Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area

Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area is a 2,312 acre property located in eastern Washington County north of Hwy 60. Find it from the intersection of Highways 45 and Highway 60 near the Village of Jackson, go east on Highway 60 three miles, then north on County Highway G which bisects the Wildlife Area. The property is comprised mostly of forested wetland surrounded by grasslands, croplands, scattered ponds and wetlands, feeder streams, and small woodlots.

Management

Property History

Jackson Marsh was approved as a state Wildlife Area in 1952 because of its value for wildlife and the hunting opportunities close to the Milwaukee Area. Land acquisition has proceeded slowly since then, with 2300 acres now under state ownership. The core of the property is the 1,571-acre Jackson Swamp Natural Area consisting of lowland hardwoods, cedar and tamarack. Around the perimeter of the woodland, two areas have been developed as dike flowage areas, and several additional potholes have been constructed. Upland fields, previously farmed, have been planted to trees and permanent grassland or are sharecropped to provide wildlife food and cover.

Management Objective

Pheasants are stocked once or twice each week during the first month of the pheasant season. Pheasant hunting is prohibited after 2 pm beginning the third day of the season through November 3rd.

Refuges “Closed Area” boundaries are posted by yellow signs. No hunting or trapping is permitted in these areas. Walk-through is permitted on state land within a Closed Area provided all bows are unstrung or cased, and all firearms are unloaded and cased. Do not enter private land without permission (including retrieving game).

Recreation

The following recreational opportunities exist at Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area:

Hunting - Archery and firearm hunting are allowed on most of the property. The main huntable species are pheasants (2pm closure rules apply), deer and turkeys, but waterfowl, mourning doves, raccoons, mink, muskrats, coyotes, woodcock, cottontails, squirrels, and other small game can also be found. Portable tree stands may be used provided they don’t damage trees but they must be completely removed from the property at the close of hunting hours each day. Private lands (posted with white signs) may be leased each year to provide additional public hunting and fishing opportunities. Other activities (including trapping, vehicle access, damaging trees and dog training) etc. are prohibited on Leased Public Hunting lands without the landowner’s permission.

Trapping

Hiking

Snowmobiles - only permitted on the designated snowmobile trail near Hwy G

Berry picking

Bird watching

Wildlife viewing

Pets (Note)

Fishing

Note: Please do not block access to gates. Target shooting (including paint ball guns), overnight camping, overnight parking, off-road vehicle use, open fires, stocking or releasing any wild or domestic animals, ATV’s, bikes, and horses, are prohibited.

Map

Download [PDF 205KB] a map of this property.

Useful Links

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

For more information on Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area contact the property manager.

Questions for Wildlife Management

Last Revised: Wednesday October 28 2009