Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge annual public use period is once again open Mondays and Fridays beginning May 18th from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Visitors will be allowed access to the Day Use Area and at the Refuge Gate House will be required to: check-in and out; purchase their annual permit or pay the daily entrance fee; participate in the safety briefing; and sign an acknowledgement of danger agreement. Details of fall hunting opportunities will be provided at a later date. Learn more about public use opportunities at Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge or call 812-273-0783.
Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 50,000 acres in three counties, including Jefferson, Jennings and Ripley, and overlays that portion of the former Jefferson Proving Ground that lies north of the historic firing line where munitions were once tested. As an overlay refuge, the Army retains ownership and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages the property as Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge.
