Killsnake Wildlife Area
Killsnake Wildlife Area is located in both southeastern Calumet and southwestern Manitowoc counties. The property is approximately 7,000 acres and consists of a variety of open prairie grasslands, both upland and a large wetland-grassland complex, bottomland hardwood forest, a small area of cedar swamp, tamarack and bog, areas of upland forest with new areas of northern hardwood forest being planted and planned. Over 50 small wetland restorations, called brood ponds, for waterfowl production have been created or enhanced across the property. The heart of the property consists of the confluence of three rivers merging (South Branch-Manitowoc River, Cedar Creek and Killsnake River).
To find Killsnake Wildlife Area, take Highway 57 to Chilton, then head east on Highway 151 for approximately 5 miles. Take a left on Lemke Road, heading north through the interior of the property.
Management Objectives
In 1948, the Killsnake Bottoms and Cedar Creek area, which occupied about 4,500 acres within the present boundary, were set up as leased areas. The first land was purchased in 1956 in Manitowoc County, and in the mid-1960s, the property was expanded into Calumet County. The property was originally set up as a goose satellite area. Today, the property size is around 7,000 acres. Farming occurs on over 1,000 acres. Restorations of prairie on over 1,500 acres, along with small wetlands totaling over 50 sites, continue to add to the diversity of this property.
Presently, prescribed burning for grasslands is maintained for a variety of wildlife, water management on small impoundments or ponds is controlled by manipulating water levels and agricultural fields are maintained for food production for humans and wildlife. Sustained and reforestation management is used to yield fiber and optimize habitat for wildlife.
For more information on master planning for this and other wildlife areas around the state, visit the DNR's Property Planning webpage.
Recreation
The Killsnake Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:
- Birding
- Winter offers opportunities for raptors such as short-eared owls (pictured above) and rough-legged hawks, while summer viewing offers sandhill cranes and bobolinks.
- Canoeing (on the Manitowoc River and limited on Killsnake River)
- Cross-country skiing (no designated trail)
- Hiking
- Great area to walk for hundreds of yards among the prairie and view a landscape of hundreds of acres. Several osprey platforms have been erected with ospreys nesting throughout the breeding season.
- Hunting (noted for pheasant [noon closure], waterfowl [popular on the numerous small impoundments and rivers within the property boundaries], turkey, mourning doves [in natural habitat and harvested winter wheat fields], deer and cottontail rabbits)
- Trapping
- Wild edibles/gathering
- Wildlife viewing
Notable feature: The property has a wealth of archaeological history because of the confluence of several rivers. Many are on the National Register.
Amenities
- Bathroom - none.
- Parking lot - There are thirty parking lots available throughout the property providing access to a variety of habitats and uses.
- 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.
