Best Deer Hunting in Ohio: Top Public and Private Hunting Land

Six Reasons to Choose Ohio for Whitetail Deer Hunting

Ohio is the go-to destination for whitetail deer hunting, blending tradition with top-tier management practices. Here’s what sets Ohio apart for hunters who value their time in the field:

• Thriving Deer Population – Ohio’s deer management strategies have paid off, resulting in healthy, abundant deer populations. This success translates into higher chances of a successful hunt, making every outing worthwhile.
• Record Buck Harvests – Recent years have seen record-breaking buck harvests in Ohio, evidence of the state’s exceptional hunting grounds. For hunters looking for a trophy or simply a rewarding experience, Ohio delivers.
• Diverse Hunting Landscapes – From dense woodlands to open fields, Ohio’s varied terrain caters to a wide range of hunting strategies. Whether you prefer stealthy bow hunting or the challenge of tracking in snow, you’ll find your niche here.
• Flexible Seasons and Regulations – Ohio’s hunting regulations are designed with hunters in mind, offering flexibility across gun, bow, and muzzleloader seasons. The state adapts to changing deer populations and hunter feedback, ensuring the best possible experience.
• Responsive Wildlife Management – The Ohio Division of Wildlife actively monitors and manages deer numbers, ensuring a balance that benefits both the environment and the hunting community. Their approach means sustainable hunting today and for future generations.
• Supportive Hunting Community – Ohio boasts a vibrant hunting community, ready to welcome newcomers and share wisdom with veterans. It’s a culture that respects the sport and fosters lifelong friendships among those who share a passion for the outdoors.

Ohio stands out not just for its hunting opportunities but for the respect it commands among hunters. It’s a state where action meets tradition, where each hunt is about more than just the pursuit—it’s about being part of a legacy.

Ready to learn more?

Top Counties in Ohio for Whitetail Deer

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources keeps a close eye on hunting pressure on public lands. They adjust the bag limits and regulations to balance the deer population across all the public hunting lands. Some counties allow you to bag more than one deer with your deer permit as a way of controlling the deer herds.

Here are the top 10 counties with the largest deer harvests last year.

1. Coshocton: 7,740. 
2. Tuscarawas: 7,023
3. Ashtabula: 5,887
4. Muskingum: 5,789
5. Knox: 5,625
6. Licking: 5,429
7. Holmes: 5,324
8. Guernsey: 5,220
9. Carroll: 5,038
10. Trumbull: 4,703

That’s not really the full picture, though. Sure, you could bag a deer in Coshocton County. But it might be a button or a small antlerless deer. If you’re looking for trophy bucks, then you might want to pay attention to rankings. 

Here are the counties with the most top scorers in the Buckeye Big Buck Club:

1. Franklin County, Morrow County, and Knox County each have four hunters in the top 100 scorers list. They account for 13% of the top scores.
2. Ashland, Athens, Columbiana, Hamilton, Jefferson, Warren, and Wyandot counties each hold three records in the top 100 for big bucks.

Check out the Buckeye Big Buck Club scorers’ map to see even more records.

Best Public Ground for Deer Hunting

It’s not easy to come up with a list of the best Ohio public lands for deer hunting. But we can show you the areas with the highest harvest on public lands. Here’s where you can go hunting on public land where other people also find success. These are the counties with the highest percentage of the deer harvest being taken on public land.

Lawrence County – 23% of harvest on public land

• Wayne National Forest (Ironton District) – Near Ironton. Diverse terrain with hills, forests, and streams offering abundant wildlife and multiple hunting opportunities.
• Dean State Forest – Close to Ironton. Features rugged hills, dense forests, and clear streams, ideal for deer hunting.
• Lawrence Wildlife Area – Near Pedro. Comprises rolling terrain with a mix of forests and fields, providing excellent deer habitat.

Scioto County – 11.5% of harvest on public land

• Shawnee State Forest – Close to Portsmouth. Ohio’s largest state forest, offering steep terrain, hardwood forests, and rich wildlife diversity.
• Brush Creek State Forest – Near Portsmouth. Features rugged terrain with dense woodlands, home to a variety of game species.
• Scioto Trail State Forest – Near Chillicothe. Offers mixed hardwood forests on rolling hills, providing good deer and turkey hunting opportunities.

