Contact BADC at (712) 523-3637 Adress 601 Madison Avenue, Bedford, Iowa 50833
Hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and bird watching at county conservation parks
Each year, Taylor County is inundated with tourists who wish to participate in some of the best hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and Bird Watching in the State of Iowa. Taylor County is known for its pheasant, quail, deer and turkey hunting; as well as some great fishing, hiking and camping opportunities. The area is known for its preservation of natural habitat, which has helped with the population growth and condition of all species. The Taylor County Conservation Board is instrumental in the improvement and quality of the above sportsmen's activities and manages the following live recreational sites in
Taylor County.
TAYLOR COUNTY CONSERVATION BOARD PROGRAMS
The Taylor County Conservation Board invites you to explore the diverse areas that we manage. The Board takes care of 534 acres which have been purchased or donated for public use and wildlife habitat.
1 French Nature Reserve
An 80-acre timber tract owned by the Iowa DNR and managed by Taylor County Conservation Board. It is primarily a nature and wildlife preserve. No hunting or motorized vechicles are allowed. There are 3 miles of trails avaible for hikes or equestrian use. The area is rish in plant species. Take State Highway 2 east from Bedford 9.5 miles to Virginia Avenue for 1 mile and the area is on the west side of the road.2 Sand's Timber Recreation Area
a 235-acre site with a 76-arce lake. There are 7 modern campsites for rent. Primitive camping is also available. The lake is stocked with bass, chanel cat and pan fish. Only electric boat motors are allowed. There is a 2 mile hiking trail on the west side of the park. Public hunting is allowed except in the camping/picnic areas. The site is located west and north of Blockton. Just follow the signs west on County Road J55 for about 1/4 mile, go north on Yellowstone Avenue for 1/4 mile and turn west into the entrance. The park is 1/4 mile west of Yellowstone Avenue.3 Siam Tract
A 117-acre public hunting area. This area is located on the Taylor/Page County line on both sides of 300th street.4 Wilson Lake
A 50-acre site with a 20-acre lake. There are 10 modern camp sites and primitive camping is available. The lake has catfish, bass, pan fish, and some walleye. Only electric boat motors are allowed. No hunting is allowed in the park. The site is south and east of Lenox. From County Road N64 go east on County Road J20 for 1 mile, then go south on Utah Avenue for 1.5 miles and there you are!5 Windmill lake
A 60-acre site with a 20-acre lake. There are 14 modern campsites and primitive camping is allowed on the west side of the lake. The lake has catfish, bass, pan fish, and some walleye. Only electric boat motors are allowed. The site is located east of New Market, Iowa. From State Highway 2 east of New Market, turn north on Highland Avenue for 1 mile to 220th Street to Franklin Avenue and, presto, there lies the lake.6 Lake of Three Fires State Park
Iowa DNR owned, this 85-acre lake is nearly a mile long and a half mile wide, with scenic inlets ideal for fishing/boating. Surrounding the lake are 691-acres of picturesque woodlands. There are 8 miles of marked trails for hikers, horseback riders, and snowmobiles. Two modern campgrounds provide 140 camping sites (30 with electrical hook-ups). 
Hunting and Fishing
