Grand River Marsh Wildlife Area
Grand River Marsh Wildlife Area is a 7,000-acre property located in southwest Green Lake County and southeast Marquette County near Lake Puckaway. Find it approximately 5 miles south of Montello, 11 miles north of Pardeeville on County Highway B, or 3 miles west of Kingston on County Highway B. The property consists of an open marsh/emergent cattail wetland, an upland prairie/oak savannah and a shrub carr/wet meadow.
This property offers various outdoor recreational opportunities. Small game, waterfowl, deer, and pheasant are among the most popular game that hunters pursue. All these species are abundant throughout the wildlife area. Additional user groups visit the property to hike, gather edible plants, wildlife view and canoe/kayak.
History
The Grand River Marsh has long provided excellent habitat for a variety of wildlife and migratory waterfowl. Area sportsman's clubs in the 1930s and 1940s conceived the idea of converting it into a wildlife refuge. The proposal received continued support locally as clubs sponsored fundraising projects and contributed money toward acquisition and development. Their verbal and moral support was considered much more valuable than their monetary contributions.
Public support for this wildlife area is considered to be among the strongest received in recent history. The preliminary project statement was submitted on Jan. 16, 1958, and the Wisconsin Conservation Commission approved the acquisition of the land on Feb. 21, 1958. Land acquisition began that same year.
Much of the uplands and marsh were farmed and grazed. Portions of the marsh were ditched for farming and the west end has deep muck soils. Marsh hay was once an important crop produced on this marsh, with reed canary and wiregrass being the main species.
Management objective
Current management programs include wetland and oak savannah restoration. Water level manipulation to provide quality waterfowl habitat and deep-water marsh habitat is the primary goal in the main impoundment, but an excellent fishery has responded to the current water management regime.
Recreation
The Grand River Marsh Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:
- Auto travel
- Biking (town road only)
- Birding
- Canoeing (no motor boats or electric motors allowed)
- Camping at a nearby private facility
- Cross-country skiing (no designated trail)
- Fishing
- Hiking (no designated trail)
- Hunting (especially noted for pheasant with noon closure rules applying)
- Trapping
- Wild edibles/gathering
- Wildlife viewing
Hunting note: There is a wildlife refuge located on the western portion of the property. There is no entry of any sort from September 1-November 30, except for deer hunting during gun deer and muzzle loader seasons. The refuge is clearly posted with yellow DNR signs. Please refer to a map for the refuge locations.
Other information/regulations:
- No motorboats or electric motors are allowed at any time in the wildlife area.
- Special pheasant hunting rules apply, with a 2 p.m. closure.
- Mourning dove hunting opportunities may be found on farm fields.
- The gates to the Main Dam Road will be open prior to the opening day of the regular fishing season and close at the end of August in respect to the wildlife refuge dates. Please refer to the refuge dates and entry information located above.
For more information on master planning for this and other wildlife areas around the state, visit the property planning page.
Amenities
- Bathroom - none.
- Parking lot - yes.
- Campground and size - none.
- Trails, Types and Lengths - none.
Maps
Download a map of this property.
If you are interested in exploring this property further, you can access an interactive map.
Find out more about how to adopt this wildlife area.