C. D. (Buzz) Besadny Fish and Wildlife Area

C. D. (Buzz) Besadny Fish and Wildlife Area is a 2,632 acre property located in Kewaunee County. Find it west of Kewaunee with many access points (see map). The property is comprised mostly of forest, wetlands, river (warm water), stream (cold water) and grasslands. Ahnapee State Trail [Exit DNR] runs through the property.

History of Property

The C. D. "Buzz" Besadny Fish and Wildlife Area was established in 1957 to manage fish and wildlife resources associated with the Kewaunee River and surrounding landscape. The property is located in eastern Kewaunee County and contains one of the largest wetland complexes bordering Lake Michigan as well as one of the largest remaining blocks of forest in the county.

The fishery portion of the project consists of the Kewaunee River, a warm water stream, and Little Scarboro Creek, a cold water stream. The Kewaunee River has native populations of smallmouth bass and northern pike. It also receives seasonal migration of trout and salmon from Lake Michigan. Recreational fishing is very popular during these seasonal runs for both species. The Little Scarboro, a tributary of the Kewaunee River, is a Class I brook trout stream with a self-sustaining fishery.

The wildlife portion of the project is managed for a whole host of species. The area provides habitat particularly for songbirds, waterfowl, water birds and upland game. It supports a diversity of birdlife due to its proximity to Lake Michigan, the varied habitats present. This area is also migration corridor for many raptors and other birds. Portions of the property receive annual pheasant stocks for hunting opportunity. Forest are primarily lowland, consisting of cedar and bottomland hardwood species.

Facilities

C.D. Besadny Anadromous Fish Facility is also located within the boundaries of the property. This facility collects eggs from great lakes trout and salmon for propagation. A unique viewing window allows visitors to see fall and spring runs of fish as they enter the facility. Call ahead for tours.

• Location: 3884 Ransom Moore Lane - off of County Highway F, west of Kewaunee, on the west bank of the Kewaunee River, Kewaunee County
• Dates: March - December, public viewing window open at all times
• Hours: Site is open daily, dawn to dusk. Building is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday
• Telephone: (920) 388-1025
• Note: Call ahead for tour information (minimum 10 people).

Recreation Opportunities

The following recreational opportunities exist at C. D. (Buzz) Besadny Fish and Wildlife Area:

Hunting - waterfowl, pheasants(hen/rooster rules apply), small game, deer Trapping Hiking Pets (Note)

Canoeing Snowmobile Trail Fishing – salmon, steelhead, inland trout, bass Bird watching

Additional Information

Download [PDF 349KB] a map of this property.

Useful Links:

• Hunting in Wisconsin
• Trapping in Wisconsin
• Hunting and Trapping Regulations
• Season Dates
• Kewaunee County Information [Exit DNR]
• Plan your trip to Kewaunee County [Exit DNR]

For more information on C. D. (Buzz) Besadny Fish and Wildlife Area contact the property manager.

Questions for Wildlife Management