Spring Creek Wildlife Area
Spring Creek Wildlife Area is a 1,000-acre property located eight miles southwest of Phillips in Price County. The diverse wildlife area includes four waterfowl flowages totaling 220 acres of water at full capacity as well as 261 acres of aspen, 156 acres of upland brush, 200 acres of lowland brush, 150 acres of conifer and muskeg and 16 acres of fallow field/grassland.
The staple of Spring Creek are its four managed flowages at the confluence of three waterways. These flowages have been a long-standing wild rice resource for foragers and wildlife alike. The wetlands and wild rice support waterfowl, furbearers and many non-game birds like eagles, ospreys and swans. Several hundred swans and thousands of ducks have been observed on Spring Creek during spring migration. Below the surface, the largest flowage supports a modest population of bluegill, northern pike and largemouth bass for anglers to chase.
The surrounding landscape is mostly forested with dotted grasslands and wetlands. Aspen is the dominant type of forest and is managed for excellent ruffed grouse habitat. Among the grouse, many deer, turkey and bear can be seen or pursued on the property.
To get to Spring Creek Wildlife Area, travel 5 miles southwest on State Highway 111, just south of Phillips, from State Highway 13. Then travel 1/3 of a mile south on Pioneer Road to reach Spring Creek Way, which will take you to the property entrance.
Management Objectives
The Spring Creek property was initiated in 1962 with the purchase of 923 acres from the Hladish family. Two existing flowages were upgraded, and two additional flowages have been constructed for wildlife habitat and public use.
Over three miles of road and two miles of non-motorized trails were improved or constructed for property management and user access. A gravel boat launch is maintained on the largest flowage for non-motorized watercraft to use.
Today, this property is primarily managed for waterfowl. All four flowages are raised and lowered annually (by ~1-2 feet) to promote wild rice beds and to protect the levies during periods of high water. Full overwinter drawdowns are possible depending on need. Several burn units have been established and prescribed burning is conducted to set back woody encroachment and to promote nesting cover for waterfowl and forage for several wildlife species. The timbered areas are managed using sound silvicultural practices to promote healthy woodland habitats and wood fiber production.
For more information on master planning for this and other wildlife areas around the state, visit the property planning page.
Recreation
The Spring Creek Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:
- Auto travel
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating (non-motorized only)
- Canoeing
- Cross-country skiing (no designated trail)
- Fishing
- Hiking (no designated trail)
- Hunting (noted for ruffed grouse, deer and waterfowl)
- Kayaking
- Trapping
- Snowmobiling trail
- Wild edibles/gathering
- Wild rice harvesting
- Wildlife viewing
Amenities
- Bathroom - none.
- Parking lot - there are three parking lots throughout the property.
- Campground and size - none.
- Trails, Types and Lengths - no designated trails, but there are several miles of gated hunter walking trails.
- Other amenities - gravel boat launch for non-motorized watercraft.
Maps
Download [PDF] a general map of this property.
Download [PDF] a detailed road and trail map of this property.
If you are interested in exploring this property further, you can access an interactive map.
