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Peter Helland Wildlife Area
Peter Helland Wildlife Area is a 3,432 acre property located in Columbia County. Find it 6 miles east of Pardeeville on County Road P.
The property consists of approximately 3062 acres of wetland, 325 acres of upland, and 50 acres of wooded habitat.
Peter Helland Wildlife Area lies in a basin formed by the meltwaters from the last glacial period about 10,000 years ago. Native Americans used the marsh as a hunting ground, probably for prairie chicken, deer, waterfowl, and small mammals. Following settlement by European immigrants and the development of drainage and dredging equipment, the marsh was partially drained to allow muck farming. The Department of Natural Resources began acquiring property for the project in 1972 to serve as a goose management area, a satellite unit for the Horicon Marsh. The property is now used extensively for hunting, especially for deer, pheasant, and waterfowl. The wildlife area consists of wetlands, uplands, and the North Branch of Duck Creek. The wetlands range from wet prairie and sedge meadow to cattail marsh and disturbed areas dominated by reed canary grass. Shrub carr with dogwood and willow are interspersed within the low areas. The uplands are former agricultural areas with scattered oak woodlots. Some of the fields are planted with food crops for wildlife and with native grassland for nesting cover.
Management
Historically, the primary management objective for Peter Helland WA was to provide hunting and other outdoor recreation opportunities. As lands were acquired, marginal farm fields were converted to prairie provide additional wildlife habitat and hunting opportunity. Numerous wetland restorations occurred to create the hemi-marsh habitat that is present today.
Management Objective
Current management objectives focus on protecting the watershed of Duck Creek and managing for pre-settlement vegetation types. This includes maintaining existing prairies, savannas, and sedge meadows and seeking opportunities to increase these cover types. The property is managed on a landscape scale, creating smooth transitions between cover types.
The property is monitored for invasive species such as black locust and garlic mustard. Prairie and savanna areas are managed and maintained through prescribed burning, mowing, and herbicide use to limit brush encroachment and encourage vigorous grasslands. Wetlands are managed through limited disturbance to prevent the spread of aggressive invasive species. Woodlands are managed in a manner that limits the spread of oak wilt and encourages regeneration of oak, hickory, etc.
Recreation
The following recreational opportunities exist at Peter Helland Wildlife Area:
- Hunting - waterfowl, squirrels, deer (DMU 70G), rabbits, furbearers, pheasants, turkey (zone 3)
- Trapping - furbearers
- Hiking
- Photography
- Berry Picking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Canoeing
- Bird watching
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Map
Download [PDF 278KB] a map of this property.
Useful Links
- Springvale Wet Prairie State Natural Area (located within Peter Helland Wildlife Area)
- Hunting in Wisconsin
- Hunting and Trapping Regulations
- Season Dates
- Columbia County Information [Exit DNR]
- Plan your trip to Columbia County [Exit DNR]
For more information on Peter Helland Wildlife Area contact the property manager.
Questions for Wildlife Management
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