Whitetail Deer Hunting in Ohio
Ohio features some of the best whitetail trophy deer hunting in the world. Counties such as Licking, Muskingam, Adams and Coshocton are all well known for their large whitetail deer populations and trophy bucks. Ohio's deer management program limits each hunter to taking only one buck per year, which promotes bucks becoming mature trophy size.
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Dillon Wildlife Area
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The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife and Division of Parks and Recreation manage the Dillon Wildlife Area which encompasses 8,200 acres for recreation and wildlife activities. This area was originally obtained for flood control with the construction of the Dillon Reservoir. Over half of the land is woodlands making it a prime habitat for whitetail deer. This land is located in both Licking and Muskingam counties, with easy access from State Route 16. The key to successful deer hunting here is to study the maps of the park and find spots that other hunters may overlook.
Woodbury Wildlife Area
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The Woodbury Wildlife Area is located five miles West of Coshocton. At 20,000 acres, this area is one of Ohio's largest public hunting land areas. This area encourages whitetail deer populations due to the amount of brush, woodland and ponds. Night hunters should be aware that this area contains several highwalls that could be encountered during hunting. State routes 15, 36, 60 and 541 all give easy access to the land along with local township roads. This land also has a handicapped accessible road for hunters that have a handicapped permit. Primitive camping areas are available along with other lodging options in Coshocton.
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Conesville Coal Land
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The Conesville Coal Land covers approximately 12,000 acres of Southeast Coshocton and is owned by American Electric Power company. Conesville Land was originally used for strip mining. Both Muskingham and Coshocton counties share this land for wildlife hunting through a public agreement with the Ohio Division of Wildlife. State routes 83 and 51 intersect this area. Free permits to hunt this land can be obtained at local bait shops. Public access can be restricted at different times due to AEP activities, so hunters should watch for signs posting these activities and times.
Kokosing Wildlife Area
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The Knox County wildlife area is located northwest of Fredrickstown and five miles northeast of Chesterville. The Kokosing Wildlife area includes 1,323 acres of public hunting and recreation land surrounding the Kokosing Lake. Limited camping facilities are located in the southeast corner of the area north of county Road 6. For easiest access to this land, use state Routes 13 and 546.
Hocking State Forest
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Hocking State Forest boasts over 9,200 acres of public land with plenty of whitetail deer hunting opportunities. This land is managed by the state of Ohio with special emphasis on forest cover which, in turn, creates ideal whitetail deer habitats. Hunters should be aware of private land being inter-mingled with public land while hunting. Yellow paint will mark the boundaries between private and public land. For access to the park, use state Route 33 to Rockbridge, then follow state Route 180 to the edge of the woodlands. Camping and lodging are available at Hocking Hills State Park.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit deer image by bedecs from Fotolia.com