Muskingum County – 15.1% of harvest on public land

• Blue Rock State Forest – Near Zanesville. Characterized by steep, forested hills and deep valleys, with clear streams running through.
• Tri-Valley Wildlife Area – Near Dresden. Encompasses a mix of woods, fields, and wetlands, creating diverse habitats for wildlife.
• Dillon Wildlife Area – Near Zanesville. Features a mix of open land, forests, and water, providing excellent habitat for deer.

Vinton County – 13.8% of harvest on public land

• Zaleski State Forest – Close to McArthur. One of Ohio’s largest state forests, with rugged terrain, dense woods, and a rich history.
• Wayne National Forest (Athens District) – Offers diverse landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and rivers, suitable for hunting and recreation.
• Vinton Furnace State Experimental Forest – Near McArthur. Known for its experimental forest management and diverse, rugged terrain.

Hocking County – 14.4% of harvest on public land

• Hocking State Forest- Near Logan. Offers rocky gorges, forested hills, and scenic beauty, with good hunting opportunities.
• Wayne National Forest (Athens District) – Offers diverse landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and rivers, suitable for hunting and recreation.
• Tar Hollow State Forest – Near Laurelville. Features hilly terrain with hardwood forests, providing habitat for various game.

Washington County – 7.1% of harvest on public land

• Wayne National Forest (Marietta Unit) – Near Marietta. Offers diverse landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and rivers, suitable for hunting and recreation.
• AEP ReCreation Land (partly in Washington County) – Spread across several counties, near McConnelsville. Comprises reclaimed mining land with ponds, woods, and open fields.
• Wolf Creek Wildlife Area – Near Waterford. Features rolling hills with a mix of forests and open areas, providing good wildlife habitat.

Morgan County – 14.5% of harvest on public land

• Burr Oak State Park – Near Glouster. Surrounded by the Wayne National Forest, it offers wooded hillsides and abundant wildlife.
• AEP ReCreation Land (partly in Morgan County) – Spread across several counties. Comprises reclaimed mining land with ponds, woods, and open fields.
• Wayne National Forest (Marietta Unit) – Offers diverse landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and rivers, suitable for hunting and recreation.

Coshocton County – 9.9% of harvest on public land

• Woodbury Wildlife Area – Near Coshocton. Ohio’s largest public hunting area, with diverse terrain including woods, fields, and wetlands.
• Conesville Coal Lands (Wildlife Area) – Near Coshocton. Reclaimed coal mine land offering unique terrain and habitats for hunting.
• AEP ReCreation Land (nearby) – Spread across several counties. Comprises reclaimed mining land with ponds, woods, and open fields.

Athens County – 8.6% of harvest on public land

• Wayne National Forest (Athens District) – Offers diverse landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and rivers, suitable for hunting and recreation.
• Strouds Run State Park – Near Athens. Offers hilly, wooded terrain surrounding Dow Lake, with diverse wildlife populations.
• Zaleski State Forest (nearby in Vinton County) – One of Ohio’s largest state forests, with rugged terrain, dense woods, and a rich history.

If you want to find even more places, take a look at our list of Ohio public hunting lands. If you’re new to hunting with everyone else, we’ve got a guide for you about How to Hunt Public Land.

Hunting on Private Lands or a Private Hunting Estate

For those looking to expand their hunting opportunities beyond public lands in Ohio, exploring private hunting leases can offer more secluded and potentially more rewarding hunting experiences. Hunting Locator provides access to a wide range of private hunting lease lands in Ohio, ensuring that hunters can find the perfect spot that suits their hunting preferences and style. Below are essential resources and tips for securing a hunting lease in Ohio, including how to negotiate a hunting lease and highlights of the top 3 hunting leases in the state.

Ohio Private Hunting Lease Lands Search To start your search for the perfect private hunting lease in Ohio, visit the Ohio private hunting lease lands search page. Here, you’ll find a comprehensive list of available leases across the state, complete with details on location, size, and habitat type.

