Indian Creek Wildlife Area

LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION
This 1,799-acre wildlife area is one mile east of Fayetteville in northern Brown County. County and township roads provide good access to the area from U.S. Routes 50 and 68.

The terrain is very flat, except for the narrow valleys of Indian Creek and Little Indian Creek, which flow westerly through the area. Approximately 60 percent of the area is open land, consisting of crop fields intermixed with fields of broomsedge and scattered sassafras, soft maple, pin oak, and gum. The remainder is divided equally between woods and brush. Pin oak, hickory, soft maple, and beech are the principal tree species. Cottonwood and sycamore are common along the streams. of Ohio's trees from the Division of Forestry.

HISTORY AND PURPOSE
Area acquisition began in 1952. Nearly 50 ponds, potholes, and shallow marshes—ranging up to 5 acres in size and totaling 65 surface acres—have been constructed to enhance conditions for waterfowl and furbearers, and to provide additional fishing opportunity. Bird dog field trials are a secondary use of the area and have become increasingly popular.

FISH AND WILDLIFE
Bobwhite quail, deer, cottontail rabbit, and gray and fox squirrels are the most abundant game species. The wildlife area lies in Ohio’s best quail range. Raccoon, muskrat, skunk, opossum, and waterfowl are the other major furbearer and game species. Woodcock frequent the area during migration.

All of the larger ponds and some of the small marshes have been stocked with fish. Largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish are the most important pond fish species.

HUNTING AND FISHING
The best hunting for upland game is in the open fields, brushy coverts, and along the old fencerows. The larger woods in the southwest and northwest portions of the area are usually the most rewarding for the squirrel hunter. Both decoy hunting and jump shooting are productive for ducks on the numerous small marshes, potholes, and ponds. Woodcock hunting is best in the wetter brushy coverts. Hunting is good for woodchuck and raccoon, both of which are well distributed throughout the area. Deer hunting is good and improving each year.

The best fishing is usually in the shallower areas of the ponds in early morning and late evening. During the day, fishing is more productive in the deeper water areas. The D.U. Greentree Marsh will be managed to establish habitat for wetland wildlife, opportunities for hunters, and a quality place to fish. The water in the marsh will be raised or lowered 2 feet maximum to protect the oak trees.

PUBLIC USE FACILITIES
Parking lots are well distributed over the area. Other facilities include a horse barn, a 95-acre dog training area, a shotgun range, and an archery course (handicap accessible). A 56-acre marsh and an 8-acre marsh were restored for waterfowl and related species habitat and nesting.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Further information may be obtained from Wildlife District Five Office, 1076 Old Springfield Pike, Xenia, Ohio 45385; Telephone (937)372-9261.