Chickasaw

Gilmore Wapsi Access (GWA) was acquired through joint efforts of  Chickasaw Pioneer Chapter of Pheasants Forever, Pheasants Forever Trust, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, the Chickasaw County Board of Supervisors, the Conservation Board, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, and a Wildlife Habitat Stamp Grant.   GWA is a mixture of wetlands, woodlands, reestablished grasslands, and agricultural fields; all along the Wapsipinicon river.  It is superb habitat for deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, and many songbirds and other wildlife species.  With the proper management activities, this should become one of the best wildlife areas in northeast Iowa.  There are trails throughout the area managed to provide better access to different parts of GWA.  These trails are also open to hiking and cross country skiing.  This area is open for hunting, fishing, trapping and general nature observation.  With the addition of 98 acres along the west side of the Wapsipinicon River, this area now totals 287 acres.  

A parking is provided in the southeast corner of GWA along Gilmore Ave and in the southwest corner along 220th St if you prefer not parking on the road.

Location

Located 2 miles east of Ionia on Highway B57 at the intersection of Gilmore Ave and 220th St.    

Features

River bottom timber, woodlands, reestablished grasslands with native vegetation, wetlands.  Good waterfowl hunting, deer hunting, turkey hunting, river fishing.

Operating Hours & Seasons

Open year round - visitors must be out of the area by 10:30 p.m.

Phone: 641-394-4714

More information: http://www.chickasawcoia.org/