Selecting just one whitetail hunt in District Four is a difficult task. In fact, just about any public hunting area is worth targeting.

The district's vast national and state forest holdings are good bets, but the Ohio Division of Wildlife's latest report suggests that the Crown City and Waterloo wildlife areas might be a better choice this season.

Though specific statistics are not available, it's a good bet that the Crown City Wildlife Area in Gallia County produced its share of the county's 2,402 whitetails last December.

The 11,136-acre area contains approximately 4,000 acres of reclaimed openings with the remainder of the property dominated by mixed growth forests.

The old mining operations at Crown City WA targeted exposed high ground such as ridge tops. The area's ravines, ditches and draws were untouched. These low-lying reaches are now forested, while the reclaimed lands are still open ground. As a result, edge habitat is abundant.

Hunters may access the Crown City Wildlife Area via Rocky Fork Road, which is off state Route 218 approximately four miles north of Crown City.

For maps or more information, contact the District Four office or the Cooper Hollow Wildlife Area manager at (740) 682-7524.

Much like Jockey Hollow and Crown City, Hemming describes the terrain at Waterloo as hilly. But, unlike those other wildlife areas, Waterloo is primarily forested land.

The Division of Wildlife has conducted some cutting to promote edge habitat. Hemming recommends hunters focus on cuttings with younger growth. These areas not only provide good cover but also plenty of forage for deer in December.

The Waterloo Wildlife Area is 10 miles west of Athens at the junction of state routes 56 and 356.

For a map or more information, contact the District Four office of the Division of Wildlife or the Waterloo Research Station at (740) 664-2745).

East Fork is not as steep as some of the District Four destinations, but it does feature some rolling hills. Flat terrain can also be found on the area. According to Rick Jasper, District Five assistant wildlife management supervisor, East Fork has a good mix of forest, brush land and open grassy areas. Crops are also planted throughout the area to help maintain open ground.

Edge habitat is a good place to start, but Jasper recommends scouting the area before the gun season. Look for natural funnels or other areas that whitetails may cross when pressured.

Remote patches of thick escape cover are also good places to find pressured deer. The wildlife area covers 2,248 acres and the park adds almost another 5,700 acres, so there is plenty of ground to scout.

Access to the area is provided by state Route 222 approximately four miles southeast of Batavia.

For a map and more information, contact the District Five office of the Ohio Division of Wildlife, 1076 Old Springfield Pike, Xenia, OH 45385; or call (937) 372-9261.