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Hampden Wetland Public Hunting Grounds
Hampden Wetland Public Hunting Grounds is a 228 acre property located in Columbia County. Find it by taking Hwy. 60, 6 miles west from Columbus to Hwy. A, then south on A 4 miles to Arnold Road.
The Department began acquiring land for this public hunting ground in 1966. Much of the property is marshy potholes, with lowland timber.
Management
Historically, the primary management objective for Hampden Marsh Public Hunting Grounds was to provide hunting and other outdoor recreation opportunities. Upland fields were converted to prairie to compliment the existing native prairie community and provide additional wildlife habitat and hunting opportunity.
Management Objective
Current management objectives focus on managing for pre-settlement vegetation types. This includes maintaining existing prairies, savannas, tamarack bogs and sedge meadows and seeking opportunities to increase these cover types. The property is managed on a landscape scale, creating smooth transitions between cover types.
The property is monitored for invasive species such as wild parsnip and phragmites. Prairie and savanna areas are managed and maintained through prescribed burning, mowing, and herbicide use to limit brush encroachment and encourage vigorous grasslands. Wetlands are managed through limited disturbance to prevent the spread of reed canary grass. Woodlands are managed in a manner that limits the spread of oak wilt and encourages regeneration of oak, hickory, etc.
Recreation
The following recreational opportunities exist at Hampden Wetland Public Hunting Grounds:
- Hunting - deer (DMU 76), turkey (zone 2), pheasant
- Trapping
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Bird watching
- Cross country skiing
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For more information on Hampden Wetland Public Hunting Grounds contact the property manager.
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