Deer Creek Wildlife Area
Deer Creek Wildlife Area is located in northeast Waupaca and northwest Outagamie counties. The wildlife area is approximately 1,500 acres in size. Find Deer Creek Wildlife Area 5 miles west of Leeman off of Highway F. There are three parking areas providing access to the property. Two are located on County Highway I near Hanson Road and the other is found on the corner of Birch Road. There is an easement on the end of Spruce Road providing access to the property.
The wildlife area is comprised of rolling uplands of fine sand which surround a central peat bog. The ridges are ancient dune complexes from the fringes of Glacial Lake Oshkosh. Habitats include aspen-oak forests, swamp conifer, lowland shrub, sedge meadow, bog, pine plantations, and restored grasslands.
Deer Creek Wildlife Area began with the purchase of 440 acres from Outagamie County in 1942. Additional land was acquired and leased for public hunting within and around the property. These lands were stocked with pheasants for public hunting at that time. As late as 1957, small numbers of greater prairie chickens and sharp-tailed grouse were present in the area.
Since state ownership, vegetative succession has resulted in management aimed at more forest-dependent species. White-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, cottontail rabbit, and snowshoe hare take advantage of the aspen-dominated habitats present.
Management Objectives
The Deer Creek Wildlife Area is managed to provide opportunities for public hunting, trapping and other outdoor recreation while protecting the qualities of the unique native communities and associated species found on the property. Current management objectives include maintaining and protecting the open bog and black-spruce-tamarack forest through water level maintenance. The aspen and oak cover types are maintained and opportunities to regenerate both types are pursued through timber management.
For more information on master planning for this and other wildlife areas around the state, visit the property planning page.
Recreation
The Deer Creek Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:
- Birding
- Cross-country skiing (no designated trail)
- Hiking (no designated trail)
- Hunting (noted for deer, turkey, grouse and waterfowl)
- Snowmobiling trail
- Trapping
- Wild edibles/gathering
- Wildlife viewing
- Notes: There is an easement on the end of Spruce Road providing access to the west side of the property. A snowmobile trail passes across the north portion of the property.
Amenities
- Bathroom - none.
- Parking lot - yes, four parking areas throughout the property.
- Campground and size - none.
- Trails, Types and Lengths - Yes, 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.
