Theresa Marsh Wildlife Area

Theresa Marsh Wildlife Area is a 5,990 acre property located in northern Washington and eastern Dodge County. Grassland, cattail and brush marsh, woodland, agricultural land, seasonally flooded wetlands, and permanent wetlands all are important in the proper management of the property.

Property History

A vast tamarack river bottom at one time provided an excellent hunting and trapping area for the Pottawatomie Indians, some of whom returned each fall to trap long after the white man had settled and was actively engaged in agriculture. Some of the old-time residents can still recall these trapping expeditions. Most of the tamarack was rapidly logged off during early settlement to provide building materials and fire wood. Many of the logs were also used to build a corduroy road across the marsh. This same road is still being used today, having been modernized with gravel and blacktop and designated as State Highway 28.

In 1852, Solomon Juneau came to this area and founded the Village of Theresa, which he named after his mother. Here he established and operated a trading post and built a grain mill and a saw mill together with a dam to provide water power. The flowage resulting from the construction of this dam created ideal fish and wildlife habitat, and resulted in fabulous hunting and fishing for the early settlers.

At about the turn of the century, the grain mill dam was removed by a land development group who promised quick profits from the improved fertile muck lands. Early agricultural ventures included cattle ranching, canary grass seed production, truck farming, and mint farming. Flooding risks and short growing seasons caused all these ventures to ultimately fail, and in 1964, the Department of Natural Resources was able to complete much of the land acquisition which had begun in 1948.

In 1968, a mile-long dike and a dam were constructed on the west side of the marsh, creating a 1,500 acre flowage. About three miles of additional dikes and 18 water control structures have been installed since then, allowing water levels to be raised and lowered to provide ideal waterfowl habitat. Two 1,000-acre waterfowl refuges have been established, one on each end of the marsh, to provide food and resting areas for long distance migrants.

Management

Management Objective

The marsh is primarily managed for waterfowl production and as a migration stopover for shorebirds, ducks, and geese. Water levels on the 1500-acre main pool and several small subimpoundments are managed seasonally to improve wetland habitat. Pheasants are stocked for hunting once or twice each week during the first month of the pheasant season. Natural fields and dike edges provide good opportunity for mourning doves, as do sharecropped fields of corn, hay, and soybean.

Refuges: Boundaries of the two 1,000 acre waterfowl refuges are posted with yellow signs. Except for gun deer hunting during the regular 9-day season and muzzleloader season, the refuges are closed to all entry from September 1 through November 30. Waterfowl hunting in the refuges is prohibited at all times. The refuges are not open to deer hunting during the October Herd Control or youth deer hunts.

Recreation

The following recreational opportunities exist at Theresa Marsh Wildlife Area:

Hunting - Archery and firearm hunting are allowed on the marsh except in the two refuges where special regulations apply (see above). The main huntable species are Canada geese, ducks, pheasants (2pm closure rules apply), deer and turkey. Raccoons, mink, muskrats, coyotes, woodcock, cottontails, squirrels, and other small game can also be found. Private land (posted with white signs) may be leased each year to provide additional public hunting and fishing opportunities. Do not enter private land without permission(including to retrieve game). All other activities (trapping, vehicle access, damaging trees, dog training, ect.) are prohibited on leased lands without the landowner’s permission. Follow Wisconsin Hunting Regulations and do not discharge a firearm within 100 yards of a building. Portable stands may be used but must be completely removed from the property at the close of hunting hours each day.

Trapping

Hiking

Berry picking

Bird watching

Wildlife viewing - Great views of the marsh are located off of Hwy 28 and Mowhawk Rd.

Pets (Note)

Fishing

Motorboating - (including electrical motors) but prohibited during the waterfowl season.

Canoeing/Kayaking

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

Maps

Download maps of this property: Northern Section [PDF 299KB], Southern Section [PDF 243KB] and hunting and closed areas [PDF 71KB]

Useful Links

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

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

Questions for Wildlife Management

Last Revised: Wednesday October 28 2009