Grand River Marsh Wildlife Area

Grand River Marsh Wildlife Area is a 7,000 acre property located in southwest Green Lake County and southeast Marquette County near Lake Puckaway. Find it approximately 5 miles south of Montello, 11 miles north of Pardee on County Hwy B, or 3 miles west of Kingston on County Hwy B. The property consists of open marsh/emergent cattail wetland, upland prairie/oak savannah, and shrub carr/wet meadow.

History of Management

The Grand River Marsh has long provided excellent habitat for a variety of wildlife and migratory waterfowl. Area sportsman’s clubs in the 1930’s and 1940’s conceived the idea of converting it into a wildlife refuge. The proposal received continued support locally as clubs sponsored fund raising projects and contributed money toward acquisition and development. Their verbal and moral support was considered much more valuable than the monetary contributions.

Public support for this wildlife area is considered to be among the strongest received in recent history. The preliminary project statement was submitted January 16, 1958, and the Wisconsin Conservation Commission approved acquisition of land on 21 February, 1958. Land acquisition began that same year.

Much of the uplands and marsh were farmed and grazed. Portions of the marsh were ditched for farming and the west end has deep muck soils. Marsh hay was once an important crop produced on this marsh, with reed canary and wire grass being the main species.

Current management programs include wetland and oak savannah restoration. Water level manipulation to provide quality waterfowl habitat and deep water marsh habitat is the primary goal in the Main Impoundment, but an excellent fishery has responded to the current water management regime.

Recreation Opportunities

The following recreational opportunities exist at Grand River Marsh Wildlife Area:

Hunting - Waterfowl Closed Area on the far West End of the Marsh, no hunting, no trapping, and no boats allowed during waterfowl seasons (open for Regular Deer Gun and Muzzleloader Hunting). No motor boats or electric motors allowed. Special Pheasant Hunting Rules – 2 pm Closure. Mourning dove hunting opportunities on cornfields and other farmland. Trapping - see above for the Waterfowl Closed area Hiking - no designated trails Biking – town road only Pets (Note) Private campground near Wildlife Area

Auto travel Berry picking Cross country skiing - no designated trails Fishing Wildlife Viewing Bird watching Canoeing - no motor boats or electric motors allowed.

Additional Information

Download [PDF 238KB] a map of this property.

Useful Links:

• Hunting in Wisconsin
• Hunting and Trapping Regulations
• Season Dates
• Marquette County and Green Lake County Information [Exit DNR]
• Plan your trip to Marquette and Green Lake Counties [Exit DNR]

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

Questions for Wildlife Management