Approximately 2,100 acres of this area are a wildlife refuge. Some endangered and threatened wildlife species which can be found there include the bald eagle, osprey, Karner blue butterfly and the Massasauga rattlesnake. In addition, the threatened eastern timber wolf has reestablished its presence on the forest. Hunting is permitted on State Forest land except for some public use areas. The forest provides excellent hunting for whitetail deer, ruffed grouse, wild turkey and squirrels.
Fishing is also popular on the Black River, East Fork of the Black and various flowages.
Walleye, bass, northern pike, musky and panfish are a few species that can be found in these waters. The Brule River State Forest was initiated in 1907. Mr. Frederick Weyerhauser deeded 4,320 acres to the state of Wisconsin for forestry purposes. The boundaries of the forest now includes about 50,000 acres, of which about 41,000 acres are under state ownership. The Bois Brule is one of the best known rivers east of the Mississippi.