"In central Ohio," said Ludwig, "we have very little public land on which to hunt. Hunters are advised to get out early in the year and obtain permission from landowners."

This management supervisor also recommended that hunters shouldn't rely on one particular place to hunt. Other hunters may have permission for the same place, or the birds just may not be in that location during the times available.

"It always pays to scout and obtain permission from several landowners to be assured of a good place to hunt turkeys," Ludwig noted.

As for public hunting areas that are open to turkey hunters, Kokosing Lake Wildlife Area and Delaware Wildlife Area offer limited opportunity for hunters.

KOKOSING LAKE WILDLIFE AREA
Kokosing Lake Wildlife Area offers 1,323 acres of turkey-hunting potential in Knox County. This wildlife area is relatively small, yet its good brushy habitat holds plenty of birds. The public hunting area receives a lot of pressure from hunters. But for those who take all the precautions and cooperate with other hunters, this region can be quite productive.

Kokosing Lake Wildlife Area lies southeast of Interstate Route 71 near Fredericktown. State routes 95 and 546 lead to the vicinity, and Waterford Road (county Road 6) leads to the wildlife area.

DELAWARE WILDLIFE AREA
Delaware Wildlife Area supplies 4,670 acres of public lands in portions of Delaware, Marion and Morrow counties. Nearly 40 percent of this wildlife area consists of second-growth hardwoods and brush in advanced stages of succession. Another 50 percent is in old-field habitat consisting of briers, mixed grasses and small shrubs.

Delaware Wildlife Area lies 10 miles south of Marion between U.S. routes 42 and 23. The wildlife area, adjacent to Delaware Reservoir and Delaware State Park, can be accessed from state routes 229 and county Road 220.

For additional information on the wild turkey management and hunting opportunities in the central Ohio region, contact the ODOW's Wildlife District One office, 1500 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215.

Or telephone (614) 644-3925.