The Mead is a Must-Visit Destination for Waterfowl Hunters and Nature Lovers

An article from WWA’s Words From The Wardens.

This article appeared in the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s July 2025 eNewsletter. 

By DNR Warden Erika Leigh

As a conservation warden with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for 10 years, I have come to know The George W. Mead Wildlife Area, affectionately known as “The Mead,” for its role as a vital sanctuary for wildlife and a treasured destination for residents and visitors looking for recreational fun in the outdoors.

The Mead is a 33,000-acre waterfowl magnet located in central Wisconsin. If you’ve never visited this hidden gem that reaches into parts of Marathon, Portage, and Wood counties, consider putting it on your must-visit list.

Managed by the DNR, the Mead is a diverse landscape of wetlands, forests, and grasslands that draws hunters and outdoor enthusiasts from across the country.

I was introduced to the Mead in 2010 when I met a devoted wildlife technician who taught me about waterfowl and the principles of waterfowl management. That experience sparked a passion in me, not just for hunting, but for understanding how careful conservation efforts ensure that both wildlife and people can benefit from these public lands. Since then, my appreciation for waterfowl and their habitat has only grown.

Hunting Rules For Mead

Like all managed public lands, the Mead is governed by specific rules to ensure its natural resources are sustained for future generations. Opening day of the Northern Waterfowl Zone marks the first opportunity to hunt waterfowl each fall, except for the Youth Waterfowl Hunt held earlier to introduce young hunters to the sport. Importantly, the Mead remains closed during the Early Teal and Early Goose seasons to protect early migrants and reduce pressure on resting birds.

A unique regulation in place at the property is the daily closure to waterfowl hunting at 1 p.m. for 16 days following the Monday after the opening weekend. This rule is not arbitrary – it is based on biological reasoning. Allowing birds a quiet period each afternoon helps reduce stress, giving them time to feed, rest, and continue their migration in better condition. These intentional breaks play a key role in sustaining healthy populations.

Additionally, the Mead contains three designated refuge zones, marked with yellow signs, that are completely off-limits to the public from Sept. 1 through Nov. 30. These areas are critical havens for wildlife, particularly during peak migration. Disturbance from human activity can cause birds to expend unnecessary energy, potentially impacting their survival and reproduction.

Pursuit of Game Only Part Of The Hunt

Hunting at the Mead is about more than the pursuit of game. It’s about connecting with nature, respecting wildlife, and honoring the traditions passed down through generations.

There’s something timeless about watching the morning mist lift over a quiet marsh while listening to the calls of mallards and geese echo across the water.

Thanks to thoughtful regulations, educational programs, and the dedicated efforts of conservation groups, the George W. Mead Wildlife Area stands as a model for responsible wildlife management and a lasting symbol of Wisconsin’s rich outdoor legacy.