Muskingum County Deer Hunting
Archery Hunting and Primitive Weapons
Muskingum County Primitive Weapons / Gun Season
We are filling up quickly! Make your reservations today.
The 2025-26 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. 27, 2025 – Feb. 1, 2026
- Youth deer gun: Nov. 22-23, 2025
- Deer gun: Dec. 1-Dec. 7, 2024; Dec. 20-21, 2025
- Deer muzzleloader: Jan. 3-6, 2026
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 their and other hunters’ safety. 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 of hunting deer. 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 their safety and that of 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 – Muskingum County
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.
We will gladly post all buck pics on this page if you want your buck view by over 100,000 people a year. Only requirement is you stay here.
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:
Large public land areas
- Tri-Valley Wildlife Area: A 16,200-acre area with mature forests, fields, and brush, managed with food plots to support deer and turkey.
- AEP Recreation Lands: A 60,000-acre public hunting area in the southeastern part of the county with a variety of game species.
- Powelson Wildlife Area: A 2,779-acre reclaimed strip mine area near Tri-Valley, with a mix of woods and brush that is good for deer hunting.
- Dillon Wildlife Area: A 3,000-acre public area offering deer, turkey, squirrel, and rabbit hunting.
- Blue Rock State Forest: A 4,500-acre state forest with opportunities for deer, turkey, squirrel, and rabbit hunting.
Affordable Bow Hunting Base Camp in Muskingum & Guernsey County
Over the years, the landscape of bow hunting in Muskingum and Guernsey County has shifted. Ohio has become a top-tier destination for whitetail trophy hunters, but that popularity has come with a price.
At Baker’s Motel in Norwich, Ohio, we offer a smarter alternative for the dedicated hunter. Located directly between Muskingum and Guernsey counties, we provide clean, affordable lodging that serves as the perfect resource for your scouting and hunting season.
The High Cost of Ohio Hunting Outfitters
Many hunters believe they must hire a guide to bag a trophy buck in Ohio. However, the costs have skyrocketed.
The Average Cost: Current rates for fully guided whitetail hunts in Ohio average between $2,500 and $4,500+ for a standard 5-day hunt. Even semi-guided “lease access” packages can cost upwards of $1,500 per week.
The DIY Advantage: By establishing Baker’s Motel as your base camp, you save thousands of dollars. You get the freedom to hunt on your own terms without the massive markup of a commercial outfitter.
Why DIY Hunting Supports a Healthier Herd
Beyond the cost, many local hunters and conservationists are concerned about the commercialization of our deer herd.
Disease Risks: Commercial outfitters often utilize heavy baiting and feeding stations to concentrate deer for clients. In many states, this practice has been linked to the spread of diseases like CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) by artificially congregating animals. Hunting fair chase avoids these dense feed sites, promoting a healthier, more natural deer population.
Land Access: Outfitters have leased large blocks of farmland, making it harder for the average hunter to gain permission. However, by saving money on lodging, you have the resources to spend time scouting in the pre-season, building relationships with local landowners, and finding those pockets of permission that out-of-towners miss.
Your Resource for Pre-Season Scouting
Success in the whitetail woods is determined long before opening day. Baker’s Motel offers the best rates in the area, allowing you to afford multiple trips to scout terrain, hang stands, and check trail cameras.
Use our property as your strategic headquarters to access prime public hunting lands nearby
Book Your Hunt at Baker’s Motel
Don’t spend your entire budget on a lodge fee. Spend it on gear, fuel, and time in the woods. Stay at Baker’s Motel for clean rooms, hunter-friendly amenities, and immediate access to the best bow hunting in Muskingum and Guernsey County.
Contact us today to reserve your room for the pre-season scout or the regular archery season.
Stay at Baker’s Motel
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
