Hunters encouraged to check their locations before heading out

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 to provide hunters almost 40,000 acres of public access in southeast Ohio.

“During the last several years, the Department of Natural Resources actively acquired a large segment of those lands, most of which are now open to public hunting,” said Mark Hemming, district manager for Wildlife District 4 in southeast Ohio.

In 2007, the Division of Wildlife purchased 4,879 acres in Jackson and Ross counties. Broken ARO Wildlife Area in eastern Jackson County provides 3,007 acres of excellent habitat for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and other forest wildlife species. Coalton Wildlife Area in northern Jackson County provides 1,729 acres of 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. The 143-acre Kinnikinnik 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.

Additionally, ODNR finalized in 2010 the purchase of 15,494 acres in Vinton County, now known as the Vinton Furnace State Experimental Forest and the Vinton Furnace Wildlife Area. This land, formerly known as the Raccoon Ecological Management Area, remains permanently open for public hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation, and is managed in partnership by the divisions of Wildlife and Forestry.

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

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