Milan Wildlife Area

LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION
This 296-acre wildlife area is in Erie County, 3.5 miles west of the village of Milan. State Route 113 provides access to the area off of Lovers Lane.

About three-fourths of the Milan Wildlife Area is wooded (primarily oak-hickory). Index of Ohio's trees from the Division of Forestry. Some rather steep slopes occur along the Huron River. The Huron River, the East Branch of the Huron River, and Christiana Creek pass through the wildlife area. These streams have shale-bottomed riffles and pools that offer good fishing.

HISTORY AND PURPOSE
The Division of Wildlife acquired the Milan Wildlife Area as a gift in 1932, to be used for the propagation of raccoons. An extensive raccoon propagation facility was maintained until 1953. Today the primary function of the area is to provide hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-related uses.

FISH AND WILDLIFE
Fox squirrels are the principal game species, but raccoons, opossums, and red squirrels are also present in considerable numbers. Deer are common and cottontail rabbits are present in varying numbers. Wood ducks nest in large trees along the river and small numbers of woodcock use the area. Mink and fox are common predators. Woodchucks provide year-round hunting except during the winter hibernation period. A wide variety of nongame wildlife can be found throughout the area. Spring is a great time for observing warbler migration along the Huron River.

The principal fishes of interest to the angler that are found in the Huron River, its East Branch, and Christiana Creek include smallmouth bass, rock bass, white sucker, crappies, and bullheads.

HUNTING, TRAPPING, AND FISHING
Squirrel hunting is productive in the woodlots at Milan. Rabbits and woodcock are also taken. Most of the furbearers are concentrated along the Huron River and its tributaries.

Fishing starts in early spring (late March, early April) for white suckers, and large numbers are taken on worms fished on small hooks or by spearing and snagging. Smallmouth bass and rock bass fishing is best during late spring and early summer, with live minnows, spinners, and other artificial lures. A significant run of large Lake Erie smallmouth bass moves into this part of the Huron River during May. Crappies are taken on minnows and artificial lures during spring. Bullheads are taken on nightcrawlers throughout the year.

PUBLIC USE FACILITIES
Parking is off of Lovers Lane, just north of the Huron River bridge.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Further information may be obtained from the Wildlife District Two Office, 952 Lima Avenue, Box A, Findlay, Ohio 45840; telephone (419) 424-5000.