White River Wildlife Area is a 1,120 acre property located in northwest Ashland County, just two and a half miles south of the city of Ashland. It was established in 1946 to protect winter deer habitat. It is still used to some extent today by wintering deer, however the once dense balsam fir and young white pine which lined the many steep and deep gullies leading to the White River has since matured and/or has been heavily browsed and winter habitat values have significantly decreased. The White River Wildlife Area is entirely wooded and features numerous habitats important to a full range of wildlife species due to the varying topography and forest successional stages. From furbearers and waterfowl to grouse, deer, bear and raptors, the property offers opportunities for all wildlife enthusiasts to see and enjoy their favorite species. In addition, approximately three miles of the White River flows through the northern part of the wildlife area. The White is an important tributary to the Bad River in Ashland County and has an good warm water fishery, with an annual anadramous run of steelhead from Lake Superior. However, the wildlife area does not provide good fishing opportunities, due to limited access to the river and difficult terrain.