South Beaver Creek Wildlife Area
South Beaver Creek Wildlife Area is a 1,100-acre property located west of Melrose in western Jackson County. The property consists of an upland hardwood forest with a large impoundment of water, support wetlands and some smaller scrapes. South Beaver Creek runs through the property.
Access can be gained along County Highway D, Erickson Road, South Buckholz Road and Lee School Road.
Management Objectives
The first land parcel for South Beaver Creek Wildlife Area was purchased in 1959. The land had previously been ditched to provide farming opportunities. The combination of upland hardwoods and open grassland fields offers excellent habitat for wild turkeys, which is why South Beaver Creek was the first official release site of turkeys in Jackson County.
Current management consists of grassland management, woody vegetation encroachment control, sharecropping, agricultural fields, put-and-take pheasant stocking and timber management.
Visit the property planning for more information on master planning for this and other wildlife areas around the state.
Recreation
The South Beaver Creek Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:
- Birding
- Cross-country skiing (no designated trail)
- Fishing
- Hiking (no designated trail)
- Hunting (noted for deer, turkey, and pheasant)
- Trapping
- Wild edibles/gathering
- Wildlife viewing
Amenities
- Bathroom - none.
- Parking lot - yes.
- Campground and size - none.
- Trails, Types and Lengths - non-designated only.
Maps
Download [PDF] a map of this property.
If you are interested in exploring this property further, you can access an interactive map.
