WEST UNION, OH - For the third year deer hunters will have access to prime deer hunting land at the Edge of Appalachia Preserve in Adams County. In a five year agreement signed in 2006 The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC), and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife opened approximately 2,263 acres of land to deer hunting by permit only.
“The Edge of Appalachia agreement area is open to deer hunting only,” explained Dave Kohler, wildlife management supervisor for southwestern Ohio. “Deer hunters will have the opportunity to hunt in an area that has fantastic habitat.”
The Edge of Appalachia deer hunting permits and maps are free and available at the Edge of Appalachia office located at 3223 Wagoner Riffle Road, West Union, Ohio. These permits are valid for deer archery, deer gun, and statewide muzzleloader seasons. Hunters must be 18 years or older to obtain a permit. A valid 2008-2009 hunting license and deer tags are also required.
In the agreement between TNC, CMC, and ODNR Division of Wildlife, the Division of Wildlife agreed to assume responsibility for enforcement of laws associated with hunting and wildlife protection, illegal dumping, and off-road vehicle use on the 13,000 acre preserve.
In the areas where off-road vehicle use has occurred, the habitat suffered damage and destruction. When many of the native plants were destroyed by off-road vehicle use, the soil was exposed to the elements causing further soil erosion leading to more habitat destruction.
The Division of Wildlife began patrols of the area to decrease the off-road vehicle use and illegal dumping. To date several summons have been issued and off-road vehicle use has decreased.
“We appreciate the commitment of citizens in protecting wildlife and helping us enforce the law,” said Brown. “If anyone has information about people operating off-road vehicles, illegally dumping, or illegally hunting on the preserve they can make an anonymous tip at 1-800-POACHER or contact the Edge of Appalachia Preserve at 937-544-2188.”