Fish Creek Wildlife Area

Fish Creek Wildlife Area in Richland County, Wisconsin, offers a solid, if less flashy, public land bowhunting option in the heart of the Driftless. This area is characterized by rolling hills, steep-sided drainages, and a mix of hardwoods and brushy cover. The namesake Fish Creek runs through the property, adding to the habitat diversity. Access is generally from local county roads. This area can be good for those looking for a quieter hunt, as it often receives less intense pressure than some of the larger, more well-known state properties. The ideal season is mid-October for pre-rut activity and late season for cold-weather patterns. Fitness required is moderate, as there are plenty of ups and downs, but nothing as extreme as some of the bluffs along the Mississippi. General Wisconsin hunting licenses apply. The main trade-off is that it might not hold the sheer number of 'giant' bucks as some of the more intensely managed areas, but it offers consistent opportunities for solid mature deer in a peaceful setting. **Highlights** * Rolling Driftless topography with good cover * Mix of hardwoods and brush for bedding and food * Fish Creek provides a year-round water source * Often sees lighter hunting pressure * Good for both still hunting and stand placement **Watch-outs** * May not produce as many top-end giants as other areas * Access can be somewhat limited to road frontage * Terrain, while not extreme, is still physically demanding * Potential for some marshy areas near the creek