Lands_Content Page_Silvernail Wildlife Area

Silvernail Wildlife Area

Silvernail Wildlife Area is a 1,044-acre property located in north-central Rusk County. The property lies approximately six miles east of State Highway 27 at the Rusk and Sawyer County line and is accessible through a permanent easement for a primitive trail traversing over 1.3 miles of Sawyer County Forest land (no road access). The property was originally purchased in the 1940s for protection as a winter deer yard, with groves of hemlock still existing today. Silvernail Wildlife Area is situated in one of the most remote, undeveloped areas of Rusk County, providing a relatively undisturbed place for forest wildlife species and recreation.

Management Objectives

The property is managed for forest species of game and non-game wildlife. The wildlife area consists primarily of northern hardwood and hardwood/hemlock forest. Hemlock is most prevalent on the eastern half of the property. It is bisected by a small tributary of the Thornapple River in the northwest and Spring Creek at its midsection. Located in the southwest corner of the Clam Lake Zone for elk, elk can occasionally be seen in this area.

Recreation

The Silvernail Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:

  • Birding
  • Cross-country skiing (no designated trail)
  • Hiking (no designated trail)
  • Hunting (noted for deer, bear, ruffed grouse and small game)
  • Snowmobiling (marked trail)
  • Trapping
  • Wild edibles/gathering
  • Wildlife viewing

Amenities

  • Bathroom - none.
  • Parking lot - none.
  • Campground and size - none.
  • Trails, Types and Lengths - none.

Maps

Download a map of this property.

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

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