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Yellowstone Wildlife Area

Yellowstone Wildlife Area is a 4,000-acre property located in Lafayette County. The property consists mostly of rolling upland grass and agricultural fields, with scattered woods and old oak savannah. Find it on County Road F between Darlington and Blanchardville. From Argyle take County Road G.

Management Objectives

Half of the property was purchased in the 1950s. The remaining was the first Stewarship purchase in 1989. Today, the property is managed for oak savannah restoration. The property offers excellent hunting opportunities for small game, pheasants, turkey and deer, especially for those hunters willing to walk. Waterfowl hunting is available but limited.

Shooting Range Information

The Yellowstone Wildlife Area Shooting Range, located in northeastern Lafayette County, is owned by the Department of Natural Resources and is managed in cooperation with the Fayette Sportsman's Club. The shooting range is open daily each week throughout the year, except for Tuesdays, when the range is closed for use by state and local law enforcement agencies. There are no fees required for use of the range. Please abide by all the rules for use of the shooting range. Safe shooting practices, courtesy to others and litter pickup and disposal are everyone's responsibility. Acts of vandalism, unsafe shooting and violation of any of the other rules listed below will not be tolerated and may result in restricted hours of operation in the future. Please cooperate to keep this range safe, open and free to the public.

Driving Directions to the Yellowstone Wildlife Area Shooting Range

GPS = 42o45.938 N x 090o00.236 W

From Darlington — Follow County Highway F north of Darlington approximately 8.5 miles to the shooting range, located on the right hand side of Highway F.

From Blanchardville — Follow County Highway F south of Blanchardville approximately 9 miles. Go past the entrance to Yellowstone Lake State Park (Lake Road) approximately 1.2 miles to the shooting range, located on the left hand side of Highway F.

From Argyle — Follow State Highway 81 approximately 1 mile west of Argyle to County Highway G. Go right on Highway G approximately 7 miles to County Highway F. Go right on Highway F approximately 3/4 mile to the shooting range, located on the right hand side of Highway F.

Yellowstone Wildlife Area Shooting Range Rules

 

  • The possession or consumption of malt, fermented or alcoholic beverages is prohibited within the area maintained as the shooting range.
  • No glass, plastic, clay or metal materials may be used as targets.
  • Firearms shall be pointed down range while at designated firing lines.
  • Firearms shall be unloaded and their actions open except while on the firing lines.
  • No person may leave a loaded firearm unattended at any time.
  • All spent shell casings and cartridges, live ammunition, targets, and materials brought onto the range shall be collected and disposed of properly off the range.
  • No person may discharge a firearm on the range while any part of a person is down range of the firing line.
  • A cease fire may be called for by the range officer at any time. A cease fire may be called for by any person if an unsafe or illegal condition exists.
  • Burning of materials or refuse is prohibited at the shooting range.
  • Use of shot size BB or smaller is not permitted at the 25-yard range.
  • Shooting the archery targets with a firearm is prohibited.
  • Firearms or air rifles that discharge paint are prohibited.
  • No person may engage in careless or reckless behavior that may endanger the safety of themselves, other persons or any property.
  • No person under 18 years of age shall be present on the range unless accompanied by an adult or unless the person is at least 14 years of age and in possession of a valid certificate of accomplishment under s. 29.591, Wis. Stats.
  • This section does not apply to training activities conducted by a law enforcement agency.

Recreation

The Yellowstone Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:

  • Birding;
  • Cross-country skiing (no designated trail);
  • Fishing (catch-and-release trout on Steiner Brook);
  • Hiking (no designated trail);
  • Horse trails (30 miles of trails);
    • Horse trails are open May 1- Oct 31.  During this time, trails may be closed for 24 hrs after a rain event.
  • Hunting (especially noted for pheasants);
  • Snowmobile trail;
  • Swimming (no lifeguard on duty);
  • 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.