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Deansville Wildlife Area

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Deansville Wildlife Area is a 1,970-acre property consisting of upland grassland/agricultural land, mixed hardwood upland forest, open marshland and sedge meadow as well as shrub carr and brushy areas.

Deansville Wildlife Area is located approximately 4 miles northeast of Sun Prairie. From Sun Prairie, head east on State Highway 19 about 6 miles to County Highway TT. Head north on TT for about 2 miles, then turn left onto Deansville Road. Head north on Deansville Road 2 miles to Sun Prairie Road. Turn left and head west on Sun Prairie Road 1.5 miles to the wildlife area.

Management Objectives

The Deansville Marsh was originally leased for hunting in the early 1930s by the Dane County Conservation League. In 1938, the leases were turned over to the state, making the Deansville property Wisconsin's first leased Public Hunting Ground. The acquisition of property by the state began in 1946 with a 40-acre purchase from Fred Berlin. Federal approval for the establishment of Deansville Wildlife Area was granted in 1962. The Deansville Fen State Natural Area is located on the western edge of Deansville Wildlife Area.

Today, prescribed burning and chemical and mechanical brush control are used on the property to maintain open grasslands and wetlands. Occasional timber harvests are conducted to maintain and enhance the oak/hickory woodlands.

For more information on master planning for this and other wildlife areas around the state, visit the property planning page.

Recreation

The Deansville Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:

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

Maps

Download [PDF] a map of this property.

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

Adopt a Fish or Wildlife Area

Find out more about how to adopt this wildlife area.