Wyandot Wildlife Area

LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION
Wyandot Wildlife Area is in northwestern Ohio, one mile south of Carey on U.S. Route 23. Wyandot County Road 97, running north and south through the area, provides the best access to the area. Crawford Township Road 98 borders the area on the east.

This 338-acre wildlife area is situated in the glacial lake plain region of Ohio and is relatively flat. The average elevation is 828 feet above sea level, with minimum and maximum elevations of 823 and 840 feet.

There are approximately 160 acres of woodland—two portions were cut over in the 1930s and have since grown up in heavy brush, saplings, and pole-sized, oak-hickory timber. Oaks include all the more common species, such as white, black, red, scarlet, swamp white, and pin. The hickories are generally shagbarks and pignuts, with a few butternuts. Associated species are white ash, black cherry, black gum, cottonwood, beech, hard and soft maples, and black walnut. Index of Ohio's trees from the Division of Forestry. Old field boundaries have been permitted to grow up into natural cover.

A small pond of approximately 3/4 of an acre was constructed in a marshy section in the southeast corner of the area. A 15-acre borrow pit on the extreme northern end was created during relocation and construction of U.S. Route 23.

HISTORY AND PURPOSE
The habitat and geographic location are ideal for pheasants and rabbits. Raccoons and fox squirrels are found in good numbers in the woodlot. Opossums and skunks are seen occasionally. Woodchucks are present, but not plentiful. Woodcock are seen in the spring and fall migrations, and a few nest here. A wide variety of songbirds can be found on this small wildlife area. A few deer utilize the heavy cover in winter and spring.

The two small ponds have limited populations of fish that are characteristic of small ponds. Bluegills, green sunfish, largemouth bass, and channel catfish are the predominant species. A few hybrid sunfish and carp are present.

HUNTING, TRAPPING, AND FISHING
This small area is easily covered on foot. The grassland provides ideal cover for rabbits
and pheasants. Excellent squirrel hunting is found in the woodlot, which is one of the largest in Wyandot County.

To fish for bluegills, green sunfish, and hybrid sunfish, the best method is to use waxworms, redworms, or small flies fished with either a spinning rod and bobber or a fly rod. Channel catfish and carp are best taken by fishing live or cut bait on the bottom. Many anglers prefer to fish for largemouth bass with a surface lure during the early morning or late evening.

The best conditions for using a surface lure are the quiet hours when the light is dim. The lure should be fished around cover and the pond edges for best success. Largemouth bass can also be taken by using either a minnow or a night crawler fished slowly along the bottom.

PUBLIC USE FACILITIES
A parking area is located on County Road 97, near the shotgun target area. Users of the shotgun target area should be aware that only paper or clay targets are to be used.

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