Hunters Reminded to Confirm Their Favorite Spots in Southeast Ohio

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Don’t get caught trespassing due to changes to public areas

ATHENS, OH – Access to some popular public hunting lands in southeast Ohio has changed, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

April 14, 2011 marked the end of a five-year agreement between the Southern Ohio Scioto Land Company and the ODNR Division of Wildlife which provided approximately 18,000 acres of public access to hunters in southeast Ohio.

“Many of the former Southern Ohio Scioto Land Company agreement properties were purchased by the ODNR Division of Wildlife over the past several years,” said Mark Hemming, District Manager for Wildlife District 4.  “Hunters are reminded that these 20,000 acres are permanently open to public access for sportsmen and women.”

In 2007, The ODNR Division of Wildlife purchased 4,879 acres in Jackson and Ross Counties.  Broken ARO Wildlife Area in eastern Jackson County provides excellent habitat for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and other forest wildlife species.  Coalton Wildlife Area in northern Jackson County provides good habitat for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and squirrels.  Because of select timbering, the area should provide good ruffed grouse habitat in upcoming years.  Kinnikinnick Wildlife area on the northern edge of Ross County provides excellent fishing in the Scioto River as well as good hunting opportunities.  Several species of spring wildflowers can be found on the area, and the corridor has excellent potential for observing Bald Eagles and other migratory bird species.

In 2010 the Ohio Department of Natural Resources finalized purchase of 15,494 acres in Vinton County, now known as the Vinton Furnace State Experimental Forest and the Vinton Furnace State Wildlife Area.  This land, formerly known as the Raccoon Ecological Management Area, or REMA, remains permanently open for public hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation.

Information on any of these areas can be found at www.wildohio.com or by calling the Wildlife District 4 Office in southeastern Ohio at 740-589-9930. 

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Ohio Deer Hunters: Early Muzzleloader Season Results are Reported

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ATHENS, OH – Muzzleloader hunters took 420 deer during last week’s early muzzleloader deer season according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

Hunters took 161 deer at Salt Fork Wildlife Area, 154 deer in the Wildcat Hollow region, and 42 deer at Shawnee State Forest. During last year’s early muzzleloader hunt, hunters took a total of 516 deer for the season; 254 deer at Salt Fork Wildlife Area, 176 deer at Wildcat Hollow, and 86 deer at Shawnee State Forest.

The early muzzleloader season opened Monday, October 17 and closed Saturday, October 22.

Ohio’s various deer hunting seasons coupled with a healthy population gives hunters a good opportunity for success. Archery season opened September 24 and runs through February 5, 2012. Youth deer gun season is November 19 and 20. Deer gun season will open November 28 and extend through December 4, and be open for a weekend hunt on December 17 and 18. The statewide muzzleloader season is January 7 through 10, 2012.

Hunters interested in donating venison to food banks are reminded that the ODNR Division of Wildlife has partnered with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) to help pay for the processing of donated venison. Hunters who donate their deer to a participating food bank are not required to pay the processing cost as long as funding for the effort lasts. More information about this program can be found online atwww.fhfh.org.

For additional information on all of Ohio’s deer hunting seasons and requirements, hunters are advised to review the 2011-2012 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations.

The ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at www.ohiodnr.com

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