Horicon Marsh Hunting

The 32,000 acre Horicon Marsh is divided into the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area (managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) and the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge [Exit DNR] (managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). The two areas have different hunting regulations and different season dates. You are responsible for knowing and abiding by these regulations.

All Federal and State hunting regulations are in effect. You must comply with the Wisconsin Hunting Regulations. Printed regulation pamphlets are available at Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - Horicon Service Center and the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Office/Visitor Center.

Frequently asked questions about hunting waterfowl at Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area.

Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area

All current statewide hunting regulations apply to this wildlife area. Horicon Marsh is in Deer Management Unit 68B and in Turkey Management Unit 24. Development and management of this property are principally funded by hunting and trapping license fees.

Migratory Bird Hunting

Contact Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for season dates, bag limits, and required permits.

State Property Closed Areas

Two areas within the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area are closed to all hunting (see map):

• Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Refuge - the area surrounding the Horicon Field Station and Quick's Point, located on Palmatory Street.
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Service Center and Bachhuber Flowage - located off State Highway 28 between Mayville and Horicon.

Within these areas, firearms must be unloaded and encased. Bows must be encased or unstrung.

State Property Restricted Areas

Four posted areas within the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area have restricted hunting (see labeled areas on map):

• Burnett Impoundment (Map Area A) - closed to all hunting during the waterfowl season, except deer during the gun deer season. Legally killed or crippled game may be retrieved by dog or hand.
• Four Mile Island, Cotton Island, and Buffer Zone (Map Area B) - no entry into wildlife refuge from April 1 - September 15, open thereafter.
• Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area Closed Area (Map Area C) - an expanded area around the Horicon Marsh Wildlife Refuge (number 1 above) is closed to migratory bird hunting. Legally killed or crippled game may be retrieved by dog or hand. Portions of this area may be open during the Early September Goose Season. Boundaries are as posted.
• Waterfowl Retrieval Zone (see Map Key) - no hunting except deer during the gun deer season is allowed in this zone which buffers the boundary line between the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge and the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area. Legally killed or crippled game may be retrieved by dog or hand.

State Property Prohibited Activities

In addition to the prohibited activities listed in the Wisconsin Hunting Regulations pamphlets, the following are also prohibited on the Horicon Marsh Wildlife Area:

• Overnight camping or parking, and open fires
• Unleashed dogs April 15 - July 31
• Blocking access to gates with vehicles
• Use of horses

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge

Only the animals listed below may be hunted. Note the season dates, which vary from the state seasons.

Small and Big Game

• Ring-necked Pheasant: Oct. 20 (noon) - Nov. 25 (roosters only, pheasant stamp required)
• Deer (Archery): Sept. 15 - Nov. 11
• Gray Partridge: Oct. 20 (noon) - Nov. 25
• Deer (Gun): Nov. 17 - Nov. 25
• Cottontail Rabbit: Oct. 20 (noon) - Nov. 25
• Squirrel: Sept 15 - Nov. 25

The Refuge is not open to mourning dove hunting.

Refuge Areas Closed to All Hunting

Three areas within the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge are closed to all hunting:

• Observation Area - located near the intersection of State Highway 49 and County Trunk Z.
• Refuge Office/Visitor Center Area - located off County Trunk Z.
• Bud Cook Hiking Area- located on the east side of Point Road.

Refuge Restricted Areas

Three posted areas within the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge [Exit DNR] have restricted hunting (see labeled areas on map):

• Hwy. 49 Hiking Trails Area (Map Area D)- closed to all hunting except during gun deer season.
• Area between Point Road & Lehner Ditch Road (Map Area E)- closed to all hunting, except for special permit hunts during archery and gun deer seasons.
• Area on West Side (Map Area F)- closed to all hunting, except for special youth hunt during pheasant season.

Refuge Prohibited Activities

Besides the prohibited activities listed in the Wisconsin Hunting Regulations pamphlet, the following activities are also prohibited on the Federal Refuge:

• Waterfowl hunting
• Boating
• Construction or use of permanent blinds, platforms, or scaffolds (All items including portable stands must be removed each night.)
• Scouting
• Blocking access to refuge gates with vehicles
• Overnight camping or parking, and fires in any form
• Damaging trees
• Shining to locate or take wildlife
• Use of ATVs, other motorized vehicles or horses
• You must vacate refuge and parking lot no later than 1 hour after legal hunting hours
• Toxic shot when hunting small game
• Baiting

Hunters may use dogs for hunting small game. Hunters may use bicycles during archery and gun deer seasons.

Report all injuries and accidents to the refuge office.

For further information, contact the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge [Exit DNR], W4279 Headquarters Road, Mayville, WI 53050, (920) 387-2658. Office hours are Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Saturday - Sunday in the fall 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Deaf/hard of hearing individuals may reach Horicon Refuge through Wisconsin Relay Service at 1-800-947-3529 (v/tty).

Contact Information

Bill Volkert
Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area
N7728 Hwy 28
Horicon, WI 53032
(920) 387-7860

Questions for Wildlife Management