State Game Farm

at the Mackenzie Center

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The State Game Farm

adjacent to the

MacKenzie Center

History 

Pheasant Production

Wild Pheasant Populations

1999 marked the 65th year of operation for the Game Farm and education programs at Poynette. It all began in 1934 when H.W. MacKenzie (Wisconsin Conservation Department Director -- 1933-1942) discontinued several small scattered game farms and moved operations to Poynette. Here the Wisconsin Conservation Commission established the State Experimental Game and Fur Farm as its general game division headquarters. Much of the construction was done with the assistance of WPA labor.

From chicken coops and cluck hens used to incubate and raise pheasants, the farm grew to become what was called by many the greatest game farm in the world. The experimental game and fur farm served as a base for propagation and stocking of exotic and native upland game birds and fur bearing animals in Wisconsin. Other state-wide game management programs such as public hunting grounds, wildlife refuges, winter feeding, and contact with cooperating conservation clubs were also centered here. The game farm itself served as a place for wildlife management education, scientific management demonstration areas, research and laboratory facilities, and a clearinghouse for confiscated live birds and animals. Intensive research and study of parasites, diseases, breeding, housing, rearing and feeding of game birds and fur farm animals were regularly carried on. The Game Division also set up many traveling exhibits to inform and educate the public in the many phases of and need for
conservation.

A zoological exhibit of 40 species of native and exotic upland and migratory birds and 20 species of game and furbearing animals was established. Many of the animals for the exhibits came from a supply of sick, injured and orphaned animals that were brought to Poynette because of the facilities and staff available. This exhibit drew in so many visitors that a uniformed guide service was established to provide educational tours.

  By the late 1950's,  much of the experimental work involving propagation and stocking

of exotic and native game birds and furbearers (raccoon, fox, mink and Karakul sheep) was being phased out with propagation efforts centering on ring-necked pheasant production. Due to the diminished game farm operation and in recognition of the educational potential of the farm, about 250 acres were transferred, in 1961, to the Department's Bureau of Information and Education for development into a center for the study of conservation.

It was called the Conservation Education Center. New exhibits and museums were added and self-guiding nature trails were developed.

In 1971, the name was changed to the MacKenzie Environmental Center to reflect an expanding awareness of the total environment and to honor H. W. MacKenzie for his role in establishing this facility. Further development took place including an overnight or resident facility in 1975, accessible trails in 1981, and a new wildlife exhibit in 1984. In 1997, as part of the Department's reorganization, the Center became a part of the South Central Region's Bureau of Community Assistance and External Relations (CAER).
 

Construction of new breeder and chick brooding buildings at the farm was completed in 1983. Now the Game Farm is one of the largest and most modem facilities of its kind in the country.
 

Thousands continue to visit the Center each year. They come as participants in Resident Center programs, registered day users, and tourists. They walk the trails, view the native wildlife exhibit and learn about the environment.

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