As you can see from the image above,this is a HUGE area,Elk Fork Public Hunting area is part of this map mage.As is Mead paper track 250 which is also part of the experimental forest.Rt 50 runs to the north of all the properties and Rt 160 and Rt 32 run to the south.Rt 93 and rt 677 run the west side of the properties, and Rt 278 runs the east.Two State Parks are with in a few miles of this area making this one huge public hunting area,those parks are Lake Hope and Zeleski State Forest.

This image shows the main entrance into Elk Fork:

This image shows the sign to the entrance itself:

I am told by the forestry division that this area has approx. 13,000 acres plus the Mead Paper Public Area that borders Elk Fork has approx. 15-20,000 acreas,TRACK 250 is part of the Mead Paper property I am talking about.

I got to check this area out (Elk Fork),yesterday and Monday,and there was some timber clearing done in the recent years and months.BUT there is alot of timber still up and alot of good oppurtunites to fill your tags for deer and turkey.I saw alot of Red and Grey squirrels as I drove further into the property.

This area is not for the weak hearted or unfit,so make sure you are heathy enough to hunt this area.Alot of hills and other obstecles to confront.I found the further you go the more you see,and find that you beter have a full tank of gas,and that your vechicle is up to snuff,and running good.4X4 will do best,if there is any snow on the ground while visiting this area.

I will not RATE this area at this time,due to me not being able to actually hunt or scout this area good enough.My observations are from driving through the area.

So if you decide to go check this area out,GOOD luck and Please be safe !!!

Later All,...

Wolvie 

Mead Paper Track #250 - Rating 8.7

Isn't this a beautiful picture?

Sure it is,and it's a great place to hunt,hike,camp,picnic,you name it it is one of my favorite areas within the Old Mead Paper properties,or tracks as they call it.This Public Wildlife area abounds with scenery,beauty and yes,deer,turkey,and squirrels,and many more.There is a cemetary just west of where I was standing when I took this picture last year right before the bow opener.

Track #250 is also one of the largest tracks Mead Paper used to own and operate.Now the property of Meadwestvco,it is still open to the public.Many ways to get there and alot of road to travel.So make sure you know the area,or request a map of the area.O.P.W. can provide detailed maps for donations just to remind ya.

I can not point out any one certain area on this track,all of it is prime land.Just behind me about 100 yds or so there's acres and acres of pines and woods,galore.Trails cover this place like viens in your going through the body.I have hunted this area with great results,and not alot of pressure from other hunters.That's probly due to the track being so big,and vast.Acres wise,I would say it has to be well over 10,000 acres easy.

I rate this area a 8.7,which is high,and I believe it to be one of the best Public Wildlife areas around.But it can be expensive,gas wise.You'll wanna make sure you have a full tank and maybe some extra on hand just in case.The closest town is MacAurther which is N.E. of where I am standing to take this picture.Rt 50,Rt 32,Rt 160,and Rt 324 all border this track.ALOT of side roads,and most if not all are gravel,dirt type.So Escorts,and Pintos beware !! lol!You may also want to pack a picnic lunch,or some chow,and take a lawn chair or something while your eating to soak in the beauty of this area.I promise it is well worth the trip.Even if if just go to enjoy the scenery.

I will tell you this,the locals around there like to ride their ATV's,and ATV's are Illegal on this property.I counted at least 14 different riders in 2 hours time all throughout the property.By the cemetary there is a road that a small vechicle could drive down,or ATV,and they do.The road goes straight down,a huge hill with twist and turns,to let you know,I saw no deer tracks or signs in this area as I did in the other areas of the track.WOODS are the best,and showed me alot of nice signs,as well as turkeys,ALOT of them,..I saw 20 birds at least just hangin' out in an open field just outside the woods like the one above.

I wish everyone luck in this area,and let me know how the experience was for you.I am sure,that not much negatives will come of this or your visit.And take family along,great place to have a rough picnic,or cold cut and pop picnic.Take some pictures and video's,this is not only for the hunter in us all,but rather the OUTDOOR's in us all to appreciate,and thank GOD for such a Beautiful and wonderful place to visit,and hunt.Below is a sample aerial photo of the track.

Gas Prices are soaring,and it looks like there's no relief anytime in the near future or even further.And with that being said,it could mean less camping,fishing trips for the spring & summer season,and even into the fall and winter for the hunting season.

Unless our goverment gets it's rear in gear,we taxpayers,could be stuck to just going to work,and paying bills,and stuck at home,Or sporting closer to home.

