The Jamestown Wildlife Area is managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. It is located five miles north of Jamestown and its boundries are in Cloud and Republic counties. The area offers excellent opportunities to view and photograph wildlife including white-tailed deer, bald eagles, pheasants, quail, ducks, geese, shorebirds and other wetland wildlife. The area is located along a major migration route for the Central Flyway. Their are two large marshes located on the area.
Historically it has been a "salty" marsh. Following a dry season, salt has been found where the water evaporated. Salt was collected by the Indians and early settlers. The buffalo and other wildlife went there for their salt. Of the 3,229 acres of public hunting, approximately 1,300 acres are wetlands.
The marshes are very shallow and have accumulated silt from the Marsh Creek watershed. Shallow water and nutrient rich silt provide a perfect environment for extensive cattail growth.
The area gives excellent opportunities to view and photograph wildlife. Hunting opportunities are good for pheasants, quail, and white tailed deer.
The area is located 6 miles south of Courtland, (15 miles west of Belleville), or 5 miles north of Jamestown and offers camping, bowfishing and hiking.