Allenton Marsh Wildlife Area

Allenton Marsh Wildlife Area is a 1,160 acre property located in Washington County. Find it forty minutes north of Milwaukee and west of Hwy 41. The property is comprised mostly of wooded bottomland surrounded by grassland and crop fields, two 10 acre-impoundments, several dozen smaller ponds and other wetlands, fence lines, feeder streams, and small woodlots.

History of Property

Allenton Marsh was the site of a glacial lake which, through the process of succession, turned into a wooded bottomland producing the area as it exists today. An abundant water supply from the many springs and creeks made this a good habitat area. With the advance of agriculture into the region, the marsh was subjected to timber cutting and cattle grazing. With the development of new agricultural methods, dairy and beef cattle grazing became important, altering the marsh’s vegetation complex. Rising costs in fencing material and labor caused a decline in interest in these lands by farmers and eventually provided an opportunity for public ownership and preservation of the area. In 1953, Mr. Walter Brinkman, one of the key landowners on Allenton Creek, offered his property for sale to the state.

Current Management

Pheasants are stocked for hunting once or twice each week during the first month of the pheasant season. Pheasant hunting is prohibited after 2 pm beginning the third day of the season through November 3rd. Upland fields are managed as nest cover or as cropland to provide wildlife food and cover. These areas, along with numerous man-made potholes, should provide good dove hunting opportunities. Wooded and wetland areas are managed to provide habitat for deer, turkeys, waterfowl and other game and non-game species.

Recreation Opportunities

The following recreational opportunities exist at Allenton Marsh Wildlife Area:

Hunting - Archery and firearm hunting are open on the marsh. The main hunt able species are pheasants, deer, turkey and waterfowl, but raccoons, coyotes, woodcock, cottontails, squirrels, and other small game can also be found. “Closed Area” boundaries are posted with yellow signs. Hunting and trapping are prohibited in these areas. Walk-through is permitted on state land in a Closed Area provided all bows are unstrung or cased, and all firearms are unloaded and cased. Private land (posted with white signs) may be leased each year to provide additional public hunting and fishing opportunities. Other activities such as trapping, vehicle access, damaging trees and dog training are prohibited on leased lands without the landowner’s permission. Portable stands may be used but must be completely removed from the property at the close of hunting hours each day.

Trapping Hiking Berry picking Wildlife viewing Pets (Note) Fishing

Note: Please do not block access to gates. Target shooting including paint ball guns are not allowed. Stocking or releasing any wild or domestic animals is prohibited. ATVs, Bikes, horses, overnight camping, parking, or open fires are not permitted.

Additional Information

Download [PDF 224KB] a map of this property.

Useful Links:

• Hunting in Wisconsin
• Trapping in Wisconsin
• Hunting and Trapping Regulations
• Season Dates
• Washington County Information [Exit DNR]
• Plan your trip to Washington County [Exit DNR]

For more information on Allenton Marsh Wildlife Area contact the property manager.

Questions for Wildlife Management