Operation Jefferson Providing Ground
The U.S. Army purchased Jefferson Proving Grounds, consisting of 55,000 acres in S.E. Indiana, in 1941 from local farmers for a munitions testing facility. The base was closed in 1995 and the south 4,300 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 fenced area Jefferson Proving Grounds boasts an abundance of various wildlife species, including, trophy deer, turkey, woodcock, quail, waterfowl, coyote and bobcat. There are also numerous creeks, ponds, caves and a 180-acre lake with excellent fishing opportunities. Not far from its main gate is the scenic Ohio River with miles of beauty and vast fishing opportunities. Presnell Plantation currently manages the privatized area of Jefferson Proving Grounds, which gives our youth, the disabled, the terminally ill, our veterans, and organizations a chance to experience world-class hunting and fishing opportunities as a part of Presnell Plantation’s Programs. We have special transport vehicles, stands, blinds, and adaptive equipment for those who have accessibility requirements.
Deer Hunting
Deer hunting at Jefferson Proving Grounds is spectacular to say the least. The high numbers of deer, excellent genetics, a great buck to doe ratio, combined with the intense quality deer management practices make for a truly, “Once in a lifetime opportunity”. A well thought out cull buck program, doe management, food plots, minerals, game cameras, mock scrapes, strategically placed stands, and blinds along with great guides make for a world-class hunt. Our goal for our guest is to gain an understanding of the importance of cover, nutrition, predator control, population control, game cameras, game and property management, mock scrapes, as well as tree stand placement.
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 enhances this experience for its challenged hunters by using electric 4x4 camouflage transport vehicles and strategically located accessible blinds. Our goal for our guests is to gain an understanding of the importance of the Management Plan, which includes, Food Plots, Predator Control, Population Control, and Managed Cover.
Preditor, Crow, and Hog Hunting
Coyote in the Jefferson Proving Grounds are a very hardy and elusive animal. The predator control area of our management plan is implemented by offering our guest the opportunity to hunt coyotes and other predators that have a negative impact on our new born fawns as well as turkey and wild birds eggs. Wild hogs are hunted under extreme control in a put and take program to insure a guaranteed harvest and to insure a zero population growth. Crow Hunting is an ever-growing popular sport that was once a necessity for protecting crops. Our goal for our guest is to gain and understanding of the importance of predator control as part of the over all game management plan for the benefit of many species.
Ohio River and Lake Fishing
Jefferson Proving Grounds has a gorgeous 180-acre freshwater lake with endless standing timber, numerous coves and points making great cover for excellent fishing. 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, only a few minutes drive from the Proving Grounds, offers a vast opportunity for numerous fish species, including striper bass, large mouth bass, enormous catfish and sauger. While there are some similarities in the types of fishing there are very distinct differences in river fishing verses lake fishing due to the different species of fish, currents, and changing water levels which also create a more challenging experience. Also bow fishing from a custom airboat on the Ohio at night is always an exciting adventure. Our goal for our guest is to gain a better understanding of the history of Jefferson Proving Grounds as well at the Ohio River. Safety is paramount. Therefore, we want our guests to have an increased level of awareness for the risk involved with river fishing as well as the distinct differences between fishing rivers and lakes.
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, semi 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. Our goal for our guest is to gain a better understanding of the importance of gun safety, gun cleaning and care, ear and eye protection and situation awareness.
Pistol Range
In order to further hone our guests’ marksmen skills, we also feature a pistol range. The pistol range is a favorite for learning personal protection and safety as well as the different types of pistols such as single and double action revolvers, and semi automatic and black powder pistols. Our goal for our guest is to gain a better understanding of the functional differences of each pistol and the importance of pistol safety due to the elevated dangers of shooting a short-barreled weapon in addition to the importance of gun cleaning and care, ear protection and situation awareness.
3D Archery Course
Presnell Plantation proudly offers a 40-target 3 D archery course. Strategically placed throughout the woods, life-sized Rhinehart animal targets are guaranteed to provide an unforgettable experience highlighted by interesting shots, throughout this personally designed, aesthetically pleasing course. Safety and being able to judge distance, size of target, angles, shadows and obstacles are important factors in a successful shot. It is our goal that our guest gain a better understanding about the different types of bows, their, functionality and application, and they’re history as well as the proper handling, care and safety, as well as situation awareness.
Camping
Plantation guests looking for an overnight camping excursion or for a retreat can settle into one of the scenic lake side campsites. Presnell Plantation’s campsites are readily accessible and outfitted with picnic tables, fire pit, and firewood. Selected sites have electric available for campers and RV’s. Whether summer camping or winter camping to learn about cold weather training there are many things to learn about camping out. Just to mention a few, mapping, communication, packing a backpack, appropriate clothing, pitching a tent, starting and putting out a fire, cooking over a open fire, packing food, packing proper cooking utensils, lighting a lantern, and the importance of water and the dangers of dehydration. Our goal is for our guest to gain a better understanding of the necessity of successfully preparing to insure a safe and enjoyable camping experience.