Photo Provided Bald eagles are among the many species that are found at Simco Wildlife Area in Coshocton County, Ohio.

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife recently completed a purchase of 844 acres adjacent to Simco Wildlife Area in Coshocton County. The acquisition will double the size of Simco Wildlife Area, bringing its total acreage to 1,688.

“The latest acquisition at Simco Wildlife Area adds valuable habitat to eastern Ohio’s public lands,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “Thank you to all the sportsmen and women who have contributed to conservation in Ohio. Their support has made this purchase possible.”

The newest acreage at Simco Wildlife Area was purchased from American Electric Power. The Division of Wildlife used $1.8 million of funding from the 2022-23 biennial budget approved by the Ohio General Assembly.

Simco Wildlife Area is composed mainly of woodlands, hosting wildlife species such as white-tailed deer, wild turkey and squirrels. Coshocton County, where Simco Wildlife Area is located, is Ohio’s top deer hunting county and leads the state with 5,985 deer taken thus far in 2023. Also, there are at least eight documented bald eagle nests within 10 miles of the Simco Wildlife Area.

“The demand for public land is great in this region of Ohio because of the good hunting that is available, plus the area is an easy drive from both the Cleveland and Columbus metro areas,” ODNR Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker said.

The land lies near the Muskingum River, which is a major flyway corridor for birds. Birding opportunities abound year-round, with bald eagles, woodpeckers, nuthatches, kinglets and more present.

This property consists of reclaimed coal mining lands. Several small ponds provide good fishing opportunities.

Simco Wildlife Area is about 3 miles south of the town of Coshocton. The newest parcel is south and west of Simco’s existing 844 acres, along Ohio 83. Visitors can access the area from Ohio 83 on the west, along Township Road 141 on the eastern side or from Township Road 280 to the northwest.

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The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.