Pigeon River State Forest

Enjoying the Pigeon Located in the north-central part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, just a few miles northeast of Gaylord, it is removed from civilization, and that’s what makes the 109,000-acre “Big Wild” so special. If you’re planning a trip to the Pigeon, keep in mind that it’s managed differently than other state forests.

DNR Shooting Ranges

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has adjusted services, events and operations to protect Hoosiers and prevent further spread of COVID-19. Please visit on.IN.gov/dnrcovid19 for a listing of what is open, closed, restricted and canceled.

Normal range hours may be adjusted due to severe weather conditions.

Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area

Pigeon River FWA advisories

• Properties are operating hunt and trap draws differently in this year due to COVID-19. View the property procedures.
• The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has adjusted services, events and operations to protect Hoosiers and prevent further spread of COVID-19. Please visit on.IN.gov/dnrcovid19 for a listing of what is open, closed, restricted and canceled.

• Description

  This property is a stop on the

  Learn more at www.indianabirdingtrail.com.

  Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area is dedicated to providing quality hunting and fishing opportunities while maintaining 11,794 acres of land, 529 acres of lakes and impoundments and 17 miles of free flowing river.

  The area was established in 1956 when three reservoirs in the Pigeon River Valley were given to the state. These included Mongo, Nasby and Ontario. Since then, the state has acquired additional land along the river valley.

• Activities

  Fishing

  • Property has 17 miles of river, 266 acres of lakes, 263 acres of impoundments and 356 acres of restored open water wetlands.
  • Most fishing areas and portions of the Pigeon River are closed during waterfowl seasons. Ask at office for restrictions.
  • Primary species include catfish, crappie, bluegill, northern pike, smallmouth bass, redear, largemouth bass, rough fish, trout and yellow perch.
  • Boats with electric motors are allowed on lakes and ponds. See map for boat ramp locations.
  • Shoreline fishing is available on Beaver Dam Lake, Stayner Lake, Little Stayner Lake, Troxel, Mongo, Nasby and Ontario millponds, Massasauga Marsh, East Pool, Rainbow Pit and Catfish Pond.
  • All state size and bag limits apply. No registration is required for fishing at Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area. See a copy of the current fishing regulations for details.

  Hunting

  • Hunting for furbearers, deer, quail, rabbit, squirrel, waterfowl, dove, pheasant and wild turkey is common.
  • Daily registration is required. All hunting seasons and bag limits apply.
  • Special hunts include youth waterfowl, daily waterfowl drawings, drawings for turkey hunting and put-and-take pheasant hunts
  • Waterfowl drawings are held as needed at 5:30 a.m.
  • The first two days of dove season, the drawing is done online (reserved.) Reserved hunters must check-in by 11 a.m. No-show drawings for dove season are done on-site at 11 a.m.
  • For all of the spring turkey hunting season, the drawings are done online (reserved.) Reserved hunters must check-in by 5:30 am. No-show drawings for spring turkey hunting are held at 5:30 a.m.
  • Put-and-take pheasant hunters may claim their reservation daily 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Deer tree stands and ground blinds may be used and left unattended from noon, Sept. 15 through Jan. 10. Tree stands and ground blinds must be legibly marked in English with either the owner's DNR customer identification number or the owner’s name, address and telephone number. A fastener used in conjunction with a tree stand and a tree or pole climber that penetrates a tree more than ½ inch is prohibited (anything that penetrates a tree more than a ½ inch is prohibited, i.e. screw-in steps and screw-in bow and gun hangers).
  • Area A is designated for dog training.
  • The trapping drawing is held annually at 10 a.m. on the first Saturday of October.
  • Hunting areas accessible to persons with disabilities are available. Ask for details at office.
  • Youth hunting/shooting events are available. Ask at office.

  Volunteer Opportunities

  • Need a reason to get outside and move? You can volunteer alone or in small groups at this property. Some activities include trash pick-up, basic gardening, painting, and more. Call the property office for details.

  Wildlife Watching

  • The area is a long narrow property along the flood plain of the Pigeon River. It provides excellent waterfowl watching during the spring migration.
  • Mushrooms, berries, and nuts may be gathered, however a written permit is required to remove plants, animals, rocks, and fossils.
  • Registration at the office is not required for scouting, hiking, mushroom hunting or wildlife watching.

  Shooting Range

  • A rifle and archery range is located near the property headquarters. There is no fee for use.
  • Target ranges are open to the public on a first come first serve basis. All shooters must obey range rules and regulations.
  • See the Fish & Wildlife Area Shooting Ranges webpage for hours.

  Neighboring Land

  • Tamarack Bog Nature Preserve, Curtis Creek Trout Rearing Station, Fawn River State Fish Hatchery and Pokagon State Park are located nearby.

    NO Swimming Allowed.

    Please Read and Obey All Signs.

• Rules

  A record of Fish & Wildlife Area property rules can be found on the Indiana Fish & Wildlife Area Rules webpage. Property specific rules can be found below, if applicable. Contact the property directly for specific questions.

  Permits

  In addition to a hunting and/or fishing license, the following permits are required:

  • Permission to hunt during the day must be obtained before entering the field. Hunting badges or one-day hunting permit cards must be in the possession of the hunter at all times. Bagged game must be checked in through the check-in station or recorded through established self-service procedures outlined at the check-in station. Self-service drop boxes are located throughout the property for your convenience.
  • Traffic on public roads through the area is governed by state and county laws. Traffic over service roads and trails, except by authorized vehicles, is restricted to walking. Park in designated lots only.
  • Shooting of woodchucks (groundhogs) is NOT allowed.
  • A permit from Pigeon River FWA headquarters is required to enter the waterfowl resting areas.
  • Dog training is available in Area A only. Sign up and obtain permit at the office in Mongo.

River State Nigeria