Turtle Lake Wildlife Management Area Adventures

Turtle Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is located in Barron County, Wisconsin, centering around the 1,287-acre Turtle Lake and encompassing over 3,427 acres of mixed forest, wetlands, and open water. The area provides critical habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna, including waterfowl, deer, turkeys, and various songbird species. The landscape includes mixed hardwood and conifer forests, emergent marshes, shrub wetlands, and shallow lake flats, creating an ecologically rich environment for outdoor recreation and wildlife management. Originally established to support regional conservation goals and game populations, Turtle Lake WMA balances habitat restoration with public recreational access. Visitors can pursue hunting during regulated seasons, engage in waterfowl trapping, or enjoy catch-and-release fishing on Turtle Lake, which is known for species such as largemouth bass and panfish. Hiking and wildlife viewing are popular pastimes, with accessible trails and observation points providing excellent opportunities to spot birds and native mammals. The area’s wetlands serve as important stopover habitat for migratory birds, particularly in spring and fall. Seasonal changes bring varied activities and highlight the WMA’s diversity—from snowshoeing in winter to paddling or ice fishing, depending on conditions. Though modest in size compared to larger preserves, Turtle Lake WMA is valued for its well-maintained natural areas, accessibility from nearby towns, and as a regional site supporting conservation and outdoor enthusiasts.