DISTRICT TWO
"We're somewhat different from others districts around Ohio," said Scott Butterworth, wildlife management supervisor for the ODOW's District Two office. "We still have active turkey range that we are continuing to stock. In many of the areas throughout the district, we have a good population of wild turkeys."

Compared to other regions of Ohio, the northwestern region of the state has the least favorable habitat for turkey reestablishment. Yet state biologists have put the available habitats to good use, and the wild turkey population within this district is continuing to increase.

Public hunting areas for turkeys are limited. Scattered woodlots contain the most birds, so wild turkeys here are found on private land, for the most part.

For hunters in this region, gaining access to these turkey woodlots is important. "The key is to get permission to hunt from landowners," said Butterworth.

WILLARD MARSH WILDLIFE AREA
Willard Marsh Wildlife Area is a public-hunting area that Butterworth recommended for good spring turkey hunting. This 1,676-acre wildlife area lies in Huron County.

With approximately two-thirds of the area covered by woodlands and much of the remainder in brushland, this area should produce a quality turkey hunt this season.

Willard Marsh lies four miles southeast of the city of Willard. Section Line Road provides access from U. S. Route 224.

Originally known as the "Huron bog," this area was drained long ago for agricultural purposes. Since 1942, the Ohio Division of Wildlife has managed the area for public hunting. The turkey population here is doing well.

RICHLAND COUNTY
Richland County is another wild turkey hotspot for District Two hunters. Much of the public hunting will be found in areas controlled by the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy.

For information and guidelines for hunting these areas, contact the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District at 1319 Third Street NW, P.O. Box 349, New Philadelphia, OH 44663-0349.