Lands_Content Page_Prince's Point Wildlife Area

Princes Point Wildlife Area

Princes Point Wildlife Area was recently expanded to nearly double its size. Approximately 1,830 acres were added to the property's southern edge, but this new area is closed to the public for construction. Check the map (below) to see which area is closed to the public.

Several wetland restoration projects are scheduled to begin in late 2023 and will likely continue until 2025 or later, depending on construction times. These restoration projects will restore hydrology on the property and feature four impoundments. Additional infrastructure, signage and parking lots will also be added when this new section is closer to opening up to the public.

The DNR is excited about this acquisition and the additional opportunities it provides to nearly four million Wisconsinites who live within an hour of Princes Point Wildlife Area. Construction updates will be shared on this page as they are available.

A pond in the sunlight at Princes Point Wildlife Area

Princes Point Wildlife Area consists of approximately 3,700 acres of primarily riparian wetlands associated with the confluence of Spring Creek, the Scuppernong River and the Bark River. The property is known for waterfowl hunting opportunities, with two existing impoundments and four additional impoundments being added and restored in 2024-2025. The Scuppernong River bisects the wildlife area and provides an easy paddle between boat launches on the east and west sides of the property. 

There is upland cover along Koch Road on the property's northern edge that is stocked with ring-neck pheasants every fall, and some scattered uplands in the new acquisition that will be open after restoration. The northern portion of the property also features Princes Point Woods, two small remnant wood lots of southern mesic forest. The site supports an impressive display of spring flowering plants, such as false rue anemone, Dutchman’s breeches, wild geranium, and trilliums.

Management Objectives

In 2023, the DNR added 1,830 acres to the southern zone of the wildlife area, most of which is enrolled in a Federal Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) program. This area is currently closed to the public while four wetland impoundments are being constructed, and other infrastructure, signage, and parking lots are being installed. Construction is planned for completion in 2025, but stay tuned for periodic updates.

Princes Point Wildlife Area is known for waterfowl hunting. Formerly, four wetland impoundments covered nearly 1,000 acres. In 2023, two of those impoundments were intentionally breached to allow the water levels to fluctuate naturally with the level of the adjacent Scuppernong River. This was also done in anticipation of four new impoundments being constructed in 2024-2025. The water levels in the impoundments are manipulated for moist soil management to maximize benefits to waterfowl and shorebirds. 

The west impoundment is managed as a waterfowl refuge and is closed to all public entry from Sept. 1 to Dec. 31 (except for trapping, gun and muzzleloader deer, as well as for retrieval of legally killed or crippled game in posted zones).

The wildlife area is maintained and improved using several techniques including water level manipulation and drawdowns, prescribed fire, brush removal, planting of native species and removal of invasive species. Farming agreements are also used to assist in preparing sites for permanent native prairie plantings.

The Glacial Heritage Area master plan was completed in 2011 and guides the long-term management of this property. Visit the property planning page for more information on master planning for this and other wildlife areas around the state.

Recreation

The Princes Point Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:

  • Birding
  • Boating (motorized)
  • Canoeing
  • Kayaking
  • Cross-country skiing (no designated trail)
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Hunting (especially noted for waterfowl, pheasant, deer, turkey and small game*)
  • Trapping
  • Wild edibles/gathering (What can I collect?)
  • Wildlife viewing

Dogs are allowed but must be leashed from April 15 to July 31.

*Check the map for closed areas before hunting.

Amenities

  • Bathroom? No
  • Parking lot? Yes, there are 6 lots. See the maps section for more details.
  • Campground? No
  • Trails? Non-designated

Maps

Download [PDF] a map of this property.

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

Directions

Disclaimer: The DNR cannot guarantee the usage of every parking lot, as parking lots can close suddenly and for a variety of reasons. Weather, local water levels and county road closures may impact parking lot availability.

 

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