LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION
This rugged, heavily-forested 2,096-acre wildlife area lies two miles west of Glouster and three miles east of Murray City off State Route 78.
The rough terrain consists of deep narrow valleys and narrow ridgetops interlaced by small streams, most of which are dry during the summer. Elevations range from 700 to 1,005 feet above sea level. Approximately 90 percent of the area is forested. Oak and hickory dominate the ridges and upper slopes. Maple, beech, tulip, elm, ash, and sycamore are common along the lower slopes and streams. Index of Ohio's trees from the Division of Forestry. Brushland and reverting old fields cover less than 10 percent of the area and openland less than 1 percent. Three ponds, a quarter-acre each, provide limited fishing.
HISTORY AND PURPOSE
The Sunday Creek Coal Company and later the Ohio Colliers Company deep-mined the area prior to state ownership. This mine produced up to 1,000 tons of coal per day and was the primary employment for local people from about 1900 to 1941. The mine covered an underground area of approximately two square miles. From the time of purchase in 1944 until 1948 the Trimble Wildlife Area was managed as a game refuge. In 1948, a regulated hunting plan was initiated which required hunters to register and obtain a season permit. Since 1953 the area has been open to public hunting.
Management work has included protection and improvement of existing woodlands and selective management of shrubby coverts and openland. The main emphasis is on forest game management.
Hunting is the major recreational use. Other uses include fishing, mushroom and berry picking, hiking, nature study, and bird watching.
WILDLIFE
The gray squirrel is the most abundant game species. White-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, wild turkey, and cottontail rabbit are the other principal game species. Waterfowl (mainly wood ducks) and woodcock occur in small numbers, generally as migrant visitors. All furbearers common to the region are found on the area. A rich variety of woodland songbirds are present in association with the diverse forest types.
HUNTING
The area is most popular for hunting gray squirrel, white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, wild turkey, and cottontail rabbit. Oak-hickory stands and beech groves scattered throughout the area provide good squirrel hunting and excellent habitat for the wild turkey. The reverting fields containing wild crabapple, hawthorn, and pine plantings in combination with second-growth hardwoods provide excellent grouse and deer habitat. The best rabbit hunting occurs in the reverting old fields and adjacent woodland edges. Waterfowl hunting is limited. There are good populations of woodchuck and raccoon.
UNUSUAL FEATURES
The Ohio Buckeye Trail passes through the area and is identified by blue trail markers.
Several stands of unusually large, mature oak-hickory and beech trees can be found. Readily accessible from roads and trails, these stands provide spectacular views during winter and early spring.
Oil wells and associated pipelines, oil tanks, and access roads are also present. Vehicular traffic is discouraged on oil well roads.
PUBLIC FACILITIES
Pull-off parking lots are available throughout the area from Township Roads 312 and 314. On the northeast side of the area, access and parking is also available from Township Road 313.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The nearest wildlife district office is at 360 East State Street, Athens, Ohio 45701; telephone (740) 594-2211.
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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