Archery Season

Deer Hunting - Archery Hunting
Primitive Weapons

Gun Hunting / Primitive Weapons

We are filling up quick!  Make your reservations today.

The 2024-25 deer hunting seasons are similar to last year. As in years past, only one antlered deer may be harvested, regardless of where or how it is taken. Hunting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.

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

Deer hunting is a popular pastime in Muskingum County, Ohio, attracting hunters from all over the state and beyond. With abundant forests, rolling hills, and diverse wildlife, Muskingum County provides an ideal setting for deer hunting using various methods, including archery hunting and primitive weapons. Hunting Regulations during Gun Season To participate in the gun season, hunters must possess a valid Ohio hunting license and a deer permit. Hunters must also follow strict regulations to ensure the safety of themselves and other hunters. During the gun season, hunters must wear hunter-orange clothing consisting of a vest, coat, hat, or cap. This clothing helps hunters identify each other and avoid accidental shootings.

Hunters are only allowed to take one antlered deer per year during the gun season, and the deer must have at least three points on one side of its antlers. The bag limit for antlerless deer varies by county and is subject to change yearly, so hunters must check the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) website for the latest regulations.

Hunting Strategies during Gun Season Gun season in Ohio is a high-pressure time for deer hunting, with many hunters competing for the same deer. To increase their chances of success, hunters must employ effective hunting strategies.

One common strategy is to hunt during the first few days of the season when deer are less cautious and have not yet been pressured by other hunters. Hunters may also hunt near agricultural fields, as deer feed in these areas during the late fall.

Archery Hunting for Big Bucks – Muskingum County

Archery Hunting in Muskingum County Archery hunting is a popular method for hunting deer in Muskingum County. Hunters must possess a valid Ohio hunting license and a deer permit to participate in this method. Archery hunting requires patience and skill, as the hunter must get close to the deer to take a shot. Many hunters prefer archery because it provides a more challenging and rewarding experience than other methods.

To hunt deer with a bow and arrow in Muskingum County, hunters must follow specific regulations. Archery hunting is only permitted during the deer archery season, typically from late September to early February. Hunters are allowed to take only one antlered deer annually, and the deer must have at least three points on one side of its antlers.

Hunting Regulations

Hunting Regulations in Muskingum County Hunters in Muskingum County must follow strict regulations to ensure the safety of themselves and other hunters. Hunting is not allowed within 400 feet of any building or occupied structure, and hunters must obtain permission from private landowners before hunting on their property. Hunters are also required to wear orange hunter clothing during the deer gun season and the youth deer gun season.

Ohio’s Best Deer Hunting

Ohio’s Best Deer hunting is popular in Muskingum County, Ohio, attracting hunters from all over the state and beyond. Archery hunting and primitive weapons are two popular methods hunters use to pursue deer in the area. To ensure a safe and enjoyable hunting experience, hunters must follow strict regulations and obtain the necessary permits and licenses. With its beautiful landscape and abundant wildlife, Muskingum County provides an ideal setting for deer hunting using various methods.

Muskingum County, Ohio, is home to several public hunting areas that offer a variety of game species for hunters to pursue. Here are some of the top hunting areas in Muskingum County:

  1. Dillon Wildlife Area: This 3,000-acre public hunting area is located in the southeastern part of the county and offers a variety of game species, including deer, turkey, squirrel, and rabbit. The area is open to hunting during the statewide hunting seasons, and hunters must follow all Ohio hunting regulations.

  2. Blue Rock State Forest: This 4,500-acre state forest is located in the northern part of the county and offers a variety of hunting opportunities, including deer, turkey, squirrel, and rabbit. The area is open to hunting during the statewide hunting seasons, and hunters must possess a valid Ohio hunting license and follow all Ohio hunting regulations.

  3. Tri-Valley Wildlife Area: This 4,000-acre public hunting area is located in the eastern part of the county and offers a variety of game species, including deer, turkey, squirrel, and rabbit. The area is open to hunting during the statewide hunting seasons, and hunters must possess a valid Ohio hunting license and follow all Ohio hunting regulations.

  4. AEP Recreation Lands: This 60,000-acre public hunting area is located in the southeastern part of the county and offers a variety of game species, including deer, turkey, squirrel, and rabbit. The area is open to hunting during the statewide hunting seasons, and hunters must possess a valid Ohio hunting license and follow all Ohio hunting regulations.

  5. Muskingum River State Park: This 160-acre state park is located in the central part of the county and offers a variety of hunting opportunities, including deer, turkey, squirrel, and rabbit. The area is open to hunting during the statewide hunting seasons, and hunters must possess a valid Ohio hunting license and follow all Ohio hunting regulations.

Ohio Bow and Arrow Outfitters of Muskingum and Guernsey Counties

Baker’s Motel

Muskingum County is home to some of the largest Whitetail deer populations in Ohio and some excellent outfitters; providing you with professional service and great hunting locations can quickly improve your chances of bagging that monster buck. Additionally, for hunters who take the time to head to our county early to scout for great locations, abundant landowners are looking to lease their properties.

Muskingum County Bow and Arrow Outfitters offer whitetail deer hunting in the heart of Ohio deer hunting country. They are located in Muskingum County, Ohio, where more trophy deer are taken yearly than anywhere in Ohio. All of your deer hunts are 100% fair chase!

Local Deer Hunting Outfitters

  1. Buck Whisperer Outfitter  – Matt Reed, Phone 740-487-5055
  2. OBA Outfitters – Brian Michael, Phone 740-819-4595

Stay at Baker’s Motel 

Located in Muskingum County with a central location to all hunting areas.

Muskingum County offers Top Hunting for:

Turkey Hunting, Squirrel, Pheasant, Rabbit
Bow Hunting / Archery Season
Gun Season / Shotgun Hunting and
Muzzle Loading for Big Bucks

Maine – Pennsylvania – New York – North Carolina – South Carolina – North Carolina – Florida – Michigan

Recommended Posts