For more information on the Lake La Su An Wildlife Area, contact the ODOW's District Two headquarters at (419) 424-5000.

GRAND RIVER WILDLIFE AREA
The 7,231-acre Grand River Wildlife Area in Trumbull County is one of the better wildlife areas to hunt, not only in District Three, but in the entire state.

According to Damon Greer, the assistant wildlife management supervisor, the Grand River is heavily hunted. However, much of the area is underhunted due to difficult and limited accessibility.

"Most of the area is flat and swampy," noted Greer. "Furthermore, the main mass of hunting land is bordered by the Grand River, making it difficult to access certain spots."

For some hunters, this may be seen as a deterrent, while others view it as an opportunity.

"The deer that inhabit the thickest swamp areas rarely see much hunting pressure," said Greer. "Hunters who do penetrate such locations are bound to find some deer."

According to the ODOW, Trumbull County gave up 1,742 deer during the '05 hunting season, up 9 percent from the '04 season.

"We expect another banner year in '06," said Greer.

There are 12 ponds and 15 manmade marshes in the Grand River Wildlife Area. State Route 88 cuts through the center of the area, and state Route 534 borders it to the west.

Some orienteering skills are required, but if it's trophy deer and great habitat you're looking for, the Grand River Wildlife Area is the place to be.

For more information on the Grand River Wildlife Area, contact the District Three headquarters at (330) 644-2293.

WOODBURY WILDLIFE AREA
The Woodbury Wildlife Area in Coshocton County is the largest wildlife area in the state, offering hunters 19,202 acres of prime hunting land. The terrain features a mix of fields, brush lands and woodlands. Some sections have been heavily mined over the past 20 years. The terrain ranges from steep ravines to slightly rolling hills.

Jim Hill, a District Four wildlife biologist, pointed out that the Woodbury Wildlife Area has several redeeming features that make it a great choice for a December hunt.

"First of all," he said, "there are several Buckeye Big Buck Club qualifiers roaming the area -- that I can say confidently. Secondly, the area is close to numerous densely populated metropolitan areas, making it convenient for thousands of gun hunters."

Popular hunting methods range from still-hunting, stand-hunting and driving. With so much land available, hunters can pretty well pick and choose how they want to approach their quarry.

Access may be found off Route 60 north of Interstate 70. Also, state Route 541 runs through the center of the area. Parking is abundant.

For additional information on the Woodbury Wildlife Area, contact the District Four headquarters at (740) 594-2211.

TRANQUILITY WILDLIFE AREA
The Tranquility Wildlife Area in Adams County is a 4,254-acre big buck magnet. The terrain is unglaciated and relatively hilly -- not for the faint of heart. During the 2005 deer gun season, 1,285 deer were harvested in Adams County, many of them coming from Tranquility.

Dave Kohler, a District Five wildlife biologist, pointed out that several small streams, woodlands and crop fields divide the area.

"This area is terrific for hunters looking to bag a big buck," Kohler said, noting that hunting pressure is moderate.

"We think the hunting here will be excellent for the 2006 season," he noted.

Access to the Tranquility Wildlife Area is off county Road 100, also known as Old State Route 32. A public shooting range is on township Road 100 off state Route 770.

For more information on Tranquility Wildlife Area, contact the District Five headquarters at (937) 372-9261.

For additional information, call 1-800-WILDLIFE, or log onto the Ohio Division of Wildlife's Web site at www.dnr.state.OH.us/wildlife.