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LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION
Simco Wildlife Area lies in the southeastern corner of Coshocton County, approximately 3 miles south of the town of Coshocton. Access to the area may be gained from State Route 83 and Township Road 276, which runs east-west through the area.
Over 97 percent of the land (837.4 acres) is forested. The remaining three percent (20.5 acres) is wetlands and ponds. The land comprising Simco has undergone many changes. Originally most of the area was forestland. In the late 1960s it was strip mined. Today most of the land has reverted to forestland.
HISTORY AND PURPOSE
The land comprising Simco Wildlife Area was acquired by the Division of Wildlife in 1993 from American Electric Power. Five hundred forty-two acres were mitigated from Meigs Mine #31. The area has a typha bog (cattail community) that was built in 1985, to treat water escaping from an old deep mine. The water travels through many cells and two ponds before it enters a stream. Water quality is tested periodically throughout the year. The entire area was strip mined in the late 1960s. Because of the mining, there are many high walls on the area.
Simco Wildlife Area is managed as forestland for wildlife recreational opportunities.
FISH AND WILDLIFE
White- tailed deer, squirrels, rabbits, wild turkey, and ruffed grouse are the primary species of interest. Furbearers including beaver, raccoon, opossum, muskrat, mink, and skunks are present. The water impoundments have been stocked with bass, bluegill, and channel catfish.
HUNTING, TRAPPING, AND FISHING
Deer and turkey hunting may be productive throughout the area. Grouse and rabbit hunting may be productive in the brush land areas. Good squirrel hunting may be encountered on most of the area. Simco Wildlife Area also presents good opportunities for trapping furbearers.
Hunters, especially entering the area in the dark, should be aware of the numerous high walls on the area. Many types of rough terrain exist here and caution should be exercised.
PUBLIC USE FACILITIES
There is a .3-mile gravel trail that users may travel on foot.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The nearest wildlife district office is located at 360 East State Street, Athens, Ohio 45701 – 1895; phone (740) 589-9930. Further information may be obtained from the Woodbury Wildlife Area Manager, 23371 State Route 60 S., Warsaw, Ohio 43844, Ohio; phone (740)-824-3211.
The Division of Wildlife enforces all state laws on these lands including hunting regulations. Enforcement priorities include prohibiting litter, off-road vehicle use, and timber theft and destruction.
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, 1-800-POACHER.
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