AKRON, OH – Special opportunities to hunt Saturdays and Sundays during spring turkey season at Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area Refuge in Trumbull County are planned according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). The goal of this unique opportunity is to bring together experienced and new hunters.

Successful applicants will be granted the opportunity to hunt within the Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area Refuge which is otherwise closed to the public. One hunting unit will be drawn for each day (a Saturday or a Sunday during the spring turkey season). A total of eight permits will be available.

Those interested in hunting must apply by calling ODNR Division of Wildlife and leaving a voicemail message at (330) 245-3030. The application deadline is Wednesday, March 27 at 4 p.m. One mentor and one mentee are eligible to apply. Only the mentee, the person new to turkey hunting, is permitted to shoot.

The mentor as well as the mentee must apply together and must meet the following requirements to participate in the hunt:

A mentor is a person who accompanies someone new to turkey hunting. The mentor must be at least 21 years of age. The mentee can be of any age.

The mentee must meet one of the following requirements to be eligible as a new turkey hunter:

1. Has never previously held an Ohio hunting license or Ohio apprentice hunting license.

2. Has previously held an Ohio hunting license or apprentice hunting license but has not turkey hunted in the last five years.

Applicants must provide customer identification numbers, telephone numbers, and email addresses when applying. All applicants must possess an Ohio hunting license or Ohio apprentice hunting license to apply.

Successful applicants will be selected through a random drawing and then will be provided a permit, a map, and other hunt details. Applicants who are not drawn and applicants who fail to meet the requirements will not be contacted.

Questions can be directed to Wildlife District Three Headquarters at (330) 644-2293.

For more information about the ODNR Division of Wildlife and other controlled hunting opportunities visit wildohio.gov.

To view, download, and print a map of Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area, visit wildohio.gov

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.