George W. Mead Wildlife Area

NEW WATERFOWL REGULATIONS FOR HUNTING AT MEAD WILDLIFE AREA

All Waterfowl Hunting (Ducks and Geese) is closed until opening day of the Northern Duck Zone. Exception: Geese and Ducks may be hunted by Youth Hunters during the Youth Waterfowl Hunt.
Waterfowl hunting hours end at 1:00 pm each day beginning the Monday following opening weekend of the Northern Duck Zone and lasting for 16 full days
Refuge Enlargements As Posted

Modified Refuges: Townline Reservoir/Berkhahn Flowage Refuge [PDF 412KB] and Pool 10/Rice Lake Refuge [PDF 482KB]

For further details and refuge maps, visit the Mead Visitor Center or call (715) 457-6771

Nestled in the valley of the Little Eau Pleine River, the George W. Mead Wildlife Area (Mead) encompasses over 33,000 acres of open marshes, hardwood and aspen forests, and grasslands. It is one of the largest wildlife areas in Wisconsin, comprising the largest contiguous state ownership of wildlife lands. Two “conifer bog” state Natural Areas showcasing the tamarack and black spruce ecosystem are located on the property.

Mead’s diverse habitats harbor an abundance of wildlife species such as deer, turkey, bear, grouse, otter, beaver, muskrats, herons, prairie chickens, fox, coyote, eagles, wolves, and bobcats. It is an important resting, feeding, and nesting site for migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds. Over 267 bird species have been documented on the property. Except for designated refuge areas, the property is open to hunting and trapping during the regular seasons. A 6.5 mile bike trail offers a unique opportunity for the viewing of wildlife. The trail is open to bike use from May 15 through August 31 each year.

The Mead is located 5 miles north of Highway 10 between Stevens Point and Marshfield. The property extends into the three counties of Marathon, Wood and Portage. The Stanton W. Mead Education and Visitor Center is centrally located on the property along County Highway S. Natural resources related educational programs are offered to school and other groups by advanced reservation (registration). The Friends of Mead/McMillan association offers an extensive website [Exit DNR]. We recommend that you visit their website for more information.

Management

Management Objective

The land that is now the Mead Wildlife Area has a rich history of use going back to the last ice age, with native peoples occupying the diverse landscape. Other history includes French fur trading, logging, dredging, and associated farming, and a proposed reservoir. Management for the wildlife habitat and recreational use began in 1959 with a donation of 20,000 acres to the State of Wisconsin by Consolidated Paper Corporation of Wisconsin Rapids. This gift provided the base for the wildlife area.

Mead is managed by the Department of Natural Resources to maintain and enhance habitats that support wildlife, and to provide compatible public recreation opportunities. The property office can be reached at: (715) 457-6771.

Recreation

The following recreational opportunities exist at George W. Mead Wildlife Area:

Hunting

Trapping

Hiking (70 miles of trails)

Pets (Note)

Canoeing

Berry picking

Wildlife viewing

Bird watching

Dog training/trialing

Maps

Download maps for this property: Eastern Section [PDF 696KB] and Western Section [PDF 365KB]

Refuge Maps: Pool 10/Rice Lake Refuge [PDF 482KB] and Townline Reservoir/Berkhahn Flowage Refuge [PDF 412KB]

Useful Links

Friends of Mead/McMillan [Exit DNR]
Central Wisconsin Grasslands Conservation Area
Hunting in Wisconsin
Trapping in Wisconsin
Hunting and Trapping Regulations
Season Dates
Marathon County Information [Exit DNR]
Wood County Information [Exit DNR]
Portage County Information [Exit DNR]
Plan your trip to Marathon, Wood, and Portage Counties [Exit DNR]

For more information on George W. Mead Wildlife Area contact the property manager.

Questions for Wildlife Management

Last Revised: Wednesday September 01 2010