Hunting

The diverse topography, vegetative cover and water resources of the Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area offer a wide variety of hunting and trapping opportunities. Deer, bear, ruffed grouse, woodcock, turkey, snowshoe hare, raccoon, coyote, bobcat, red fox, mink, beaver, otter, fisher, muskrat and a variety of waterfowl call the area home.

The property includes two special wildlife management units.

The Deadhorse Ruffed Grouse Management Demonstration Area is intensively managed in cooperation with the Ruffed Grouse Society to enhance habitat for ruffed grouse. The emphasis is to provide a variety of habitat types of various age classes. Managing for ruffed grouse entails maintaining a relatively young, highly productive forest as well as encouraging mast (acorns) and berry crops.

The Little Turtle Waterfowl Management Area encompasses the Little Turtle Flowage, where maintaining breeding and nesting habitat for waterfowl is emphasized. The open grasslands and wetlands help protect nesting waterfowl from predators.

There are 24 miles of designated hunter walking trails at four locations. Trails are mowed approximately once every two years to maintain the grass and clover for wildlife and to provide hunter access.

Hunting Regulations

All general hunting and trapping regulations apply within the Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area. Please take special note of the following regulations before hunting or trapping on this or other state properties. For more information, see: "State-Owned and State Managed Lands" in the latest deer hunting regulations.

The Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area is located in Deer Management Unit 29A, Bear Zone A, Fisher Zone B, Turkey Zone 7 and the Northern Zones for otter and waterfowl.

Other Considerations

Many areas of private land lie scattered within the Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area. Care should be taken to stay on state-owned land and not trespass on adjacent lands without the permission of the landowner. Maps showing the location of public and private land within the Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area are available at the Mercer Ranger Station and also in map boxes located at a number of boat access sites and trail heads throughout the property.

Most trail access points are gated. Please do not park in front of the gates. Access to these gated trails is needed for emergency rescue activities, fire suppression and forest management operations.

Because the Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area is used by many other recreationists, hunters should be especially aware of gun safety and their conduct while hunting. Hunting near any trail while it is being used by hikers, bikers and skiers is discouraged. The most heavily used trails are the MECCA Cross-Country Ski Trail and the Hidden Rivers Nature Trail.