Friends of the Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area

09/01/2026

Official State Historical Marker Dedication on Saturday September 26 at 11 a.m.

The Friends of the Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area will install and dedicate a Wisconsin Historical Society marker to note the natural and human historical significance of the Namekagon Barrens. The marker, only the second official state historical marker to be erected in Burnett County, will be dedicated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026. The ceremony will take place at the marker location on Namekagon Trail in the wildlife area’s South Unit, approximately three miles north of Hwy 77 in Burnett County....

The Friends of the Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area will install and dedicate a Wisconsin Historical Society marker to note the natural and human historical significance of the Namekagon Barrens. Th…

08/16/2026

Bird Dogs & Sharptails Field Day-Saturday, August 22, 8:30am at the Barrens Cabin

Just a reminder: Next Saturday, August 22 is the Friends of the Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area (FNBWA) “Bird Dogs and Sharp-tails” field day. Join us at the Barrens Cabin at 8:30 a.m. for our last field day of the season. There’s no need to pre-register – just join us at the Cabin. FNBWA Board Members Jerry McAllister and Paul Cook will be bringing their trained bird dogs and setting them to work in the Barrens....

Just a reminder: Next Saturday, August 22 is the Friends of the Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area (FNBWA) “Bird Dogs and Sharp-tails” field day. Join us at the Barrens Cabin at 8:30 a.m. for our last…

07/21/2026

The sun was out, the air warm, and the SW breeze blew the wildland fire smoke away. It was a great day for the annual Friends of the Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area Blueberries on the Barrens picnic. After early morning blueberry picking by many, around 75 attendees enjoyed presentations on area logging history, prescribed burning, the Barrens bluebird house production, and updates on the NW Sands Auto Tour and the soon to be new barrens Historical Marker. (stay tuned for more on these updates) The crowd also enjoyed great picnic food of brats, burgers and beans, as well as blueberry dessert. The event ended with the drawing for many door prizes that included the native wildflower plants that decorated the picnic tables.

07/06/2026

Most every check of the Wisconsin SnapShot camera on the Barrens produces an interesting 'capture'. Look closely and you will see four Sharp-tailed Grouse in flight over the back of the deer in this early May picture. Two species in one photo only happens about once a year, so this capture is especially cool- deer and sharp-tails!

07/06/2026

Less than two weeks away! Join us for blueberries, food, and great presentations.

03/31/2026

Sharp-tailed Grouse Viewing Blinds Open April 1!

Wisconsin DNR and the Friends of the Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area (FNBWA) are pleased to provide this opportunity for people to watch the spring dance of the Sharp-tailed Grouse. Nancy Christel, DNR Wildlife Biologist, provides this advice ahead of heading to the Barrens for your reserved viewing time: Viewing blinds open to the public on April 1 – Check the website for important information before heading out!...

Wisconsin DNR and the Friends of the Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area (FNBWA) are pleased to provide this opportunity for people to watch the spring dance of the Sharp-tailed Grouse. Nancy Christel,…

02/10/2026

We are well into the new year, with the worst of winter behind us, so we can begin thinking about putting Friends of the Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area events and field trips on our calendars. Don't miss the annual Blueberries on the Barrens picnic July 18th with the usual blueberry picking, presentations, silent auction, door prizes, and of course good food and refreshments!

02/03/2026

Wisconsin DNR Researchers ask for Bear Den Location Information

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) asks the public to report any black bear den locations across the state to help with an ongoing study that will improve the accuracy of population estimates and inform management decisions. Caution is advised in approaching a potential den site: Remember: Do not disturb the den's residents. If you believe you have found a black bear den, stay at least 30 yards from it at all times....

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) asks the public to report any black bear den locations across the state to help with an ongoing study that will improve the accuracy of populatio…

01/08/2026

Do You Know About the Changes for Viewing Blinds in 2026?

The reservation system for Sharp-tailed Grouse viewing blinds will be opened on our website on January 10. Here's some information to keep in mind when making a reservation: From the Wisconsin DNR Wildlife Management: Viewing blind locations may be different than previous years. Blind locations may change: View the updated Directions to Blinds here on or after March 31st. Leks are dynamic and expanding with the growing population....

The reservation system for Sharp-tailed Grouse viewing blinds will be opened on our website on January 10. Here’s some information to keep in mind when making a reservation: From the Wisconsi…