Visit Us
Looking for places to hunt, bird watch, photograph wildlife, see rare native prairie plants or just enjoy the outdoors?
Waterfowl production areas are open to wildlife-dependent recreation including hunting (deer, upland game and waterfowl), fishing, trapping, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, environmental education, interpretation, berry and mushroom and nut picking (for personal use only), hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing unless otherwise posted.
Driving Directions
The District office is located west of Portage, Wisconsin. Located off state highway 33, 2 miles south on Cascade Mountain Road at W10040 Cascade Mountain Road, Portage, WI.
The District manages almost 13,000 acres of waterfowl production areas (WPAs) in 17 southeastern Wisconsin counties.
Fees
There is no charge to visit.
Restrooms
Currently there are no restroom facilities located on the district for visitors. However, most lands are located within a few miles of local amenities.
Points of Interest
Check out the district hiking trails listed below to explore a variety of habitats.
- Schoenberg Marsh WPA (Columbia county)
- Swan Pond WPA (Dane county)
- Ulao WPA (Ozaukee county)
- Uihlein WPA (Winnegago county)
- Becker WPA (Columbia county)
- Muir WPA (Marquette county) - no established hiking trails but the area hosts the boyhood home of John Muir. Hiking trails and restrooms are located across Cty Rd F at the Jon Muir County Park.
What To Do
Waterfowl production areas are open to wildlife-dependent recreation including hunting (deer, upland game and waterfowl), fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, environmental education, interpretation, berry and mushroom and nut picking (for personal use only), hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing unless otherwise posted.
Know Before You Go
When planning a trip to the district, it is important to dress appropriately for the weather and terrain. Consider bringing water, food, binoculars, field guides, hat, sunscreen and anything else that will make your outdoor experience more enjoyable. Be sure to consult maps/directions of each individual property and they are often located in remote areas.
Visitor Tips
- Dogs are welcome but must be leashed unless engaged in hunting activities
- Visitors are welcome to hike throughout the areas and are not required to stay on established roads and trails
- Please note that restrooms are not available at the areas
- Garbage cans are not available – Please practice “pack it in, pack it out” by taking trash home
Activities
The District is open to wildlife-dependent recreation including hunting (deer, upland game and waterfowl), fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, environmental education, interpretation, berry and mushroom and nut picking (for personal use only), hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing unless otherwise posted.
Trails
Rhonda Krueger Hiking Trail
Open season: Open year round - Walking spring to fall, snow shoeing and cross-country skiing in winter. Open to biking.
Length: 0.5 mile one-way
Location of trail: Schoenberg Marsh Waterfowl Production Area (Columbia County - Wyocena) Accessed from Priem Road 0.9 miles east of the junction with Highway 22
Surface: Gravel parking lot, asphalt trail, boardwalk, observation platform
Difficulty: Smooth, level surfaces, no grades more than 5%
Information: Trail leads through marsh habitat ending at an observation point with platform and spotting scope
Becker Hiking Trail
Open season: Open year round - Walking spring to fall, snow shoeing and cross-country skiing in winter. Not open to biking.
Length: 1.5 mile loop
Location of trail: Becker Waterfowl Production Area (Columbia County - Pardeeville) Accessed from Highway 22, 0.6 miles south of the junction with Highway 33
Surface: Gravel parking lot, mowed trail
Difficulty: Uneven terrain, grades more than 5%
Information: The trail loops through marsh and prairie habitats
Uihlein Trails
Open season: Open year round - Walking spring to fall, snow shoeing and cross-country skiing in winter. Open to biking.
Length: 9 total miles of dikes available
Location of trail: Uihlein Waterfowl Production Area (Winnebago County - Waukau) - Accessed from County Highway M 1.5 miles south of the junction with Highway 91 or 5 miles north of the junction with Highway 44
Surface: Gravel parking lot, mowed trails
Difficulty: Even terrain, no grades more than 5%
Information: 9 miles of mowed paths along a system of dikes through marsh habitat
Oregon Rotary Bike Trail
Open season: Open year round - Walking spring to fall, snow shoeing and cross-country skiing in winter. Open to biking.
Length: 1 mile paved section of the 3 mile Oregon Rotary Bike Trail
Location of trail: Swan Pond Waterfowl Production Area (Dane County - Madison) - Accessed from County Highway D (Fish Hatchery Road), south for 5 miles and east 1 mile on County Highway M
Surface: Gravel parking lot, asphalt trail
Difficulty: Smooth, level surface, some grades more than 5%
Information: Swan Pond Waterfowl Production Area hosts a 1 mile section of the 3 mile Oregon Rotary Bike Trail and offers views of prairie and forest habitats
Ulao Waterfowl Production Area Boardwalk
Open season: Open year round - Walking spring to fall. Not open to biking.
Length: 0.5 mile
Location of trail: Ulao Waterfowl Production Area (Ozaukee County - Grafton) – Accessed from State Highway 60/Q (Ulao Road) then east for 1 mile, then take CTH C north for 1.5 miles
Surface: Crushed gravel, boardwalk
Difficulty: Boardwalk is ADA accessible
Information: Borders Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve managed by Ozaukee County. The boardwalk joins with additional gravel trails on the nature preserve. Offers marsh and forest views. Bluff views of Lake Michigan are offered on adjoining preserve trails.
Other Facilities in the Complex
Rules and Policies
Waterfowl production areas are open to wildlife-dependent recreation including hunting of deer, upland game and waterfowl, fishing, trapping, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, environmental education, interpretation, berry and mushroom and nut picking (for personal use only), hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing unless otherwise posted. Waterfowl production areas are open daily year round from dawn to dusk. Some lands may also be open for night hunting in accordance with state laws and seasons.