Day Trip: Shrimp farm, wildlife area make Jasper County attractive

WHEATFIELD, Indiana – It's not frozen and it's not on a plate. This shrimp is on the farm.

JT Shrimp LLC is a family-owned business that raises saltwater shrimp in the small, Jasper County town. Scott and Leslie Tysen use sustainable and organic methods to grow their shrimp without the use of chemicals or antibiotics.

That's good for eaters, but it's also good for travelers. The Tysens offer tours of the operation.

While down on the farm, visitors will see JT Shrimp's recirculating water aquaculture system in the barn. According to the company's website, the zero-exchange aerobic heterotrophic system runs the water through several filters to take out unwanted bacteria, algae and viruses. The water is re-circulated, so it doesn't create wastewater.

The idea behind the process is to adjust the environment for the shrimp so they can survive and thrive outside of the ocean environment.

Shrimp is a new enterprise on the family farm, which also produces cattle and grain. It's only been since last January that they've delivered shrimp to their customers.

The tours, which can be done individually or for groups, need to be scheduled ahead of time.

Fish and wildlife too

Shrimp isn't the only attraction in Jasper County. It's also home to the Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area. Its address is 5822 N. Fish and Wildlife Lane, Medaryville, but it's actually located about 10 miles northwest of the town. The area encompasses 8,142 acres, which includes woodland, upland and wetland terrain, and has no admission fee.

Visitors can hunt and fish, and a shooting range is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Deer, rabbit, snipe, dove, woodcock, quail, squirrel, sora rails (a small waterbird), wild turkey and waterfowl often are seen in the area.

Not a hunter? Berries, nuts and mushrooms can be gathered at Jasper-Pulaski.

Guests also can get a good look at sandhill cranes during their fall migration, as well as visiting Canada geese.

For visitors' convenience, the area has two observation towers for bird watchers. According to its website, the best time and place to see cranes is close to sunrise and sunset in October and November at the tower west of the main office.

For more information, go to in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3091.htm or call 219-843-4841.

This fishing expedition doesn't need a catch to be an enjoyable day trip.

IF YOU GO

What: JT Shrimp LLC

Where: 14598 N. 450 W, Wheatfield, Indiana

Time: Call to schedule

Cost: $5 per person

Information: jtshrimp.co or 219-987-3809, or go to southshorecva.com/reasonstogather for Jasper County information or call South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority at 800-255-5253.