almost brand spanking new. It opened in 2000, and since has offered some pretty good waterfowl-hunting possibilities. This is especially true in the late season due to its location far enough south to still have open water in January. Blue Grass is in Warrick County very near Evansville, and provides some 2,532 acres.

The 28 pits and lakes that encompass about 600 acres of water on this public-land property give it plenty of potential for attracting waterfowl. Blue Grass is also near the Ohio River, which will strengthen its geese-attracting appeal.

Almost 50 percent of the property acts as a sanctuary, and it is closed to waterfowl hunting. The reason for this is to give birds that do populate the property a resting area, and to attract more birds.