Ohio is a great state for hunting public land! There are plenty of places to choose from, and the scenery is beautiful.
Ohio is a great state for hunting, and public hunting here is no different! There are plenty of places to choose from, and the scenery is breathtakingly beautiful. So let’s dive in and take a look at our picks for hunting public land.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) offers a variety of hunting opportunities on more than 70 state-managed wildlife areas. These wildlife areas are open to the public for hunting, trapping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. There’s also a variety of specialty hunts, including muzzleloader, archery, and special youth hunting dates.
If you are new to hunting, the ODNR offers a Hunter Education Course to teach you the basics of hunting safety.
Before you go out and start shooting, there are a few things you need to know about safety.
Safety is always the first priority when hunting in Ohio. To obtains a hunting license in Ohio, you must complete a hunters education course. There are a few options and lots of websites for this.
I recommend going straight to the source, Ohio Division of Natural Resources (ODNR) offers a hunters education course for anyone over 12 years old. You can do this in person with a trained instructor or online. Here is the link:
The online course is $24.95 to complete and has unlimited retakes if you do not pass the first time.
Ohio does not require a bow hunting course to hunt, but they do offer one. It’s pretty informative and if you have the time or have questions, it’s certainly worth taking.
Here are our 5 favorite places in Ohio when hunting public land
1. Wayne National Forest: The 24,000 acres of Wayne National Forest provide a great opportunity for hunters to enjoy the outdoors and bag some game. This area is a popular spot due to its large and varied terrain and its abundance of game. It also offers plenty of safety, with trained personnel always nearby to help and answer any questions.
2. Coshocton Lake Wildlife Area: Coshocton Lake Wildlife Area is also a great choice for hunters. It encompasses 8,249 acres and offers plenty of deer, squirrel, and turkey hunting opportunities. There is also a 4,500 acre lake that offers excellent fishing, as well as rich habitat for waterfowl. The lake has a safety program in effect, which helps to ensure the safety of all visitors.
3. Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area: Located in Trumbull County, Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area is a popular spot for deer and upland game hunters. It offers a variety of landscapes, ranging from marshlands to hardwood forests. Safety is taken very seriously here, and visitors are encouraged to follow the posted rules and regulations.
4. Indian Lake: Indian Lake is one of the biggest and most popular bodies of water in Ohio. With over 17,000 acres, it is a great spot to try your luck at waterfowl hunting, or finding that next big buck.
5. Berlin Lake: Berlin Lake Wildlife Area might not be the most popular spot for everyone, but it certainly is on our top 5 list. It’s on the smaller side with just over 8,000 acres of wildlife area of which 4,928 acres are available for public hunting, and includes a dog training field and archery target practice.
The first place on our list is: Wayne National Forest
The first place on our list is, Wayne National Forest. This forest is home to many different kinds of animals, including deer, bears, turkeys, and more. This area offers plenty of hunting opportunities. I mean it’s huge so you’re bound to run into something, or nothing. And it’s well maintained by the state of Ohio. Furthermore, Wayne National Forest has educational programs for hunters who want to learn about safety.
Apart from hunting, outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy a myriad of activities at Wayne National Forest, such as camping, fishing, canoeing, biking, swimming and much more. Moreover, eco-tourists can take a guided tour to learn about the region’s biodiversity and get up close with its wildlife.
Hunting is allowed generally anywhere in Wayne National Forest with some exceptions. Such as within 150 yards of a public open area. Meaning a residence, building, campsite, campgrounds, picnic areas, parking areas, swimming areas, and trailheads. Discharging a firearm is also prohibited in the following conditions
- From, into, or across any parking area, trail, boat ramp or forest road.
- Across or on a forest road or adjacent body of water
- Into or within a cave.
Make sure to check the website for all the rules and regulations for hunting Wayne National Forest.
If you’re in the area, you want to make sure to stop at Timber Ridge. This area of Wayne National Forest is prime public hunting for anything from squirrels to waterfowl, and turkey to deer, Timber Ridge is the place you want to be at sunrise.
The Hocking hills region also offers excellent access to nearby lakes and streams, perfect for those wanting to try their luck at fishing. Want to learn more about fishing in Hocking Hills?
Read: You Should be Fishing in Hocking Hills: Here’s Why.
