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Peats Lake Unit

Green Bay West Shores Wildlife Area

The Peats Lake Unit consists of approximately 317 acres. Peats Lake Unit is located one mile north of Green Bay on both sides of highway 41 in Brown County. Access may be obtained by using the frontage roads (East or West Deerfield Roads) on either side of highway 41. There is a boardwalk and a parking area where you can launch canoes or kayaks at the south end of West Deerfield Road.

The area consists of a mixture of low density aspen and mixed oaks in the upland areas and ash, tag alder and open grass in the wetter areas. There is a high percentage of willow and alder.

History of management

Land was acquired from 1983 to 2004 to preserve valuable wetlands that are vital to the future management of waterfowl and recreational use along the Green Bay shores. The upland areas provide habitat for deer, squirrels, cottontail rabbits and a large number of both migrating and resident birds. The Peats Lake Unit is an important stopover area for migrating waterfowl.

Management objective

The property is managed to provide opportunities for public hunting, trapping and fishing, while controlling invasive species and protecting the qualities of the unique native communities and associated species found on the property.

Recreation

Many recreational opportunities exist at the Peats Lake Unit.

  • Birding
  • Cross country skiing (no designated trail)
  • Fishing
  • Hiking (no designated trail)
  • Hunting (especially noted for deer, turkey, waterfowl and small game)*
  • Trapping
  • Wild edibles/gathering
  • Wildlife viewing

* Portions of the Peats Lake Unit border land owned and managed by the Brown County Parks Department. Deer hunting within the Brown County Park system requires special permits. Hunters using the state-owned land should be aware of the boundary or contact Brown County Parks Department to obtain any necessary authorization.

Maps

Download [PDF] a map of this property.

If you are interested in exploring this property further, you can access an interactive map.

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