Wildlife Areas
Wildlife Management Project Areas
- Central WI Grasslands Conservation Area
- SW WI Grassland & Stream Conservation Area
- Glacial Habitat
Restoration Areas - Western Prairie Habitat Restoration Area
Other Recreation Lands
- State Parks
- State Fisheries Areas
- State Natural Areas
- State Trails
- State Forests
- Forest Legacy Program
- County Parks and Forests
- State Parks & Trails Hunting Opportunities
- Wild Rivers
- Voluntary Public Access Program
- Interactive Map Viewer
Statewide Recreation Opportunities
Vernon Wildlife Area
Vernon Wildlife Area is a 4655 acre property (4154 acres owned, 501 acres leased) located just north of Mukwonago in eastern Waukesha County. Parking lots are located off of STH 83, Frog Alley Road, CTH I, CTH NN, and Benson Avenue. A boat launch can be found off Frog Alley Rd.
The property consists of mostly wetlands/flowages with the Fox River snaking through. Adjoining uplands consist of grasslands and some woodlots. A calcareous fen is also present on the south side. It offers excellent wildlife habitat, especially for migrating and nesting waterfowl.
Land in the wildlife area was first leased in 1946 as a public hunting ground. Purchase of the property by the DNR began 4 years later, assisted by donations from Wetlands for Wildlife and other conservation organizations. It is a popular area for waterfowl, pheasant, small game, turkey, and deer hunting. Handicapped blinds for waterfowl hunting are available off Frog Alley Rd.
Management
Management Objective
The wildlife area is managed to provide opportunities for public hunting, fishing, trapping, and other outdoor recreation while protecting the qualities of the unique native communities and associated species found on the property. Management of flowages and wetlands is designed to maintain and improve the emergent marsh and open water wetland types. Oak sites are managed through shelterwood harvests that are timed to coincide with good acorn crops. Grassland and shrub-carr types are maintained and improved, through mowing, brushing and prescribed fire. Populations of invasive species are controlled or eliminated by cutting, pulling, burning, herbicide treatment and/or bio-control.
Recreation
The following recreational opportunities exist at Vernon Wildlife Area:
- Hunting - pheasant (2pm closure and Hen-Rooster Area rules apply); no waterfowl hunting in waterfowl refuges. No entry for any reason in refuge from September 1st to November 30th, except for gun deer hunting
- Trapping
- Hiking
- Snowmobiling Trail
- Pets (Note)
- Dog trial grounds-Dog training permits required
- No gasoline powered motors except on Fox River. Trolling motors may not exceed 5mph
- Berry picking
- Fishing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Bird watching
- Canoeing
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Map
Download [PDF 388KB] a map of this property.
For more information on Vernon Wildlife Area contact the property manager.
Questions for Wildlife Management
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