Ketchum Switch Recreation Area, 270 acres, was donated by the Iowa Department of Transportation as a upland and grassland mitigation area.

Ketchum Switch Recreation Area, 270 acres, was donated by the Iowa Department of Transportation as a upland and grassland mitigation area. Consisting of predominantly mature timber and native grass covered rolling hills, the area is a hunter's paradise. Anglers can try their luck fishing the ponds which have been stocked with catfish, bass, and bluegills. Ketchum Switch is divided into four quadrants and is a controlled access area. Access can only be obtained by permit, available from the Conservation Department's Office.

Permit Rules and Regulations:

Hunting and Fishing Permits
• Hunting and fishing permits will be issued by quadrant for one (1) week beginning on Saturday and ending on the following Friday. Fishing permits available for Quadrant 1 only.
• A maximum of 2 persons will be allowed per quadrant during hunting seasons. Each person is required to purchase a permit.
• Permits are $15.00 per week
• Special consideration may be allowed if permits remain available for a quadrant.
• All hunters and anglers must report their harvest to the Henry County Conservation Department office at the expiration of their permit. Failure to report your harvest will result in forfeiture of hunting and fishing privileges in the area.
• Youth Deer and Turkey Season hunters are required to obtain a permit, but permit fees may be waived.
• All permits are non-transferable, and must be obtained in-person at the Conservation Department Offices.
• All hunters must observe a 200 feet perimeter of another hunter, tree stand, or ground blind (occupied or unoccupied).
• No motorized vehicles will be permitted outside the designated parking area.
• Hunters must park their vehicle directly in front of the “Quadrant Sign” corresponding to the Quadrant in which they are hunting.
• All hunters subject to local, state, and federal laws.
• Failure to comply with all the rules and regulations may result in forfeiture of all permits.


General Permits
• General permits will be issued free of charge. General permits will ONLY be available from March 1 to March 31 and June 1 to September 1 of each year.
• General permits will be issued for one (1) week beginning on Monday and ending on the following Sunday
• All permits are non-transferable, and must be obtained in-person at the Conservation Department Offices during regular business hours.
• Dogs- Pursuant to IAC 571 Chapter 51.5, dogs will not be permitted on the area from March 15 to July 15 of each year.
• Equestrian- the use of horses or any equestrian activity is strictly prohibited within this area.

It is strictly prohibited for any person(s) to disturb, desecrate, and/or remove any cultural resource, pursuant to Iowa Code Chapters 716, 523I, 263B and Iowa Administrative Code 685-11, from the Ketchum Switch Recreation Area. Any person(s) found in violation will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of all state and federal statutes.

The Henry County Conservation Board and the Henry County Conservation Department reserve the right to deny access to Ketchum Switch Recreation Area to any and all person(s).

Failure to comply with all the rules and regulations may result in forfeiture of all permits.