Public hunting is allowed on about 1,280 acres. Other than in developed areas, hunting is permitted throughout the project property. Hunters visiting Mahoning Lake will find a variety of terrain and cover. It's an easy drive from the Pittsburgh area.

The public hunting lands at Mahoning extend upstream along the creek into both Indiana and Jefferson counties. The terrain close to the dam is rugged and heavily wooded.

Using a boat to access more remote hunting areas is a possibility, unless a significant winter drawdown -- which typically occurs during mid- to late-October -- leaves the Milton boat access at the upper end of the lake high and dry. A secondary ramp near the town of Dayton extends into the lake at winter pool. The road leading to the area is narrow and winding. For this reason, the U.S. Corps of Engineers closes the road in winter.

The pool's length at winter pool is less than two miles.

If you decide to use a boat to access these steep ridges, a 10-horsepower limit is in place.

The more significant public areas are upstream of Milton along state Route 839. Township Road 371 intersects with Route 839 near Milton and runs along the northern portion of the property.

Here the terrain flattens out dramatically, and the tract is much wider. Sharecroppers farm a portion of this land, which is a mix of cultivated terrain, brush and woods.

Access to the other side of the area requires wading across a shallow section of Mahoning Creek.

This is fertile bottomland with a mix of mature hardwoods and younger growth.

Farther upstream, Little Mahoning Creek joins Mahoning Creek. An iron bridge spans Mahoning Creek at the junction. Public lands also straddle Little Mahoning a couple of miles upstream toward Smicksburg, and extend up Mahoning Creek toward North Point.

One fact of deer-hunting life in the Keystone State is that once opening day has come and gone, hunting pressure tends to wane, even on public hunting areas.

Boat hunters should keep in mind that fall weather will impact hunting. Before planning a water-based hunt, be sure to call ahead for daily lake conditions at (814) 257-8017.

To contact the park office, call (814) 257-8811.

CURWENSVILLE PROJECT
Located on the West Branch Susquehanna River, the flood-control project on Curwensville Lake is one of those off-the-beaten-path places that many sportsmen pass up.

That's true of fisherman, even more so of hunters.

But Curwensville Lake is popular among duck hunters, and it has possibilities for deer. The project lies about 30 miles from DuBois and 13 miles from Clearfield. Not far from the Interstate 80 corridor, the area is a good bet for hunters.

Expect steep, wooded ridges running alongside the reservoir. Hiking trails that extend from the lake's recreation area provide access to the hunting areas. Hunting is not permitted in the developed areas of Curwensville Lake.

The project area extends from the dam upriver to the Lumber City area. State Route 969 runs along the northern edge of this project.

The lake's main recreation area may be reached by taking state Route 453 south out of Curwensville.

RAYSTOWN PROJECT
Another excellent option for central Pennsylvania hunters is the land surrounding Raystown Lake.

As you might expect from a lake that stretches for nearly 30 miles along the Raystown Branch Juniata River, there's a significant amount of public hunting land here.