These are just a few of the places where hunters can see large numbers of turkeys, with plenty of room to hunt them.

According to Mike Reynolds, wildlife biologist in the ODOW's District Four, the reproduction and survival rates from the 2007 hatch were good. Reynolds noted a 5 percent increase in the hatch rate of birds in this region over the previous year.

Given that the turkey population was already in excellent condition, even more birds will be responding to hunter calls come opening morning of this spring season.

As already noted, turkeys and public hunting lands are numerous in southeastern Ohio. The following public areas come highly recommended for a quality hunt in the kingdom of Ohio wild turkeys.

POWELSON WILDLIFE AREA
Powelson Wildlife Area contains 2,775 acres in Muskingum County. This county holds one of the best wild turkey populations in the state.

With its ideal habitat harboring large numbers of birds, Powelson Wildlife Area is an odds-on favorite for hunters. This wildlife area lies four miles north of Zanesville, between state Route 60 and the Muskingum River.

Woodlands cover approximately 76 percent of the area with 40 percent of the property in large timber. Most of the remaining land is in brush with little open land to be found.

SALT FORK WILDLIFE AREA
Salt Fork Wildlife Area in Guernsey County boasts over 12,000 acres of public hunting ground. Numerous streams cross this wildlife area, with woodlands, shrubs and small trees making up the landscape.

Many sections of Salt Fork are extremely rugged, and hunters are advised to scout this area thoroughly before the opening of turkey season.

The main entrance road to Salt Fork Wildlife Area lies seven miles east of Cambridge on U.S. Route 22. This is a good public hunting area for turkey hunters in surrounding urban areas. Salt Fork is 72 miles from Canton, 88 miles from Columbus and 69 miles from Marietta.