Hunting Sates Set for 2 Waterfowl Rest Areas at Indiana’s Patoka Reservoir

Waterfowl hunting and boat traffic will be allowed at two waterfowl resting areas at Patoka Reservoir for 39 days between late October and late January.

The Eastern Waterfowl Resting Area (upstream of Wall’s boat ramp) and Allen Creek (the west finger of the Little Patoka area) will be open one-half hour before sunrise to sunset on the following dates:

Oct. 27-28 (youth waterfowl hunting weekend)
Nov. 3-4 (for ducks and geese)
Nov. 5-11 (for geese only)
Nov. 24, 26, 28 and 30 (for ducks and geese)
Dec. 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 26, 29 and 30 (for ducks and geese)
Jan. 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 14, 16 and 19 (for ducks and geese)
Jan. 22, 24 and 27 (for geese only)

Sycamore Creek Waterfowl Resting Area is closed to waterfowl hunting at all times and to boat traffic from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31.

Patoka is in Indiana’s “South Zone” for waterfowl hunting. Duck season dates for the South Zone are Nov. 3-4 and Nov. 24 to Jan. 20. Goose season dates are Nov. 3-11 and Nov. 24 to Jan. 27. The statewide youth waterfowl hunting weekend is Oct. 27-28.

All state and federal waterfowl hunting regulations apply, including the mandatory use of non-toxic shot. Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.

Hunters are required to use the self-service hunter check stations daily.

For inquires or additional information contact: Patoka Lake Office at (812) 685-2464 or Phil Bloom, DNR Communications, (317) 502-1683, pbloom@dnr.in.gov.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is the agency of the U.S. state of Indiana charged with maintaining natural areas such as state parks, state forests, recreation areas, etc. There are many divisions within the DNR and each has a specific role. The DNR is not only responsible for maintaining resource areas but also manages Indiana's fish and wildlife, reclaims coal mine ground, manages forested areas, aids in the management of wildlife on private lands, enforces Indiana's conservation laws, and many other duties not named here. According to the department's website, their mission is "to protect, enhance, preserve, and wisely use natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education."