Lands_Content Page_Dell Creek Wildlife Area

Dell Creek Wildlife Area

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Dell Creek Wildlife Area is a property that is approximately 2,600 acres located mainly in Sauk County, with the far northern portions located in Juneau County. It consists of scattered properties along Dell Creek from Hwy HH to Hwy 23, close to Mirror Lake State Park. The property is comprised mostly of grasslands, forest, barrens, and alder along trout streams. The grasslands combine remnant prairies, planted prairies, and cool-season grass fields. The forests consist of oak, central hardwoods, and pines with patches of aspen. The barrens are sand barrens with oak and jack pine. Dell Creek and its tributaries offer trout fishing, but many areas have stretches of tag alder, so it can be difficult to access.  

Management Objectives

A department management project began on Dell Creek in the early 1950s as a fishery restoration initiative to address soil erosion, siltation and other fishery habitat quality problems. The Bureau of Wildlife Management assumed responsibility for the property when purchasing larger blocks of land became necessary to protect the stream. In 1971, the Dell Creek property was designated as a wildlife area with both fisheries and wildlife management objectives. The Dell Creek Wildlife Area boundary stretches along about 10 miles of Dell Creek, Sauk County's longest trout stream.

The DNR conducted surveys on Dell Creek in 2021 and published the results in 2022. See this link for information on the study. Upland management focuses on the prairies, barrens and forests. Timber sales are used on the property, with oak being one of the key species being managed for.

Visit the master planning for more information on this and other wildlife areas around the state.

Recreation

The Dell Creek Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:

  • Birding
  • Cross-country skiing (no designated trail)
  • Fishing (trout)
  • Hiking (no designated trail)
  • Hunting
  • Snowmobiling trail
  • Trapping
  • Wild edibles/gathering
  • Wildlife viewing

 Amenities:

  • Bathroom - None
  • Parking lot - There are multiple parking areas throughout the property.
  • Campground and size - None
  • Trails, Types and Lengths - Non-designated only

Maps

Download [PDF] a map of this property.

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

 

Find out more about how to adopt this wildlife area.