This is one of the reasons "Ohio Public Wildlife" is here,to help sportsmen find those close,easy to get to "Wildlife Areas".Here are some suggestions to all you Ohio Sportsmen out there that want to get the most out of their sport.Try doing some or all of the following:

1.Fellowship with other hunters,by car pooling together to hunting,fishing,camping etc.Everyone shares in the cost of gas,and makes it alot more affodable for everyone.

2.Find closer Wildlife Areas to your home,I know that won't be easy,but it may seem easier then you think.Ohio has alot of "Public Wildlife Areas" and most go unnoticed,or heard of.You can find alot of these areas by contacting ODNR or visit "Ohio Public Wildlife" sites.

3.Plan out every aspect of your trip,and allow more money for gas for your trip (s).

4.Drive at a slower rate of speed,and allow more time for that slower rate,and save gas at the same time.

5.Don't use your AC if possible,more components that are operating during your drive,will reduce your gas mileage.Drive early or in the cool time of day,to reice stress on your vechicle,and yourself and family etc.

6.Try to keep your loads light,too much could result in TOO much gas being used to pull all that weight.

7.Instead of pulling a big ole camper or boat,try taking a tent or 2 along and rough it,it could be a learning experience,and try fishing from a shore,or bank of a river,rather then pulling a boat,and using more gas to power your boat.

8.Map out every turn, & mile you can,..a more direct and straight to the desired spot will save time and gas and money.

9.Try hiking,walking,or ride a bike when you arrive at your camp,or spot.Those little drives in the truck or car from one side of the lake or river can add up,and reduce your gas mileage.

10.Take food along,taking drives to the local mom 'n' pops shops and grocery stores should have already been taken care of before arriving at your spot.Added driving again reduces your saving of gas and money.

I hope these tips are helpful,and if anyone can think of more please feel freeto post it here or in the forums.Again "Ohio Public Wildlife" is here to help,...So please don't hesitate to ask.

As usual,Safe Huntin' N Hunt SAFE !!,..and that also goes for driving,and everything you do.

Wolvie

Here is the link to go to AEP web site to register for a FREE Permit.

*** You have to have one of these permits to enter any of the AEP's Property.
Remember they are free,and after you have registered and printed out your permit make sure you sign and date it so that way it is official.

Here's the link to register for a permit,good luck and be safe:
http://www.aep.com/environmental/recreation/recland/requestpermit.htm

AEP Home Site : http://www.aep.com/environmental/recreation/recland/default.htm

AEP Link to downloadable AEP's Property MAPS: http://www.aep.com/environmental/recreation/recland/maps.htm

Always think safety and remember kids are the future of our Hertiage,take a kid fishing and hunting .

Hello All,..This report and Rating is for the "AEP Poston Public Wildlife Area" in Logan Co.Just south of Nelsonville Ohio off RT691.

Coming from Columbus,take Rt 33 all the way to Nelsonville and through it,to Rt 691,.follow Rt 691 to Poston Station Rd,..and your there.Make sure you have a AEP Free Permit when entering the property.And place the permit on your dashboard so it can be seen by ODNR officers etc.

There is another section off Rt 691 just a little further down which borders Township Rd268 and T-266 & T-261.I found this area kinda over grown and alot of spotty home sectioned in and around this area.At the Poston Station Rd area it is more open,..and less cluttered with homes etc.

It is said that this area covers more then 10,000 acres,..I would have to agree.It is a big place with alot to offer.In 2006-2007 hunting season,this place wasn't known much,but by the 2007-2008 season it was known quite well.

I have seen alot of deer,squirrel,2 coyotes,and even grouse here,not to mention doves that love to tease you by setting on the power lines.They must know you cant shot them when they are on the lines?!Anyways,..Turkeys were also observed along with ducks and geese flying over head.In 2006-2007 season,I was able to fill my tag and my freezer that year,the next year,I didn't fair as well.The property had been found out about and alot of hunting activity went on there.Bowhunters had to contend with squirrel hunters and dove hunters who for the most part trampled around and ended up using the area for target shooting.Those hunters,or shooters were reported by the way.By Deer Gun Season,everyone was serious about filling their tags,but the weather would put a damper on that,but by that weekend,tags got filled.

I spent and logged over 180 hours in 2006-2007 season and logged and spent even more in 2007-2008 season well close to 250+ hours.With the weather of the past season the Poston Area didn't fair well in my rating or opinion.

The area consist of hills and a flat entry area the goes for about a mile back into the rear of the area and comes in contact with a bike path.Oaks,Pines,Ash, and a few other tree species are to be found in the area,and accorns were very abundant in this area.Also a LARGE thicket area that the deer love to get lost in,and good get aways from us is also located at the bottom,or the entry area.There's plenty of room to park and plenty of areas to check out.

With some hard work,scouting and the right set-up,this area can produce for you.In whatever your after.

My RATING for this area is a 6.8