Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Management of Horicon Marsh Wildlife Area

Following the illegal ditching and draining of Horicon Marsh in the early 1900s, marsh waters were restored by the construction of a dam on the Rock River. That dam is still in use today and allows wildlife managers to adjust the timing, depth, and…

Hunting at Horicon Marsh Wildlife Area

The 32,000-acre Horicon Marsh is divided into the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area (managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) and the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge [exit DNR] (managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). The…

Property History of Horicon Marsh Wildlife Area

To most people, the name Horicon Marsh is synonymous with Canada geese. Although the marsh is renowned for and abundant with these birds, it was neither originally established for geese nor was the population always this plentiful.

Hiking at Horicon Marsh Wildlife Area

There are 5 miles of trails at the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area that offer hiking through woodlots, planted prairies and onto the marsh. Trails are all of easy grade, and relatively flat but are unsurfaced. Surface material is mowed grass and…

Waterfowl hunting on Horicon Marsh Wildlife Area

If you have additional questions, please refer to the Wisconsin Migratory Bird Regulations.

Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center

The Ramsar Convention of the United Nations has formally recognized Horicon Marsh as a wetland of international importance. This renowned marsh is now home to the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center.The Wildlife Education Program has been…

Canoeing at Horicon Marsh Wildlife Area

To explore Horicon Marsh by canoe is one of the finest ways to experience the marsh and its wildlife. Keep in mind that you are a visitor in an environment that wildlife calls home — treat it with respect! Please be advised that although the…

Birding at Horicon Marsh Wildlife Area

Encompassing 33,000 acres, Horicon Marsh is the largest cattail marsh in the U.S. This marsh is a restoration project, having been ditched and drained for agriculture in the early 1900s. Today, the marsh is divided into two units. The southern…

Horicon Marsh Wildlife Area

Hook Lake Bog - Grass Lake Wildlife Area

Hook Lake Bog-Grass Lake Wildlife Area is a 1,096-acre property located 4 miles south of Madison and McFarland in the town of Dunn in Dane County. The property lies within Schneider Road on the north, Hawkinson Road on the east, Rutland-Dunn…