Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife Area

Visited on a beautiful Friday in late September to see the Sandhill Cranes. The best viewing is supposed to be early morning and the evening, but even though we arrived midday, and a little early in the year, we saw 50+ cranes from the viewing platform. We were the only ones there, so it was quiet aside from the bugle calls of the cranes.nnFrom 143, reach the viewing platform parking lot by turning north on to 1650 West, about 500 feet west of the Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife area sign. There is a parking lot, then a short, paved trail through some woods to the platform. The trail has quiz questions about Sandhill Cranes with answers posted on the bulletin board at the end of the trail. (Alternatively, skip the trail by driving past the first parking lot and on to handicap-only parking next to the viewing area.) The platform can be reached by stairs or ramp. There are several free telescopes and a small covered area for inclement weather. The decking of the platform is aging, but spot repairs are being made.nnThe cranes are beautiful birds, awkward and graceful at the same time. We loved seeing them glide in for a landing. Worth the trip.

Waiting for the comet. We were here with our son and grandchildren to view the comet Neowise. Thanks to two amateur astronomers sharing their telescopes we had a beautiful view. This a place to see sandhill cranes as they migrate south in the fall.

I have shot there one time. I tried to go shooting there two other times before their closing time. About a month ago I arrived about 3:15pm, but the shooting range was locked up. It is supposed to close at 4pm. Today, because the time I did make it there to shoot I was instructed to be sure to sign in. I passed the shooting range and saw it was open, this was about 3:20. For some reason the sign-in is 2.5 miles to the east of the shooting range. So I drive there, write in the book the date, where I was going, and how many are in my party. I have no clue why the range officer just couldn't have this book with him. So I sign in, drive back by 3:30, and the gate is locked! When I was able to shoot there I liked it. I would certainly give it a much higher rating than a 2-star if they wouldn't close before they are supposed to. I know I would have only had about a 30 minute shoot, but it's not a short drive to get there.

Shot my first 8 point buck here years ago. Area 14 on the back side. You can hunt, fish , bird watching, shoot rifles, hand guns, shoot clay pigeons, archery or just walk trails. There's also blinds for waterfowl hunting along with put and take lottery hunting for pheasant. The camp ground is closed now , but I've been spending days here for 30 years plus with friends and family. Please if you pack it in ,pack it out. Leave no trace. Definitely one of my favorite places to be.

I have loved this place since i was little and my grandpa's would let me come visit and sleep in the camper. Even though i wish they still had the peacocks and playground and the buffalo.. This place will forever be sentimental to me for many reasons