Wilson Wildlife Area

Area News
Facilities
Wilson  Waterfowl Report
Wilson Gallery
Brochures
Wilson Wildlife Area Calendar
Wilson Reservoir Fishing Information
Wilson State Park

Click on the "News" or "General Information" links above for 2021 Dove Field information, refuge dates, contact info, and other current events.

ATTENTION: The refuge at Wilson Wildlife Area will be closed to all activities Sept 1 - Jan 31 except by special permit.

Click HERE for Wilson Lake brochure map

Click on "News" link above for Wilson Wildlife Area refuge boundary maps

Wilson Wildlife Area is located in the scenic Smoky Hills of northcentral Kansas and is on the upper end of 9,000 acre Wilson Reservoir. The 8,069 acre public hunting area is made up of 5,000 acres of rugged rolling hills of native prairie, approximately 2,000 acres of cropland, and 1,000 acres of riparian timber along the Saline River, Cedar Creek, Turkey Creek, and Elm Creek.

Area management focuses on providing a quality experience for visitors, and managing wildlife and wildlife habitats for optimum hunting, fishing and outdoor recreational opportunities. Pheasant, quail, turkey, dove, rabbit, whitetail deer, waterfowl, furbearers and many songbirds and non-game wildlife inhabit or pass through and use the area.

The area has a waterfowl refuge that was established in 1996. Hunting opportunities are fair for deer, turkey, waterfowl, and upland birds. The area receives heavy hunting pressure during season openers and can provide less crowded conditions later in the hunting seasons.

Information shelters on the area and the Wilson Area Office have more information available.

Address:
#3 State Park Road Sylvan Grove, KS 67481
Bunker Hill,KS   
County/Counties:

Area Manager: Scott Thomasson

Wilson Wildlife Area
Area News - Updated: 08/26/2022
2022 Dove Fields

There will be 2 managed dove fields at Wilson Wildlife Area in 2022. Both fields are planted to sunflowers. Portions of the fields will be mowed prior to dove opener. 

Field 1: Open to All Hunters – Sunflowers (11 ac)

This field is located on the South side of Mellard Rd approx. ¼ mi west of 193rd Rd. Field is planted to sunflowers.  Strips will be mowed in sunflowers.  Sunflower production is poor to fair.

Field 2: Open to all hunters – Sunflowers (6 ac)

From intersection of Mellard Rd and 193rd Rd, go south 1.5 miles and park along road.  Field is located east of road.  Strips will be mowed in sunflowers.  Sunflower production is good.  


Below are maps of the entire Wilson Wildlife Area Refuge.

Wilson Wildlife Area Wildlife Refuge Boundary Map (PDF - 4.80 MB)

The refuge is closed to all access September 1 through January 31 except by special permit only.  This map is to be used for general reference only. Signs will mark the actual refuge boundary. Use the posted signs as the true boundary.

General Information
Address:
#3 State Park Road Sylvan Grove, KS 67481
 
Bunker Hill, KS   
County/Counties:

Area Manager: Scott Thomasson

Wilson Wildlife Area

Special Regulations
  • Camping, fires, and off road vehicle use are not allowed on the area.
  • No Cliff jumping

Here is a complete list of Public Land Regulations or you can download the regulation summary.

History

The 8,069 acre Wilson Wildlife Area was made available to the Kansas Forestry Fish and Game Commission under the terms of a license with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1965.

Wilson Facilities
Elm Creek Boat Ramp
  • Type of Facility: Boat Ramp
  • Location of Facility: 38.936369 -98.629865
  • Click for more information

    This Boat ramp is used for small watercraft and is not usable when lake is 5 feet low.

    Located 6 miles north of Bunker Hill.


Cedar Creek Boat Ramp

Area Maintenance Building
  • Type of Facility: Information Center
  • Location of Facility: 39.973018 -98.723434
  • Click for more information

    Field office and equipment storage.

    Located 6 miles north of Bunker Hill.


Wilson Wildlife Area Calendar

    Wilson Waterfowl Report - 10/25/2024
    Waterfowl numbers 2200 ducks, mostly on main body of reservoir from Elm Creek to Lucas Point
       
    Water level 4 ft low
    Hunting conditions Cedar Creek boat ramp is dry and inaccessible; Elm Creek boat ramp is nearly dry - use with caution; declining lake levels resulting in exposed shoreline and minimal flooded vegetation
    Expected hunting success Limited due to low water levels.
    Comments

    Refuges are closed Sept 1-Jan 31 to all access except by special permit. This includes land and water refuge areas.

    Teal Season - Low Plains

    September 14, 2024- September 29, 2024

    Duck Season on Webster Reservoir - Low Plains Late Zone    

    October 26, 2024 - December 29, 2024 and January 18-26, 2025

    Youth Weekend, Duck and Goose

    October 19-20, 2024

    Goose Season on Webster Reservoir

    CANADA GEESE  October 26-27, 2024 and November 6, 2024 - February 16, 2025

    WHITE-FRONTED   October 26, 2024 - December 29, 2024 and January 25 - February 16, 2025

    LIGHT GEESE  October 26-27, 2024 and November 6, 2024 - February 16, 2025

    Sandhill Crane Season on Webster Reservoir - Central Crane Zone

    November 6, 2024 - January 2, 2025

    LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER

    February 17 - April 30, 2025