Spring… Is the time of the year for new growth. Trees begin to turn green and the flowers begin to bloom. April 15th opens many ATV trails in the Mercer, Wisconsin area, weather permitting. The lakes begin to thaw in preparation of opening fishing season in May. In April, area biking and hiking trails also open.
Summer… Offers an abundance of outdoor enjoyment including swimming, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, water skiing, tubing, ATVing, tennis, volleyball, canoeing & camping. Mercer is surrounded by over 900,000 acres of federal, state and county forests. We offer uncrowded waterways for fishing and boating activities. Wildlife is abundant with many different species of wildlife including black bear, whitetail deer, timber wolves, coyotes, snowshoe hare, badger, fisher, porcupine, and raccoon. We also have many species of birds native to the area including loons, hawks, owls, bald eagles, osprey, ruffed grouse, great blue herons and many types of ducks and geese.
Fishing... If fishing is your forte, this is the place! The Mercer area is home to an abundance of good fishing lakes filled with Northern Pike, Bass, Musky, Walleyes, and many varieties of panfish. A good number of our lakes are ranked as “Class A” Musky Lakes; a good place to finally pull in that trophy-sized fish. The North and South Forks of the Flambeau River offer Lake Sturgeon, Musky, Walleyes and Smallmouth Bass. Our large number of lakes, streams and ponds offer a good source of Bass, Brown, Brook and Rainbow Trout.
Hiking... Hiking in Mercer offers an excellent chance to get out there and really “commune with nature.” Many miles of trails are closed to motorized use and offer an excellent chance to enjoy the peaceful serenity of our northwoods. Numerous trails offer a short hike or a chance to enjoy a more lengthy backpacking trip from all day to several days with camping along the trails.
Fall… Is spectacular with the colors of the changing leaves. It’s also the time of year when many hunting seasons begin, including the Ruffed Grouse, with which we are known as the “Ruffed Grouse Capital of the World.” ATVing continues through November 15th on most trail systems. I t’s also the perfect time of year to go hiking, biking and canoeing.
Hunting... Hunting in the Mercer, Wisconsin area is sure to provide you with a rewarding experience. Our large area of public lands with low competition from other hunters offers the ideal hunting conditions. Mercer boasts the most habitat for ruffed grouse anywhere! As “The Ruffed Grouse Capital of the World” this is definitely the place for hunting. Many miles of hunting trails are seeded and mowed and are gated to prohibit motorized use. These are in the heart of the best habitat areas. The Mercer area is ideal black bear habitat. Many acres of public lands are open to hunting for the hunter who prefers using dogs or those who prefer using bait stations. Both types of hunters have had excellent results as our abundance of good habitat contributes to a large bear population.
For exceptional deer hunting conditions, Mercer is the place, with a large deer population per square mile. Hunter usage per square mile is low due to the large amounts of public land available therefore giving you a better than average chance of bagging your trophy.
Iron County Wisconsin, filled with wonderful scenery and rich iron mining heritage, is an excellent choice to spend a week or weekend exploring all this area has to offer.
