Lands_Content Page_Prince's Point Wildlife Area

Princes Point Wildlife Area

Princes Point Wildlife Area was recently expanded to nearly double its size. Approximately 1,830 acres were added to the property's southern edge, but this new area is closed to the public for construction. Check the map (below) to see which area is closed to the public.

Several wetland restoration projects are scheduled to begin in late 2023 and will likely continue until 2025 or later, depending on construction times. These restoration projects will restore hydrology on the property and feature four impoundments. Additional infrastructure, signage and parking lots will also be added when this new section is closer to opening up to the public.

The DNR is excited about this acquisition and the additional opportunities it provides to nearly four million Wisconsinites who live within an hour of Princes Point Wildlife Area. Construction updates will be shared on this page as they are available.

Prince's Point Wildlife Area
 

Princes Point Wildlife Area consists of approximately 3,800 acres of primarily bottomland hardwoods and open water marsh. It is located off County Highway D, 3 miles northeast of Whitewater.

This wildlife area is primarily riparian wetlands associated with the confluence of Spring Creek, the Scuppernong River and the Bark River. A large portion of the area is comprised of bottomland hardwoods and shrub-carr. There is a small portion of upland cover along Koch Road on the property's northern edge.

Management Objectives

Nearly 1,000 acres are managed in four wetland impoundments. The water levels in the impoundments are manipulated for moist soil management to maximize use by waterfowl and other wetland birds. The southwest impoundment is managed as a waterfowl refuge and is closed to all public entry from Sept. 1 – Dec. 31 (except trapping, gun and muzzleloader deer, as well as for retrieval of legally killed or crippled game in posted zones).

Some management techniques employed to maintain and establish quality habitats include water level manipulation, prescribed fire, brush control and invasive species removal.

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

Additionally, the DNR acquired a southern zone of the wildlife area, but it is closed to the public for construction. Four additional impoundments are being constructed, as well as some infrastructure, signage and parking lots. Construction may finish early in 2025, but stay tuned for periodic updates. 

Recreation

The Princes Point Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:

  • Birding;
  • Canoeing;
  • Cross-country skiing (no designated trail);
  • Fishing;
  • Hiking;
  • Hunting (especially noted for waterfowl, pheasant, deer and turkey);
  • Snowmobiling trail;
  • Trapping;
  • Wild edibles/gathering; and
  • Wildlife viewing.

Maps

Download [PDF] a map of this property.

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

 

UW-Whitewater Ducks Unlimited Chapter has adopted this wildlife area.