Dike 17 Wildlife Area

Dike 17 Wildlife Area is a 3,100 acre property located within the Black River State Forest, it can be accessed by taking Hwy 54 East and turning south either on Wildcat Road and then East on Battlepoint, or by turning south on North Settlement Road. The property consists of brush and grassland intermixed with flowages.

History of Management

The dikes were originally constructed in the 1940’s by the game division under the Resettlement Administration using WPA (Works Project Administration) labor. This included setting up a small sawmill on the area where they assembled and produced oak sheet piling for the core of every earth dike out there. The flowages are periodically drawn down to promote growth of forage for waterfowl, and the uplands are burned to maintain them in an open or brushy landscape to benefit nesting waterfowl, sharp-tailed grouse and Karner Blue Butterflies. An observation tower was constructed that is still operable today.

Recreation Opportunities

The following recreational opportunities exist at Dike 17 Wildlife Area:

• Hunting – closed refuge from Sept. 1 – Dec. 31 with the exception of the gun deer season
• Trapping
• Hiking
• Wildlife viewing
• Fishing
• Bird watching

Additional Information

Useful Links:

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

For more information on Dike 17 Wildlife Area contact the property manager.

Questions for Wildlife Management