Up Next is: Coshocton Lake Wildlife Area
So many people will tell you that the best hunting in Ohio is Coshocton County. As a state leader in deer harvests each year for more than 10 years! It’s a much sought after location, and hunters from across the Midwest flock to Coshocton at the start of each season.
Woodbury Wildlife Area
The most popular public hunting ground is Woodbury Wildlife Area. Woodbury is the largest public area in the state. At 19,050 acres, this area offers space for hunters, birders, fishermen, hikers, and all outdoor lovers!
Dillon Wildlife Area
If Woodbury sound appealing, but the possible crowd turns you off, then the Dillon Wildlife Area is a similar hunting area that you will want to check out. This public hunting area is located in Nashport, just a half-hour jog from Woodbury, so you can quickly try both out on the same trip.
There’s More to Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area than Mosquitos
In northeastern Ohio, you’ll find a little known area called Mosquito Lake. This wildlife are is one of the largest lakes in Ohio with more than 7,000 acres of water. The surrounding park covers 2,483 acres of woodlands and marshes which provide shelter for many wildlife species. Boating and fishing may be two of the top outdoor activities here, but the park also offers hiking, horseback riding, and snowmobiling in winter.
Hunting is permitted in designated areas of the park and the nearby Grand River Wildlife Area. There are opportunities for controlled hunts, by drawing. These are conducted on-line. Who doesn’t love the chance at extra hunting?
Most of the wildlife area is second growth hardwoods. The rest of the area has plants and cereal grains as well as meadows for nesting and migrant waterfowl. Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area has been designed to provide nesting place for Canada geese, a resting place for migratory waterfowl, and a quality public hunting opportunity.
Indian Lake
What was once as a shallow feeder lake for the Miami & Erie Canal, has now turned into a popular all around park in Ohio. Indian Lake offers a wide variety of activities on and off the water. If you want a great place to go boating, fishing, jet skiing, and swimming, or enjoy some camping, hiking and hunting Indian Lake is the right place for you and your family.
Here you can find an archery range with five lanes at distances up to 50 yards. There are two targets in each lane, one for practice tips and one for broadheads. You will also find a beautiful dog training area here.
Hunting is permitted in designated areas around the park. Look for signs or check a map. You can find details of the current hunting season on the park hunting map. A duck blind drawing takes place to permit the construction of a duck blind at 34 separate locations at Indian Lake State Park. A controlled dove hunt drawing takes place to hunt the dove field.
You can find large deer, plentiful migrant waterfowl, and plump doves hunting the public area of Indian Lake. This is why we have it in our top 5 public hunting lands. If you have never been hunting and want to give it a try, this is a great place to go. Bring the whole family, let the kids enjoy the playground, beaches, and hiking trails too.
Berlin Lake
Berlin Wildlife Area is not in anyone else’s top 5 list, but it sure is in ours. Hunting and fishing at Berlin Lake is always an enjoyable experience and I couldn’t imagine leaving it off our must try public land list. “Why?” you ask, well let me tell you. There are so many hidden gem locations here that is sure to get you whatever species you are looking for.
The deer are well fed, the doves are everywhere, so many little ponds for waterfowl as well as the main lake, pheasant releases, stocked walleye, and so much more can be found at Berlin Lake.
Tucked away on Northeastern Ohio, this 8,518 acre wildlife area is prime Ohio public hunting. Here you can find an archery range located on the wildlife area. The range is free-of-charge, no permit needed. Berlin also has a dog training area that is open for year-round use, with tall grass, short grass, woods, ponds, and just about anything you need to get your pup in shape.
While it is not one of the bigger parks in Ohio it is a hidden gem of wildlife. With plenty of locations to hunt. If you have never been to Berlin Wildlife Area, I highly recommend adding it to your list of public hunting land to visit.
Final Thoughts
When you think of getting that trophy whitetail, public land probably isn’t the first thought to pop into your head. Understandably. However, not all public land is created equal. Some do not offer the resources to produce a quality deer. Others are so sought after that you’ll likely see an orange vest before you see a buck.
Ohio, is one of the best states in the nation for hunting public lands. We have deep woods that are loaded with the resources needed for your next trophy buck. I hope this list gives you a place to get out on public hunting land and experience what every hunter wants to see. The newest addition to your wall.
Always make sure to check out the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) for updated maps and info on Ohio hunting.
Get out and Go Hunt Ohio!
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