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LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION
This 316-acre wildlife area lies in the gently rolling farming region of east central Darke County. It is six miles east of Greenville on the north side of U.S. Route 36. The area comprises three separate tracts of land. Most of the area is in meadow and grain crops intermixed with several small woodlots and scattered brushy coverts found mostly along Bolton Run, which meanders through the area.
HISTORY AND PURPOSE
The initial purchase of land for a public hunting and fishing area began in 1960. The area was acquired primarily for fishing; seven ponds ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 acres in size have been constructed. Wildlife cover conditions have been improved by the establishment of extensive meadow cover interspersed with grain crops, a portion of which are left standing each winter. Several thousand trees and shrubs have been planted to provide permanent wildlife cover.
FISH AND WILDLIFE
Cottontail rabbit, bobwhite quail, fox squirrel, woodchuck, white-tailed deer, muskrat, and raccoon are the principal game and furbearing species, with lesser numbers of pheasant, red and gray fox, mink, skunk, opossum, and waterfowl. Largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and crappies are the principal species of fish in the ponds. Smallmouth bass and rock bass inhabit Bolton Run.
HUNTING AND FISHING
The best rabbit and pheasant hunting is in the edges between the open areas of improved grass and legume cover, and in brushy fencerows and coverts. Fox squirrels are found in the woodlots and along the fencerows.
The best fishing in the ponds is in the deeper holes, and near weed patches and brushy areas. The deeper pockets in Bolton Run provide the best smallmouth bass and rock bass fishing.
PUBLIC USE FACILITIES
Parking lots, sometimes in combination with interior roads, provide easy angler access to the ponds and equally good access to the area for hunters.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Further information may be obtained from the Wildlife District Five Office, 1076 Old Springfield Pike, Xenia, Ohio 45385; telephone (937) 372-9261.
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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