Hunt unit · Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge
A Hunt Unit Map & Access
The A unit is one of 4 mapped hunt units on Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge in Ripley County, IN. It covers approximately 3,772 acres and is listed as “open – special regulations apply” for 2026–2027. That means hunting is permitted, but refuge-specific rules — such as limited species, dates, weapon types, access methods or quota permits — apply on top of state regulations. A refuge permit is required.
A map
Rules & permits for this unit
Status: Open – special regulations apply
Hunting is allowed, but refuge-specific rules apply in addition to Indiana regulations. Typical special regulations include limited species or seasons, quota/lottery permits, weapon restrictions (e.g. archery or shotgun only), shooting-hour limits, blind or stand rules and restricted access.
Refuge permit required. Type: Other. Obtain via: Visitor Center.
All visitors must attend safety briefing to get a permit annually.
🧒 The refuge holds youth hunts for deer and turkey, issued by lottery.
Game at Big Oaks NWR
Species listed for the refuge as a whole — a special-regulation unit may be limited to certain species. Confirm in the hunt brochure.
Getting to the A unit
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Destination: center of the A unit
- Decimal
38.96438, -85.36979- DMS
38°57′51.8″N 85°22′11.2″W
Nearest towns
- Seymour, IN28 mi E of town
- Cincinnati, OH47 mi W of town
- Louisville, KY54 mi NE of town
Straight-line distances. Driving routes are longer; many refuge roads are gravel and may close seasonally.
The navigation point is a point inside the unit polygon, not necessarily a parking area or legal access point. Use satellite view to find roads, gates and designated parking, and respect closed areas and private inholdings.
Shooting hours at this unit
Today at A
*½ hour before sunrise — the standard federal shooting-hour start for migratory game birds. Times in Indianapolis local time.
Full season calculator →2026–2027 season sun table
| Date | Shooting light | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Sep 1, 2026 | 6:39 AM | 7:09 AM | 8:14 PM | 13h 05m |
| Tue, Sep 15, 2026 | 6:51 AM | 7:21 AM | 7:51 PM | 12h 30m |
| Thu, Oct 1, 2026 | 7:05 AM | 7:35 AM | 7:26 PM | 11h 50m |
| Thu, Oct 15, 2026 | 7:19 AM | 7:49 AM | 7:04 PM | 11h 15m |
| Sun, Nov 1, 2026 | 6:37 AM | 7:07 AM | 5:42 PM | 10h 35m |
| Sun, Nov 15, 2026 | 6:53 AM | 7:23 AM | 5:28 PM | 10h 05m |
| Tue, Dec 1, 2026 | 7:10 AM | 7:40 AM | 5:20 PM | 9h 40m |
| Tue, Dec 15, 2026 | 7:22 AM | 7:52 AM | 5:20 PM | 9h 27m |
| Fri, Jan 1, 2027 | 7:29 AM | 7:59 AM | 5:28 PM | 9h 29m |
| Fri, Jan 15, 2027 | 7:28 AM | 7:58 AM | 5:41 PM | 9h 43m |
| Mon, Feb 1, 2027 | 7:18 AM | 7:48 AM | 6:00 PM | 10h 12m |
Computed for 38.964, -85.370 (EDT / DST-aware). Check state rules — big game hours vary.
Weather forecast
Loading National Weather Service forecast…
Forecast from the National Weather Service. Wind direction matters — plan your approach downwind of where game beds.