Dike 17 Wildlife Area
Dike 17 Wildlife Area is a 5,000-acre property in the Black River State Forest. It is the original release site for the central elk herd, and the remaining pen can still be seen. This property provides great opportunities for waterfowl hunting, wildlife viewing, birding, and hiking.
The property consists of shrubs and grasslands intermixed with wetland support lands and flowages. It provides immense acres of habitat to waterfowl and wetland-dependent species. It can be accessed by heading East on Highway 54 and turning south either on Wildcat Road and then east on Battlepoint Road, or by turning South on North Settlement Road.
Management Objectives
The dikes were initially constructed in the 1940s by the Game Division under the Resettlement Administration using Works Project Administration labor. This included setting up a small sawmill in the area where they assembled and produced oak sheet piling for the core of each earth dike on the property. Today, the flowages are periodically drawn down to promote the growth of forage for waterfowl, and the uplands are managed using prescribed burning to maintain them in an open landscape to benefit nesting waterfowl, Karner blue butterflies and a whole host of wetland-dependent species.
Visit the property planning for more information on master planning for this and other wildlife areas around the state.
Recreation
The Dike 17 Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:
- Birding
- Cross-country skiing (no designated trail)
- Fishing
- Hiking (no designated trail)
- Hunting
- Trapping
- Wild edibles/gathering
- Wildlife viewing
Amenities
- Bathroom - none.
- Parking lot - yes.
- Campground and size - none.
- Trails, Types and Lengths - non-designated only.
Maps
The map is currently being updated - check back soon!
If you are interested in exploring this property further, you can access an interactive map.
