The Mead is a great location for waterfowl hunting. You may find Wood Ducks in the backwaters of the Little Eau Plaine and a large population of Blue-Winged Teal and Mallards on the flowages. These species mixed with ring-necked ducks and a few others regularly offer hunters a large variety of Ducks at the Mead.
Waterfowl regulations change this year for the Mead
Central Wisconsin Waterfowl Hunters attended meetings in April 2007 and February 2008 to discuss ways in which they could improve the overall waterfowl hunting experience on the Mead Wildlife Area. These hunters voiced a strong support for regulation changes that would prohibit early waterfowl hunting seasons (with the exception of the youth hunt), thus reducing disturbance to refuging migrant waterfowl on the property. They also voiced their desires to establish waterfowl resting periods, providing some relief from hunting pressure. The new regulations go into effect this fall (2010) and remain in effect on a trial basis for three years. The new regulations will sunset after the 2012 waterfowl season unless reauthorized through the spring hearing process.
The following are the new waterfowl regulations designed for Mead Wildlife Area by Central Wisconsin Waterfowlers:
- All Waterfowl hunting (Duck and Goose) is closed until opening day of the Northern Waterfowl Zone. There will be no early goose season on the Mead and the Interior season does not apply.Exception: Ducks and Geese- may be hunted by youth hunters during the Youth Waterfowl Hunt.
- Waterfowl hunting will close at 1:00 pm each day beginning the Monday following opening weekend of the Northern Waterfowl Zone and lasting for 16 full days.
2010: September 27th – October 12th
Tentative Dates for 2011 & 2012
2011: September 26th – October 11th
2012: September 24th – October 9th
3. Refuge enlargements as posted –
Modified Refuges:
- Townline Reservoir/Berkhahn Flowage Refuge
- Pool 10/ Rice Lake Refuge http://www.meadwildlife.org/?attachment_id=965
For further details and refuge maps, please visit the Mead Wildlife Area’s Visitor Center or call (715) 457-6771.
Make sure to check property regulations regarding wildlife refuge boundaries prior to hunting and be mindful of the signs while enjoying your hunt.
Visit the Wisconsin DNR’s website for small game season dates 
and regulations.
