What You'll Find at Navarino Wildlife Area

Navarino Wildlife Area is a 9,000-acre state-managed marsh and wetland complex in Shawano County, about 30 miles northeast of Appleton. The landscape is dominated by cattail marsh, sedge meadow, and scattered upland woods—habitat built specifically for waterfowl and wading birds. You'll see mallards, wood ducks, Canada geese, herons, and egrets throughout the year, with peak activity during spring and fall migration. The area also holds muskrat, beaver, and deer, making it useful for trappers and hunters during regulated seasons.

The wildlife area exists because the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) purchased and restored these wetlands starting in the 1970s. Much of the original marsh had been drained for agriculture; the DNR rebuilt water levels and native plant communities to restore breeding and migration habitat. Today it functions as both a public hunting and fishing destination and a refuge for species that depend on intact wetland ecosystems.

Key Takeaways

  • Navarino is open year-round for wildlife observation and fishing, but waterfowl hunting is limited to the regulated season, typically September through November.
  • Access is by foot only—no motorized boats or vehicles are permitted on the marsh itself, which keeps disturbance low and habitat intact.
  • A Wisconsin fishing license is required to fish; a hunting license and waterfowl stamp are required to hunt, with specific season dates set annually by the DNR.
  • The area has no developed facilities—no parking lot, restrooms, or marked trails—so you need to know where to enter and be prepared for wet, muddy conditions.
  • Spring and fall are the best times to see large numbers of migrating waterfowl; summer is quieter but offers good wading bird viewing.

How to Reach Navarino and Where to Park

Navarino Wildlife Area has no central parking area or visitor center. Access is from several points along the perimeter, and you must know which roads lead to public entry. The most reliable approach is from County Road A on the south side of the complex, near the town of Navarino. From Appleton, take Highway 41 north toward Seymour, then follow local roads east into Shawano County. A GPS coordinate or detailed map from the DNR website is essential—the area is not marked with large signs, and wrong turns lead to private property.

Parking is informal: you pull off the road where access is legal and walk in. There are no designated lots. The terrain is wet year-round, so wear waterproof boots and expect mud. In spring and early summer, water levels are highest and some areas may be impassable on foot. Fall and winter offer firmer ground but colder conditions and shorter daylight hours.

Fishing Opportunities and Species

Navarino's marsh channels and deeper pools hold panfish and northern pike. Bluegill and crappie are the most common catches, especially in spring and early summer when they move into shallower water to spawn. Northern pike are present but less predictable; they prefer the deeper channels and are more active in cooler months. Largemouth bass are also in the system but less abundant than panfish.

Fishing is best from late April through June and again in September and October. Summer heat can slow activity in shallow water. Winter ice fishing is possible but requires checking current ice conditions with the DNR—ice thickness varies year to year. A Wisconsin fishing license is required; you can purchase one online through the DNR website or at any authorized vendor. No special permit is needed for Navarino beyond the standard license.

Waterfowl Hunting Season and Regulations

Waterfowl hunting at Navarino follows the statewide season set by the Wisconsin DNR, which typically runs from mid-September through early November for ducks and geese. Exact dates change annually based on federal regulations and population surveys. You must have a valid Wisconsin hunting license, a federal duck stamp, and a Wisconsin waterfowl stamp. Check the current year's hunting regulations pamphlet on the DNR website before you go—seasons, bag limits, and shooting hours are published there each summer.

Hunting is allowed only during the designated season and only in areas designated as open to hunting. Some portions of Navarino may be closed to hunting to protect nesting habitat or to allow refuge areas for birds. The DNR posts these restrictions on their website and in the regulations guide. Hunters must use non-toxic shot (steel, bismuth, or tungsten) and follow all state and federal waterfowl rules. Scouting the area before opening day is wise—the marsh is large and unfamiliar, and knowing where birds are roosting and feeding saves time and effort.

Wildlife Viewing and Photography

If you're not hunting or fishing, Navarino is worth visiting for bird and wildlife observation. Spring migration (late March through May) brings waves of ducks, geese, and shorebirds. Early morning is best—birds are most active at dawn and dusk. Bring binoculars and a field guide to waterfowl and wading birds. The marsh is open and exposed, so move slowly and stay low to avoid flushing birds.

Summer (June through August) is quieter for waterfowl but excellent for herons, egrets, and wading birds. Great blue herons and green herons hunt the shallow channels; great egrets and snowy egrets are common in mid to late summer. Fall migration (August through October) rivals spring for bird activity. Winter is the slowest season, though some waterfowl linger if open water remains, and raptors hunt the marsh edges.

Regulations, Permits, and Seasonal Closures

Navarino is open year-round for foot traffic, but access and use are governed by Wisconsin DNR rules. Motorized boats and vehicles are not permitted on the marsh—this is a walk-in area only. Camping, fires, and overnight stays are not allowed. Dogs are permitted but must be under control; they can disturb nesting birds and wildlife, so keep them close and consider leaving them home during spring nesting season (April through June).

Some areas may be closed seasonally to protect nesting habitat. The DNR posts these closures on their website and in the regulations guide. Before you visit, check the current status on the Wisconsin DNR website or call the Northeast Region office in Green Bay. Violations of hunting and fishing regulations carry fines; trespassing on closed areas or private land adjacent to the wildlife area also results in citations.

Best Times to Visit and What to Expect

Spring (late March through May) is the most active season for waterfowl and the best time to see large flocks. Water levels are high, and the marsh is alive with calling ducks and geese. Expect wet conditions and muddy access roads. Bring insect repellent—mosquitoes emerge in late April and peak in May and June. Fall (September through October) is the second-best viewing window and offers more comfortable weather. Winter is quiet and cold; ice can make walking treacherous, and daylight is short.

Summer is the slowest season for waterfowl but offers good wading bird viewing and is the only time you might see nesting activity. Mosquitoes are heavy, and water levels drop as the season progresses. If you're planning a trip, check the DNR website for recent sightings and conditions. Local birding groups and online forums often post recent observations, which can help you time your visit to see specific species.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to just walk around and look at birds?

No. You can walk the area and observe wildlife without any license. A fishing license is required only if you fish; a hunting license and waterfowl stamp are required only if you hunt. Wildlife observation and photography are free.

Can I bring my kayak or canoe?

Motorized boats are not permitted, but the DNR's rules on non-motorized boats at Navarino specifically are not clearly posted online. Contact the Northeast Region office in Green Bay to confirm current policy before bringing a kayak. Many similar marshes allow canoes and kayaks, but some restrict them to protect nesting habitat.

What's the best time to see migrating ducks?

Late March through April in spring and September through October in fall are peak migration periods. Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) is best. Bring binoculars and a field guide to waterfowl. Weather and water levels affect activity, so check recent conditions before you go.

Are there trails or marked paths?

No. Navarino has no developed trails, parking lot, or visitor facilities. You navigate by map and GPS. The terrain is wet and muddy year-round, so wear waterproof boots and be prepared to navigate on your own. This lack of development is intentional—it keeps the area quiet and protects habitat.

Can I fish in winter?

Yes, ice fishing is possible when ice is thick enough. Check current ice conditions with the DNR before you go—thickness varies by year and location within the marsh. A fishing license is still required. Some areas may have thin ice or open water even in deep winter, so scout carefully.