Jefferson Marsh Wildlife Area
A construction project is beginning in January at the Jefferson Marsh Wildlife Area. For safety, a section of the wildlife area is closed to the public until the construction is complete. The project should only take a couple of weeks to complete.
For questions, please contact Rachel Barker, Property Manager at (920) 817-0295.
Jefferson Marsh Wildlife Area consists of approximately 3,000 acres lying between 1 and 3 miles east/southeast of the city of Jefferson in Jefferson County. This wildlife area is primarily a large wetland restored in 2005 from agricultural drainage. This restoration resulted in a diverse wetland ranging from an open water marsh in the south to a 900-acre tamarack bog in the north. The Jefferson Tamarack Swamp State Natural Area is located within the Jefferson Marsh Wildlife Area.
To find the wildlife area, travel east of Jefferson on U.S. Highway 18 about 1 mile and watch for a parking lot on the south side of the road. Another option is to head east of Jefferson on U.S. Highway 18 and turn south on County Highway Y. Continue approximately 2.5 miles southeast on Highway Y to three different parking lots centrally located within the property.
The restored wetlands south of Highway Y can provide excellent waterfowl hunting opportunities while the uplands and tamarack bog between Highways Y and 18 can provide a remote deer hunting experience in southern Wisconsin. The majority of the wildlife area provides excellent opportunities for walking and wildlife watching due to extensive internal access roads. Dove hunting opportunities on 6 acres of sunflower and corn fields.
Management Objectives
The Jefferson Marsh Wildlife Area is primarily managed as a restored wetland complex with the objectives of providing opportunities for hunting and wildlife watching. Habitat management is aimed at maintaining and restoring native flora to the property. The management techniques employed include wetland drawdowns and water level manipulation, prescribed fire, brush control, planting of native species, and other invasive species removal efforts.
The wetland south of Hwy Y was drawn down for several years as part of planned habitat management in preparation for a prescribed burn. Water levels were planned to be returned in 2023, but the drought conditions prevented this from happening. Repairs to the eastern dike and access road will require the impoundment to be drawn down again in 2024, but stay tuned for the marsh to return to higher water levels again in 2025.
The Glacial Heritage Area master plan was completed in 2011 and guides the long-term management of this property. Visit the property planning for more information on master planning for this and other wildlife areas around the state.
Recreation
The Jefferson Marsh Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:
- Birding
- Canoeing
- Cross-country skiing (no designated trail)
- Fishing
- Hiking (no designated trail)
- Hunting (especially noted for pheasant, deer, turkey and waterfowl)
- Snowmobiling (designated trails only)
- Trapping
- Wild edibles/gathering
- Wildlife viewing
Note: Dogs are allowed, but must be leashed from April 15 to July 31.
Amenities
- Bathroom - none.
- Parking lot - there are six parking areas throughout the property.
- Campground and size - none.
- Trails, Types and Lengths - no official trails are maintained for public use; only staff access lanes/dikes are mowed for pheasants, fire breaks and other management.
Maps
Download a map of this property.
If you are interested in exploring this property further, you can access an interactive map.
