| Indian Creek a natural paradise |
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| Thursday, 17 September 2009 | |
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By BRETT ROLLER The area was purchased by the state beginning in 1952 and the ponds were constructed by damming up Indian Creek Wildlife Area in order to increase fishing opportunities in the area. All that is needed is an Ohio license and an outdoors man can park in any of the dozen parking lots spread throughout the park and jump right in. The area is mostly grassland with nearly 65 acres of ponds and their tributaries as well as several acres of woods. Some of the land is still farmed while other areas are planted to attract doves, quail, pheasants, and crows. There are also 56 acres of marsh that attract waterfowl of all types. In addition to ducks and geese, woodcocks are seen during migration seasons. Trappers will find plenty of creek beds meandering through the area where raccoon, muskrat, skunk, and opossums can be found. Frogs are also very abundant throughout the ponds and marshlands. By far the most abundant game species in addition to bobwhite quail are deer, cottontail rabbit, and gray and fox squirrels. The deer hunting improves annually. Wild turkeys can also be found in the area. If hunters are having a little trouble hitting their prey there are practice ranges available. The archery range is located on Murrary Corner Road just before the road turns east. The range has several foam targets of varying distances. There is also a broadhead pit. All targets are handicapped accessible by paved paths with the exception of the broadhead pit. The shotgun range is located near the south end of the eastern spur of Campbell Road. Range users will want to bring their own thrower and clay targets only. Bird shot is the only load aloud on the range. For bird dog enthusiasts the northeast corner of the area has been designated a 95-acre dog training area. The area is complete with several small ponds, a wooded area, and tall grasses. Most of the ponds are stocked with blue gill, catfish, and large mouth bass. All catches meeting size requirements can be kept except those caught at the catch and release pond on Campbell Road just west of the fork. The catch and release pond is geared toward younger fishermen, but can be enjoyed by all ages. The largest pond is nearly three surface acres and right at the intersection of Campbell Road and Murray Corner Road. The area also offers hunter safety courses throughout the year for groups by appointment. A large course open to any one interested is usually held in late October or early November. Call (937) 372-9261 for exact dates. The courses are held at the area headquarters in the northwest corner of the area off of Snowhill Road. In addition to animal hunting, the area is great for berry picking and mushroom hunting. There are numerous brush patches full of a variety of wild berries. Mushrooms can be found throughout the wooded areas and in some of the marshes right after heavy rains. For the wild life enthusiasts who prefers to do their shooting with a camera the area offers a few nice vistas and plenty of macro beauty. There are no hiking trails and no overnight camping is allowed, but with the right protection against mud and bugs a great day can be had forging through the tall grass and woods spotting countless bird species ranging from American kestrels to bald eagles and other wildlife. The area receives several hundred thousands visitors a year but with nearly 1,800 acres to roam it is easy to become fully immersed in nature without another human in sight. For more information call the area headquarters at (513) 875-2111 or (937) 372-9261. The Ohio Division of Wildlife’s website also has a map and additional information. |
Hunting, berry picking, mushroom searching are all part of the experience at Indian Creek Wildlife Area southeast of Fayetteville| < Prev | Next > |
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