North Unit: https://ebird.org/wi/hotspot/L393293
South Unit: https://ebird.org/wi/hotspot/L590852
Habitat: Northern Hardwood, Hardwood Swamp, Successional Oldfield, Native and FRestored Grassland, Marsh, Sedge Meadow, Open Water, Beaches and Mudflats, Cropland.
Best Birds: Species in the Northern Hardwood include Yellow-billed and Black-billed Cuckoo and Golden-winged Warbler. Brush prairie species include Sharp-tailed Grouse, Eastern Meadowlark, and in some years, Short-eared Owl. Marsh species include Virginia Rail, and American and Least Bittern, and Great Egret. The ponds support Trumpeter Swan, Ring-necked Duck, Common Loon, and Osprey.
Directions: 58 miles NE of Eau Claire/32 miles northwest of Medford. From Gilman go about 6 miles north on State Highway 73 to County Road M. South Unit is west of State Highway 73 and south of County Road M. North Unit is west of State Highway 73 and north of County Road M.
In the north unit three of the four main flowages are accessed by taking East Loop Road north to Ellis Road. A parking area is to the east on Ellis Road approximately one mile north of the East Loop Road intersection. Flowages in the northwest corner of Pershing are accessed by continuing north on Ellis Road, then west on Flowage Drive.
To reach the south unit, go north on Highway H to Rued Road. Rued Road leads to the entrance for the south unit at South Pond Road. This 2.1 mile road takes you past Flowage Number One and ends at Sotak Flowage. Beyond the intersection with Access Road be vigilant for Sharp-tailed Grouse as you continue on South Pond Road toward Sotak Flowage.
Site Address and Additional Information:
Together, the two units have more than 1,000 acres of wetlands, 3,000 acres of brush prairie and 3000 acres of aspen and northern swamp hardwood forest..
County Road M and E. Loop Road, Gilman WI
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Lands/WildlifeAreas/pershing.html
E Loop Rd/Ellis Rd:
Rued Rd/S Pond Dr:
https://ebird.org/wi/news/november-hotspot-of-the-month-pershing-wildlife-area
Cathy Mauer