Deer, Turkey, Coyote, Hog Hunting & Fishing
Operation Jefferson Proving Ground
Jefferson Proving Grounds is roughly 55,000 acres in S.E. Indiana that was purchased by the U.S. Army in 1941 from local farmers for a munitions testing facility. The base was closed in 1995 and the south 4,200 acres were privatized. Its boundaries expand into three separate counties of Jefferson, Jennings, and Ripley, giving a wide variety of beautiful scenery and historic preservation. Inside its vast area Jefferson Proving Grounds boasts an abundance of various wildlife species, including, trophy deer, turkey, coyote, and bobcat, there are also several creeks, ponds, and a 180-acre lake with excellent fishing opportunities. Not far from its main gate is the scenic Ohio River with miles and miles of beauty and vast fishing opportunities. Presnell Plantation & Family Foundation Outfitters currently manage the grounds for Operation Jefferson Proving Ground, which gives our disabled veterans, handicapped, terminally ill, and deserving children a chance to experience world class hunting and fishing opportunity.
Deer Hunting
Deer hunting at Jefferson Proving Grounds is spectacular to say the least. The high numbers of deer, excellent genetics, and buck to doe ratio combined with the intense quality deer management practices make for a truly, “Once in a lifetime opportunity” for that trophy buck. Well thought out food plots, strategically placed stands, and blinds along with great guides make for a world-class hunt. A deer hunt at Jefferson Proving Grounds engenders memories of a lifetime that can be captured on film.
Wild Turkey Hunting
Wild turkey abounds at Jefferson Proving Grounds. There are very few sounds in the outdoors that match the gobbling of a boss tom, and this experience awaits those hunting in Jefferson Proving Grounds during the spring turkey season. Presnell Plantation & Family Foundation Outfitters enhances this experience for its challenged hunters by easily accessed, and strategically located blinds.
Coyote and Hog Hunting
Coyote in the Jefferson Proving Grounds are a very hardy and elusive animal. We offer our hunters the chance at hunting these animals during the off-season after deer hunting and before turkey season. We are also excited to have the opportunity to offer them a chance at hunting hogs in southern Indiana, which is a tough and thrilling animal to pursue, and is sure to leave a lasting memory in the minds of everyone involved.
Ohio River and Lake Fishing
Jefferson Proving Grounds has a gorgeous 180-acre freshwater lake with endless standing timer, numerous coves and points making excellent cover. Old Timbers Lake is well known as being one of, if not, the best lakes in the state, for producing very large bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. The Ohio River is only a few minutes drive from the Proving Grounds and offers a vast opportunity for numerous fish species, including stripper bass, large mouth bass, enormous catfish and suager.
5-Stand Sporting Clays and All Weather Shooting House
5-Stand is a shooting sport that provides the enthusiast with the ultimate in variety and enjoyment. Presnell Plantation features a state-of-the-art, fully lighted 5-Stand that is equipped with eight traps. This first-class facility, enclosed in an all-weather shooting house, is specially designed to offer an array of targets and varying degrees of difficulty so that everyone—from the novice to the intermediate and advanced shooters—will enjoy a memorable shooting experience.
Pistol Range
In order to further hone our guests’ marksmen skills, we also feature a pistol range. The pistol range is a favorite destination for 4-H shooting clubs.
3D Archery Course
Presnell Plantation proudly offers a tantalizing, but easily enjoyed, 40 target archery course. Strategically placed, life-sized Rhinehart animal targets are guaranteed to provide an unforgettable experience highlighted by interesting shots, interspersed throughout this personally designed, aesthetically pleasing course.
Camping
Plantation guests looking for an overnight camping excursion or for a retreat can settle into one of the idyllic lakeside campsites. Designed with convenience in mind, the Plantation’s campsites are readily accessible by graveled road and are outfitted with picnic bench, fire pit, and firewood. Selected sites have electric available for trailers and RV’s.
Guidelines
- No Sundays activities
- The Plantation is an alcohol-free environment
- The Plantation is a smoke-free environment