Lands_Content Page_Hampden Wetland Public Hunting Grounds

Hampden Wetland Public Hunting Grounds

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Hampden Wetland Public Hunting Grounds is a 229-acre property located in Columbia County. Find it by taking Highway 60 for 6 miles west from Columbus to Highway A, then south on A for 4 miles to Arnold Road.

The department began acquiring land for this public hunting ground in 1966. Much of the property is marshy potholes with lowland timber.

Management Objectives

The Hampden Wetland Public Hunting Grounds are primarily managed as a wetland complex with the objectives of providing opportunities for hunting, trapping and wildlife watching. Habitat management is aimed at maintaining and restoring native flora to the property. Dependent upon funding, the management techniques employed may include prescribed fire, grazing, brushing, mowing and other invasive species removal efforts.

For more information on master planning for this and other wildlife areas around the state, visit the property planning page.

Master Plan

The Columbia County master plan was completed in 2012 and guides the long-term management of this property. Progress toward achieving the goals of the master plan are tracked through annual monitoring reports.

The Natural Resources Board approved the new master plan in December 2012 for this property as well as 19 other state fish and wildlife properties and associated state natural areas. These properties are mostly within Columbia County, but portions lie within Dane, Marquette and Sauk counties.

For more information on master planning for this and other wildlife areas around the state, visit the property planning page.

Recreation

The Hampden Wetland Public Hunting Grounds offers many recreational opportunities:

  • Birding;
  • Cross-country skiing (no designated trail);
  • Hiking (no designated trail);
  • Hunting (especially noted for turkey [Zone 2] and deer);
  • Trapping;
  • Wild edibles/gathering; and
  • Wildlife viewing.

Maps

Download [PDF] a map of this property.

Map L Series: Public Hunting Grounds and Remnant Fishery Area [PDF]

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.