Lands_Content Page_Pershing Wildlife Area

Pershing Wildlife Area

 

Pershing Wildlife Area is approximately 7,900 acres located in west central Taylor County. The Pershing Project is comprised of two units located north of Gilman and west of State Highway 73. Access to both units is provided by County Highway M west of its junction with State Highway 73 at the village of Hannibal.

The project encompasses over 1,000 acres of wetlands, including 15 flowages, runoff ponds and potholes. Approximately 3,000 acres of brush-prairie is managed in conjunction with the wetlands through periodic rotations of prescribed burning. The remaining 3,000 acres is managed in scattered blocks of aspen and northern swamp hardwood forest.

Management Objectives

Established by lease from Taylor County in 1953 as a public hunting ground, the wildlife area came into state ownership in 1960. The property is managed for sharp-tailed grouse, waterfowl and other open wetland, grassland and brush-prairie species. The forested acreage is managed for ruffed grouse and other upland game and non-game species.

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

Recreation

The Pershing Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:

  • Birding;
  • Canoeing;
  • Cross-country skiing (no designated trail);
  • Fishing (limited);
  • Hiking (no designated trail);
  • Hunting (note closed areas on map);
  • Snowmobiling (marked trails);
  • Trapping;
  • Wild edibles/gathering; and
  • Wildlife viewing.

Maps

Download maps of this property. Northern section [PDF] and southern section [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.