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LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION
This 569-acre wildlife area lies 9.7 miles east of the city of Akron in the Portage County. This area is primarily comprised of lake (262 Acres) and marshland (128 acres) with about 179 acres of associated uplands and forested habitat. There are two improved boat launches, one located at the east and the other at the west end of the lake. Access to the area is off East Waterloo Road, west of State Route 43.
HISTORY AND PURPOSE
This area was previously owned and managed as a recreational facility for the employees of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company of Akron. Also associated with this acquisition are the Wingfoot Bowman’s Club and Goodyear Hunting and Fishing Club. This area will be managed as a public hunting and trapping area for wetland and upland wildlife. Hunting, trapping, and wildlife viewing are the primary recreational uses.
FISH AND WILDLIFE
This area offers a wide variety of wetland wildlife species. A variety of waterfowl frequent the marshland as well as the adjacent reservoir. Mallards, wood ducks, and Canada geese are common while numbers of diving duck species including scaup, ring-necked, buffleheads, and canvasbacks may be seen on the adjacent open waters of the lake during late fall and winter. Furbearers, including mink, muskrat, raccoon, and beaver may be commonly encountered in this area.
HUNTING AND TRAPPING
Deer, small game hunting, and furbearer trapping are open to the public throughout this area, however a permit is required to trap beaver or river otter on this or any Division of Wildlife-owned or managed land. Waterfowl hunting opportunities are also available by permit only. Contact the division for information about waterfowl hunting and beaver and river otter trapping opportunities.
PUBLIC USE FACILITIES
There are two boat launches located on the northeast and northwest ends of the lake. The northeast boat launch is accessible through the Wingfoot Lake State Park. This is a shallow ramp and only suitable for smaller boats. The northwest boat access is accessible from Farr Lane off East Waterloo Road. A public archery range is located at the Wingfoot Bowhunters Club off Old Waterloo Rd. which is operated and maintained in cooperation with the Wingfoot Bowhunters Club. Hours of operation: October – February (Daily), March – September (Open Saturday until 2:00 p.m. and tournaments are held on Sundays).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Further information may be obtained from the Wildlife District Three Office, 912 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron, OH 44319; telephone (330) 644-2293.
A hydrographic fishing map (Publication 137) for Wingfoot Lake is available.
TURN IN A POACHER
Ohio’s TIP, “Turn In a Poacher,” program is helping to curtail poaching throughout the state. TIP is designed to involve the public in reporting wildlife violations. Citizens who observe wildlife violations should call the TIP toll-free hotline at 1-800-POACHER.
Return to northeast Ohio list of wildlife area maps. |