Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area: hunting and access
Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area is 2,483 acres of land managed by the Wisconsin DNR in Washington County, next to Jackson. Hunters registered 3,731 deer in Washington County in 2025.
Data updated October 2026. Area facts: the DNR's DNR property data, read 2026-10. Harvest: DNR Deer Metrics.
State wildlife areas, forests and other DNR landOther county, city and regional landLand trusts and other open landVoluntary Public Access landJackson Marsh Wildlife AreaCounty lineLakeHighway
| Size | 2,483 acres in 3 pieces |
|---|---|
| County | Washington County |
| Deer Management Unit | Washington County |
| Public access (DNR) | Open to Hiking, Fishing, Hunting and Trapping |
| DNR property page | Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area |
| Nearest towns | Jackson (next to it), West Bend (5 mi) and Cedarburg (5 mi) |
What is Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area like?
Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area is a 2,600-acre property located in eastern Washington County, northeast of the Village of Jackson. The property is comprised mostly of forested wetland (60%). The nearly 600-acre Jackson Marsh State Natural Area forms the property's core and includes remnant white cedar swamp and southern swamp hardwood communities. Uplands are primarily planted prairie grasses and hardwood forests. Jackson Marsh was approved as a state Wildlife Area in 1952 because of its value for wildlife and potential for hunting opportunities. Land acquisition proceeded slowly, but now more than 2,600 acres are under state ownership. Most upland fields that historically were farmed have been planted with trees and tallgrass prairie.
Forested wetland plant communities are primarily passively managed. Jackson Marsh State Natural Area is managed as an ecological reference area. Invasive species are monitored and controlled. Peripheral hardwood stands outside the natural area are selectively harvested to create small canopy gaps that allow sunlight to reach the forest floor and improve the regeneration of desirable tree species, especially oak. Many lowland grass fields are dominated by reed canary grass and are challenging to access for management. During dry years, these fields are harvested for hay. Many of these fields are planned to be converted to forest as access allows. Upland grasslands are dominated by tallgrass prairie communities.
In the DNR's words, from its page for the property.
What are the rules on Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area?
The DNR's property map lists Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area as "Open to Hiking, Fishing, Hunting and Trapping". Hunting follows Wisconsin's statewide seasons and the rules posted on the property.
Activities the DNR lists for Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area: Birding, Cross-country skiing (no designated trail), Dog training (class II), Fishing, Hiking (no designated trail), Pheasant hunting is prohibited after noon beginning the third day of the season through November 3 and Voluntary Public Access (VPA) is located adjacent to and within the property.
How many deer are taken around Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area?
Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area lies in Washington County. The DNR registered 3,731 deer in Washington County in 2025, against 3,427 in 2024.
| DMU | Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area acres in it | Deer, 2025 | Deer, 2024 | Deer, 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington County | 2,483 | 3,731 | 3,427 | 2,972 |
Harvest for the whole deer management unit, not the property alone: Wisconsin DNR Deer Metrics (registered harvest by deer management unit).
How do you get to Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area?
Nearest towns: Jackson (next to it), West Bend (5 miles), Cedarburg (5 miles) and Newburg (6 miles). Highways within 5 miles: US 45, WI 60, US 41, I-41 and WI 145. 5 VPA properties within 3 miles.
What other public land is near Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area?
DNR properties within 10 miles:
- Cedar Creek Streambank Protection Area: 101 acres, next to it
- Cedarburg Habitat Preservation: 21 acres, 2.3 miles away
- Eisenbahn State Trail: 296 acres, 2.4 miles away
- Cedarburg Bog State Natural Area: 1,754 acres, 2.6 miles away
- State Ice Age Trail Area (SIATA): 4,676 acres, 5.3 miles away
Public land within 3 miles of Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area
Counting Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area itself, 2,739 of the 39,860 acres within 3 miles of its boundary are public land open to the public (6.9%), by USGS PAD-US 4.1 (fee land open to the public).
| Manager | Acres within 3 miles |
|---|---|
| State wildlife areas, forests and other DNR land | 2,689 |
| Other county, city and regional land | 50 |
Questions hunters ask
Where is Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area?
In Washington County, next to Jackson. The DNR's property page has its maps and parking.
Is Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area open to hunting?
Yes. The DNR's property map lists it as "Open to Hiking, Fishing, Hunting and Trapping". Posted refuges or closed areas, where there are any, are marked on site.
Which deer management unit is Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area in?
Washington County.
How much public land is around Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area?
2,739 acres within 3 miles of its boundary, Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area included, by PAD-US 4.1. The closest other DNR property is Cedar Creek Streambank Protection Area (next to it).
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Where these facts come from
- Area description, species, rules and directions: DNR, Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area; Wisconsin DNR managed lands open to hunting.
- Boundary and acres: the DNR's map layer above. Surrounding public land: USGS PAD-US 4.1 (fee land open to the public).
- Deer harvest: Wisconsin DNR Deer Metrics (registered harvest by deer management unit).
FilledTag is not part of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Check the DNR's rules and posted signs before you go.