Goose Lake Wildlife Area

Goose Lake Wildlife Area is a 2,296 acre property consisting of approximately 570 acres of open grassland, 550 acres of mixed hardwoods upland forest, 430 acres of open marsh and floating sedge meadow, 700 acres of shrub carr and brushy uplands, and 40 acres of tamarack bog.

The property is located in Dane County approximately 3 1/2 miles northeast of the Village of Deerfield. From Madison, head east on I-94 10 miles and exit onto State Hwy 73. Proceed south on Hwy 73 two miles to CTH BB. Head east on CTH BB for two miles and Goose Lake Wildlife Area is visible on the north side of the road.

History of Management

The Wisconsin Conservation Department recognized the Goose Lake Area as productive wildlife habitat, especially for ducks, pheasants and deer, and proposed this property as a state wildlife area in February, 1962. The Dane County Conservation League donated the first tract of land for the wildlife area, 11 acres, in August, 1962. Goose Lake Wildlife Area is a remnant of the original wetland-drumlin complex left by the receding Wisconsin Glacier and is home to several drumlins and a relatively undisturbed bog and lake surrounded by floating sedge meadow.

Within Goose Lake Wildlife Area lies Goose Lake Drumlins State Natural Area. A remnant of the wetland-drumlin complex left by the receding Wisconsin glacier, the area is a forested complex with tamarack and mixed deciduous forest on adjacent drumlins. The natural area was designated in 1992 in recognition of the unique geologic and floral features of the property. Numerous waterfowl use the area including sandhill crane, lesser scaup, blue-winged teal, and wood duck. Other animals include otter, mink, and muskrat. Rare plants include swamp agrimony (Agrimonia parviflora), tufted bulrush (Scirpus cespitosus), and two orchids. Goose Lake Drumlins is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2002.

Today, prescribed burning and chemical and mechanical brush control are techniques used to maintain open grasslands. Occasional timber harvests are conducted to maintain and enhance the oak/hickory woodlands.

Recreation Opportunities

The following recreational opportunities exist at Goose Lake Wildlife Area:

Hunting - Deer (DMU 76A), pheasant (2PM closure 3rd day of season-Nov.3), waterfowl, turkey (zone 26), small game Trapping Hiking Berry picking, etc..

Wildlife Viewing Cross country skiing Bird watching

Additional Information

Download [PDF 243KB] a map of this property.

Useful Links:

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

For more information on Goose Lake Wildlife Area contact the property manager.

Questions for Wildlife Management