Understanding Hunting Lease Agreements Before entering into a hunting lease, it’s crucial to understand the terms and conditions of your agreement. Check out this informative blog post on hunting lease agreements to learn more about what to expect and how to ensure a fair and beneficial arrangement for both parties.

How to Negotiate a Hunting Lease

Negotiating a hunting lease can seem daunting at first, but with the right approach, you can secure a deal that meets your needs and expectations. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the negotiation process:

• Do Your Research: Understand the average lease prices in the area and what’s included in those leases.
• Be Clear About Your Intentions: Discuss your hunting methods, the game you’re interested in, and any improvements you might want to make to the land.
• Discuss Access and Use: Clearly define how often and when you can access the property, including any restrictions.
• Consider Liability Insurance: This can protect both the hunter and landowner in case of accidents.

Hunting leases can create brilliant ethical hunting experiences because you can talk with the landowner to find the best game, the best time, and the best approach.

Top 3 Hunting Leases in Ohio

1. Big Buck Haven, Coshocton County: This sprawling lease boasts a mixture of hardwood forests, agricultural lands, and water sources, making it a prime spot for trophy deer hunting.

2. Turkey Ridge, Muskingum County: Ideal for both deer and turkey hunting, Turkey Ridge offers diverse terrain with mature woods, open fields, and a well-maintained trail system.

3. Eagle Valley Outdoors, Adams County: There is 40+ acres of woods available, with a majority of the land being crop ground where the deer graze.

Securing a private hunting lease in Ohio can open the door to exclusive hunting experiences in some of the state’s most fertile hunting grounds. With the resources provided by Hunting Locator, finding and negotiating your next hunting lease is easier than ever.

Ohio Deer Hunting Seasons and Regulations

Ohio offers a variety of deer hunting seasons, each designed to provide hunters with ample opportunities while managing the deer population sustainably. Here’s what you need to know to plan your hunting season.

Key Dates and Seasons

Ohio’s proposed deer hunting dates for the 2024-25 season aim to provide hunters with a variety of opportunities. Here’s a brief overview:

• Deer archery: Sept. 28, 2024 – Feb. 2, 2025
• Youth deer gun: Nov. 16-17
• Deer gun: Dec. 2-8, Dec. 21-22
• Deer muzzleloader: Jan. 4-7, 2025

Bag limits and harvests could change due to deer movement patterns and population sizes. Check out the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website for the most up to date information.

Hunting Regulations and Bag Limits

The statewide bag limit is six deer, with only one being antlered. Hunters can combine individual county harvests to reach this limit. Special attention is given to public land hunting, where no more than one antlerless deer may be taken per license year, except in certain areas exempt from this regulation. In addition, hunters must be aware of county-specific bag limits which dictate how many deer can be harvested based on the county’s designated limit​.

Licenses and Permits

To hunt deer in Ohio, hunters are required to have a valid Ohio resident hunting license and an either-sex deer permit or a deer management permit unless exempt. Non-residents can also step into hunting in Ohio with a non-resident hunting license. The either-sex deer permit is valid statewide and can be used for both antlered and antlerless deer during any deer hunting season. Meanwhile, deer management permits are valid for taking antlerless deer only, with specific validity periods and restrictions based on the area hunted, including restrictions within the Disease Surveillance Area (DSA)​.

Conclusion

Diving into Ohio’s deer hunting is like stepping into a world where your hunting dreams can come alive, especially with Hunting Locator at your side. Think about this: Ohio’s brimming with prime spots that could be your ticket to the hunting adventure of a lifetime, thanks to its rich traditions, abundant deer populations, and community that gets it.

Now, imagine unlocking those secret, lush spots that only a few know about. That’s where Hunting Locator’s premium lease finding service comes into play. It’s not just about finding a piece of land; it’s about discovering a hunting haven where the stories of your best hunts begin. Ready to step into the big leagues of deer hunting in Ohio? Let Hunting Locator lead the way to your next big trophy.