[77chevy]

its all online, you can hunt state parks too

Public Hunting & Wildlife Area Maps

A listing of printable maps for public hunting and fishing areas in Ohio.

ohiodnr.gov

 

[77chevy]

I've seen some nice ones in Ohio. Tons of crossbow hunters will be out those weeks...

Deer harvest by county

 

[77chevy]

great comment and so true. Indiana's best deer counties lie along the Ohio and Wabash rivers

I grew up in southern Ohio and still own property there, as well as hunt public & private every year. Bucks get big because of the river sediment, just like with all other big buck states. River sediment = rich soil = nutrient heavy foods. Closer you are to the river the higher your odds of seeing big antlers. That's a basic, vague rule but it has proven true regardless if you're in IA, WI, IL, MO, KY, IN, OH, etc. Like any other big river state, bucks get big antlers, but Ohio's deer numbers are down considerably in recent years compared to the 90's into early 00's. You might hunt awhile and see few if any deer, so don't be too discouraged if that happens. A true brute can step out at any second even on the dullest of days.

I prefer state forests and parks. Wayne National gets hit really hard, albeit for good reason, but I am not a fan of encountering lots of other humans while bow hunting. There's no lack of public lands. Ohio actually does a good job of having ample ground to hunt. There are lots of smaller tracts that get overlooked. My Huntstand app shows public lands. If you have that you can scan around & find far more obscure public hidey holes than you'd ever be able to visit in a week of hunting.