Jefferson Marsh Wildlife Area
Jefferson Marsh Wildlife Area consists of approximately 3,000 acres lying between 1 and 3 miles east/southeast of the city of Jefferson in Jefferson County. This wildlife area is primarily a large wetland restored in 2005 from agricultural drainage. This restoration resulted in a diverse wetland ranging from open water marsh in the south to a 900-acre tamarack bog in the north. The Jefferson Tamarack Swamp State Natural Area is located within the Jefferson Marsh Wildlife Area.
To find the wildlife area, travel east of Jefferson on U.S. Highway 18 about 1 mile and watch for a parking lot on the south side of the road. Another option is to head east of Jefferson on U.S. Highway 18 and turn south on County Highway Y. Continue approximately 2.5 miles southeast on Highway Y to three different parking lots centrally located within the property.
The restored wetlands south of Highway Y can provide excellent waterfowl hunting opportunities while the uplands and tamarack bog between Highways Y and 18 can provide a remote deer hunting experience in southern Wisconsin. The majority of the wildlife area provides excellent opportunities for walking and wildlife watching due to extensive internal access roads. Dove hunting opportunities on 6 acres of sunflower and corn fields.
Management Objectives
The Jefferson Marsh Wildlife Area is primarily managed as a restored wetland complex with the objectives of providing opportunities for hunting and wildlife watching.
Habitat management is aimed at maintaining and restoring native flora to the property. The management techniques employed will include prescribed fire, brushing, mowing and other invasive species removal efforts. For a complete list of resource management, development and protection objectives, as well as public use management and development objectives.
For more information on master planning for this and other wildlife areas around the state, visit the property planning page.
Recreation
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The Jefferson Marsh Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:
- Birding;
- Canoeing;
- Cross-country skiing (no designated trail);
- Fishing;
- Hiking (no designated trail);
- Hunting (especially noted for pheasant, deer, turkey and waterfowl);
- Snowmobiling trail;
- 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.
