Things to do at Buckhorn State Park

Buckhorn's diversity and size make it possible to enjoy a tremendous number of activities. The property's acreage ensures that any recreational demands can be met, but not at the expense of losing a "wilderness" flavor.

Buckhorn is divided into two areas, the state park and the wildlife area. Picnic areas complete with grills, tables, water pumps, picnic shelters and playground equipment are located in the same area. A volleyball court and horseshoe pits have also been installed for visitor use. A hiking nature trail and wildlife observation blinds also are ready for you to enjoy.

Hiking

Four miles of trail start from the south picnic area. The trails course through wetlands, oak woods, jack pine thickets, shoreline and a small prairie. One loop of the trail has 10 interpretive signs to help you conduct your own nature hike. Keep your senses tuned in for signs of wildlife as you hike the trail. From the savanna parking lot you can hike the .75-mile savanna trail, a short segment is accessiible to people with disabilities. Cross the road and follow the .75-mile Pond Trail, relax on one of the benches around the pond and observe wildlife.

Volleyball and horseshoes

Volleyball nets are set up at the beach/picnic area and at the outdoor group camp. You can check out a volleyball for the day from the park office. Horseshoe pits are found near the north picnic shelter and at the outdoor group camp. Horseshoes can also be checked out for the day. Please return equipment to the park office at the end of your stay.

Bow hunting is a Buckhorn tradition

Archery deer hunting is one of the most popular recreation activities at Buckhorn. Most of the property is open during the early and late bow seasons. Gun deer hunting is allowed only in Buckhorn Wildlife Area B.

Long before the area was purchased for the present-day park, sportsmen from Wisconsin and surrounding states hunted the area with primitive weapons. This tradition continues today as modern archery enthusiasts stalk the deer of the Buckhorn peninsula.

Archer success rates generally lag behind those of gun hunters. This results in a herd with more adult deer, and hence, more trophy bucks than would be found in surrounding areas. Each year, several trophy bucks are harvested by lucky hunters at Buckhorn.

The best time for a trophy buck is during the "rut" or breeding season in early November. Male deer tend to be more active and somewhat less wary during this season. Hunters often wait near an active scrape or trail in hopes that a deer will walk within range.

The wildlife area has many shallow sloughs, wetlands and islands. Experienced hunters use hip boots, canoes and boats to gain access to areas overlooked by others.

Buckhorn State Park Hunting Map [PDF, 299KB]
Buckhorn Area Hunting Map [PDF, 353KB]

Bow hunters should be aware that small game hunting is allowed in the wildlife area. In addition, the property remains open to other activities, such as hiking, camping and picnicking. Areas around campsites, picnic areas, shop, office area and the beach are closed to all hunting.

Buckhorn's wild turkeys

The springtime strutting and gobbling ritual of a male wild turkey is among nature's most exciting events. This has helped the wily bird attain immense popularity among Wisconsin's hunters and wildlife enthusiasts. Buckhorn is fortunately one of the premiere locations for watching this show.

Male turkeys, also called gobblers or toms, display or strut in small openings or open wooded areas. This is done, along with gobbling and drumming, to attract females for mating purposes. The show is best viewed just after sunrise from mid-March through early May.

Spring turkey hunting is available by permit only in the state park and wildlife area A. Hunters need to apply by early December of the previous year. There will be three seasons in April for hunters to apply for both park and wildlife area A. Sixteen hunters are permitted for each season. This is zone 15C. Wildlife Area B allows turkey hunting for all six spring periods and for fall turkey hunting. It is zone 15.

Waterfowl and small game hunting

Waterfowl and small game hunters can pursue their sport in the Wildlife Area (A or B) during the regular seasons for their species. A handout specific to hunting in the park is available at the park office.

Trapping

Trapping is allowed during regular seasons in the wildlife area only.

Skiing

Many wintertime visitors enjoy skiing the hiking trails. The relatively flat terrain makes the trail a good location for family outings. Four miles of trails are groomed when there is enough snow.

Snowmobiling

Visitors can snowmobile on designated park roads. No snowmobiles are allowed off-road or on the trails. Additional snowmobile trails are located on Juneau County forest land just west of the Buckhorn Bridge.

Picnicking

The two picnic shelters may be reserved and group vehicle admission discounts are available. Electricity is available at both shelters.

Reservation forms for shelters are available at the park office or on the web, so why not plan your next group outing, company picnic or, perhaps, your wedding or anniversary reception at Buckhorn!

Observing Nature

Face-to-face encounters with resident wild animals are the rule, rather than the exception. The Buckhorn Wildlife Area is managed to encourage and preserve wildlife and plant communities typically found in central Wisconsin. Canada geese, herons, sandhill cranes, ducks, muskrats, beavers, otters and mink all frequent the marshes and sloughs. Uplands are home to whitetail deer, coyotes, wild turkeys, and even an occasional black bear. Hawks and owls hunt remnant prairies and mixed oak-pine stands in search of mice, snakes, insects and other prey. We encourage you to explore these areas. Personal experience with nature has no substitute.

Be sure to stop at the park office during your visit. There are several animal mounts for you to inspect, as well as displays of artifacts left by Native Americans and early white settlers. You will also want to check out the various brochures and publications available. The friendly park staff will be happy to answer any questions or help you in anyway. People can enjoy the outdoors in many ways.

No matter what your interests or style may be, if it's outdoor opportunity you're looking for look no further. Welcome to Buckhorn!

For more information on Buckhorn State Park, please call 608-565-2789 or email Joe Stecker-Kochanski, Buckhorn / Roche-A-Cri State Parks.