Mallard Club Wildlife Area

LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION
The 402-acre Mallard Club Marsh Wildlife Area is bounded on the west by Maumee Bay State Park, the north by Maumee Bay, the north and east by Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge, and the south by Cedar Point Road. The area can be reached from State Route 2, by traveling two miles north on either Cousino Road or Decant Road.

Users of the area should be aware that the Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge adjoins Mallard Club Marsh on the north and east. Entrance to Cedar Point property is by permit only. Dikes mark the start of Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge property and visitors to Mallard Club Marsh must stay off these structures.

The area is managed to provide optimum wetland vegetation for a variety of wetland wildlife species. Water levels throughout the marsh range from a few inches to three feet.

HISTORY AND PURPOSE
Mallard Club Marsh is named for a duck hunting club which occupied the northern portion of the current area until 1974. The area was purchased by the Department of Natural Resources in 1974 and acquired by the Division of Wildlife in 1992. President Eisenhower hunted this marsh while it was in private ownership. In November 1994, the area underwent major renovation converting former crop land areas back to wetland habitat. Construction included dike renovation, installation of pumps, and development of water supply channels for the purpose of water level management.

WILDLIFE AND WILDLIFE WATCHING
The area is managed for wetland wildlife. Large numbers of waterfowl use the area including mallards, black ducks, wood ducks, blue-winged and green-winged teal, and Canada geese. Other species of interest include bald eagle, , American bittern, and a variety of shorebirds and songbirds. Spring is an excellent time to walk the marsh dikes and observe migrating birds. Over 300 species of birds have been recorded in the area and the surrounding marshes. Check with the Wildlife District Two Office about peak times for bird migrations.

HUNTING AND TRAPPING
Migratory game birds such as sora, Virginia rail, mourning dove, and common snipe can be found at Mallard Club throughout the fall. The best opportunity for snipe and rail occur during September.

Waterfowl hunting is popular and open throughout the established seasons. Mallards, teal, and Canada geese are the most common waterfowl on Mallard Club. Use of decoys, concealment, and patience are recommended for waterfowl hunters using this area.

Trapping is permitted, and muskrats are plentiful. Raccoon and mink are also common and available for the trapping enthusiast.

PUBLIC USE FACILITIES
Three parking lots are located across the south edge of the property. Access is gained from these points. No permanent blinds are available and no other facilities are present.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The nearest wildlife district office is Wildlife District Two, 952 Lima Avenue, Findlay, Ohio 45840, phone (419) 424-5000.