2007 Southern Indiana Bowhunt

Jackson/Washington State Forest, near Brownstown, Indiana

October 26-30, 2007

I am planning a group traditional bowhunt/bowbee for the public land in Southern Indiana.  This will be based out of the Knob Lake Campground in the Jackson/Washington State Forest.  This hunt is very informal.  Come as you are.  All are welcome especially since it is on public land.  Bring everything you need and plan on some comraderie and fun.  I am not planning anything formal as far as group activities.  We'll just play it by ear.  There is a 20 target archery range in the forest.

The campground is listed as primitive so no electric or other serious amenities.  There are pit toilets and the sites are first come/first served.  No reservations are taken but I have contacted them and they seem to think that there should be plenty of sites available.  It costs $6-8 per night.  There are 62 sites.  If those are full, and they won't be, there are other campgrounds nearby.  There is always camping in the Hoosier National Forest also.  Plan to arrive early on Friday and you will be fine.  If you are positive you will be there, let me know and I'll hold a spot for you until Friday evening.  If you can't show up until Saturday, that should be fine too but the spots might be farther away from the main group.

Here is the link to the forest info:  Indiana State Forests
Just click on Jackson/Washington State Forest and there is some info on the area.

The Hunting

There are several public properties in the area including the state forest and the Hoosier National Forest.  I recommend you do some online research for your hunting spots.  I have hunted the area some but am by no means an expert.  Indiana has a lot of deer and you should be able to get into some if you are a good hunter.  Don't expect it to be easy though.  Public land is public land and the obvious places will be pressured.  Think outside the box and don't be afraid to kill a deer way back in there.  We'll get it out some way our another.  Small game including grouse, rabbits, and squirrels will also be available.

Here is the link to the full hunting info:  Indiana Hunting Guide

There is a special draw hunt on the Muscatatuck NWR starting October 27th that you can apply for if you are interested.  Deadline for application online is August 31:  Application
I have done this hunt in the past.  It is OK and there are a lot of deer on the refuge.  Personally, I prefer something less organized.  You have a reasonable chance at a deer though.

The Bowbee

I make selfbows.  If you are interested, bring whatever you are working on and we'll whittle together when we aren't hunting.  We won't have any power tools so it'll be hatchets, rasps, and drawknives.   Make a simple bench from a 10' 2x12 and clamp a vise to it.  I'll do a bench buildalong if needed but you can figure it out I'm sure. 

This will be only as organized as we want it to be.  I am not planning any demonstrations or anything like that but am more than willing to help out as I can.  I am sure there will be others available too.  Here's my website if you want to get some ideas:  John's Website


Please feel free to email me if you need anything:   Email me.

That's it for now.  As the dates get closer, I'll put up some more info.

---

The Post-Hunt Show