Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Wildlife Management Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Steve N.


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Summary

Wilson Raft Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in the state of Iowa is a fantastic destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. This vast natural area encompasses approximately 5,000 acres of diverse habitats, making it a prime location for outdoor activities and wildlife observation.

One of the main reasons to visit the Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek WMA is its exceptional biodiversity. The area is home to a wide range of plant and animal species, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, and numerous bird species. This makes it an ideal spot for birdwatchers, hunters, and photographers.

Within the WMA, there are several specific points of interest that visitors can explore. The Raft Creek Unit is a popular spot for waterfowl hunting and offers a picturesque backdrop for photography and wildlife observation. The ancient, towering oak trees in the area provide a unique and beautiful landscape for hiking and exploring.

Moreover, the Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek WMA boasts interesting geological features, such as sinkholes and limestone outcrops, which add to its charm and provide an opportunity for geological enthusiasts to study and appreciate these formations.

It is worth noting that the best time of year to visit the Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek WMA depends on the activities you wish to pursue. For birdwatchers, spring and fall are the prime seasons as migratory birds pass through the area during these times. Hunters will find the fall season particularly appealing, as it offers various hunting opportunities. However, the WMA is open year-round, so visitors can enjoy hiking, wildlife observation, and photography at any time.

To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to verify the information provided by cross-referencing multiple independent sources such as official Iowa Department of Natural Resources websites, wildlife management publications, and travel guides dedicated to Iowa's natural attractions.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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