Lands_Content Page_Shaw Marsh Wildlife Area

Shaw Marsh Wildlife Area

Shaw Marsh Wildlife Area is 900 acres of state-owned lands comprised mostly of wetlands with scattered upland prairie. The marsh is a shallow wetland basin that was formed by the Wisconsin glacier. Shaw Brook runs from north to south through the heart of the wetland where it eventually joins the Beaver Dam River. The marsh is part of the Crawfish-Rock River system and is located about 1 mile south of the City of Beaver Dam. Find it from Beaver Dam: east 1 mile on Highway 33, then south 2 miles on South Crystal Lake Road, then west on Parker Road. There are access points with parking areas along the Parker Road, Shaw Hill Road, County Road S, Blackbird Road and South Crystal Lake Road.

Management Objectives

Historically, it was in the late 1950s that Shaw Marsh was considered for development as a state wildlife area. In 1960, the first parcel was purchased from a private landowner. The goal was to protect the wetland for wildlife and provide a public hunting area.

Currently, the property is managed for day use only. Departmental staff maintain the property by using a number of techniques including periodic prescribed burns to rejuvenate the uplands and wetlands, brush removal and removal of invasive species. During the fall hunting season, Shaw Marsh is stocked with pheasants from the State Game Farm to provide the public with additional hunting opportunities. Also, Learn to Hunt Pheasant programs have taken place at this property with much success.

Recreation

The Shaw Marsh Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:

  • Birding;
  • Cross-country skiing (no designated trail);
  • Geocaching;
  • Hiking;
  • Hunting (especially noted for pheasant, deer, turkey and waterfowl);
  • 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.

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