NORTHWEST OHIO
Ten years ago, there were few wild turkeys roaming the northwestern corner of the Buckeye State, according to wildlife biologist Bob Ford. The Ohio Division of Wildlife has been involved in relocating birds throughout the area, and the program has been a huge success.

“We’re still releasing birds in northwestern Ohio,” said Ford. “The ODOW is establishing turkey populations through the region, and we’ve had a lot of success over the years doing so. We now have a spring turkey season, and the turkey population’s high enough to allow hunting.”

According to Ford, the Willard Marsh and the Fish Creek wildlife areas are good spots to try calling a spring tom. The Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area also has developed a decent turkey population. Ford attributes the present-day turkey hunts in his corner of the Buckeye State to the successful ongoing relocation project. Willard Marsh Wildlife Area

The Willard Marsh Wildlife Area in Huron County covers 1,676 acres four miles southwest of Willard. About two-thirds of the area is woodland and good turkey habitat. Fish Creek Wildlife Area

In Williams County, the Fish Creek Wildlife Area covers 158 acres. It has two tracts, one north of Edgerton along the St. Joseph River and the other west of Edgerton along the Ohio-Indiana line. They’re a little over two miles apart and connected by county Highway 60. Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area

The Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area lies between Fremont and Sandusky on U.S. Highway 6. It covers 2,814 acres of public land, most of which is wetlands. Turkeys are found concentrated in the woods, but will wander into the other areas as well.

For more information, contact the ODOW’s District Two office at (419) 424-5000.

NORTHEASTERN OHIO
“In a nutshell, District Three has some excellent areas in which to hunt wild turkeys,” said Dan Kramer, the ODOW’s district wildlife management supervisor.

Ashtabula County has led the state for many years in total harvest. During the 2003 spring turkey season, 1,127 birds were taken, putting this county’s harvest at the top of all 88 counties. In spring 2004, Ashtabula County was again in the lead with 673 turkeys. In 2005, Harrison County hunters harvested more birds, but in 2006, Ashtabula ranked number one again, this time with a spring harvest of 782 birds.

Dorset Wildlife Area
A good public hunting spot in the middle of this great turkey-producing country is the 1,088-acre Dorset Wildlife Area in eastern Ashtabula County, just over a mile southeast of Dorset on Kyle Road.

The only amenities you’ll find here are three small parking lots. Access is from Footville-Richmond and Tower roads. Pre-scouting is highly recommended, and a map is a good idea to keep the roaming hunter out of trouble. Trespassing without written permission can reap a stiff fine.

Grand River Wildlife Area
Another of Kramer’s top picks is the Grand River Wildlife Area in Trumbull County. This area covers 7,231 acres in scattered parcels, most of which are interconnected. Ponds, streams and hardwood forests offer good turkey hunting, and most hunters do well in Grand River. The area is accessible from state routes 88 and 534, less than 40 miles from Cleveland.