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Sandusky Wildlife Area

2035 River Rd, Bucyrus, OH 44820

Sandusky Wildlife Area (SWA) is a great public hunting opportunity here in Crawford County. It is open to all legal hunting for Crawford County residents ONLY!

The SWA, a 35-acre site preserved by the Crawford Park District in partnership with the Friends of the Crawford Park District, the Ohio Department of Transportation, and the Ohio Division of Wildlife, offers a unique opportunity for outdoor recreation along the scenic Sandusky River. This area promotes water quality, preserves wildlife habitat, and provides space for hunting. Established in 2005, SWA has afforded many Crawford County residents opportunities to pursue game animals.  Many White-tail Deer have been taken, among them sizable bucks.  With the many oaks and hickories, it is a haven for Fox Squirrels as they scurry about collecting nuts.  Wild Turkeys are also numerous, foraging the slopes for grubs and roosting in the trees, and Mourning Doves frequent the Conservation Reserve land in the Sandusky River floodplain.  The Park District is proud to offer this unique opportunity for the outdoors men, women, and youths of Crawford County at Sandusky Wildlife Area.

Hunting Rules & Information

• Eligibility: Must hold a current State Hunting License and be a resident of Crawford County.
• No Hunting Zones: The north side of the Sandusky River and a 100-foot corridor on each side are strictly off-limits. Portions of the property contain a conservation easement through funding sourced from the Ohio Public Works Commission in 2004.
• Allowed Areas: Wooded areas and fields south and east of the river.
• Park Hours: Dawn (½ hour before sunrise) to sunset. Hunters must leave the parking lot by dark.
• Safety First: Use the boundary map on our website. Respect private property and posted signs.

Important Safety Notices

• Hazards include deep animal holes, tree roots, steep slopes, cliffs, and river crossings. Access may be restricted during high water or flooding.
• Hunting is at your own risk. Be alert for other sportsmen on the property.
• No permanent blinds or tree stands. Portable blinds and decoys must be removed daily.
• Temporary climbing stands for deer hunting are allowed during the season but must be labeled with the owner’s name and address and removed by the last day of deer season.
• No nails or spikes in trees.

Working Together
We are a small agency, and your cooperation is essential to keep this area safe and enjoyable for everyone. Please follow all posted rules and state regulations. Remember: Visits to this area are a privilege—not a right.
For questions or more information, contact the Crawford Park District at (419) 683-9000.


The CPD also offers hunting at two State Nature Preserves: Sears Woods and Carmean Woods. Hunting at these preserves is through LOTTERY ONLY. Lottery forms are mailed out at the beginning of August, with the drawing taking place around the first of September. For more information, or to be added to the lottery mailing list, contact the Crawford Park District office at 419-683-9000.​