Ohio most definitely has a lot to offer when it comes to huge, heavy antlered whitetails. This is largely in part to superior genetics, outstanding soil and crops and a well structured hunting season. By structure I mean:

A. Only one buck can be harvested per season by a hunter.
B. Our one week gun law does not come in until after Thanksgiving. This means, for the most part, the primary rut is complete.
C. There is no rifle hunting in Ohio.

The bow hunter is definitely catered to with almost four full months to pursue a trophy.

I run five weeks of what I classify as rut hunts. From the last week of October through Thanksgiving. Over the past four years, not one week has stood out above the others. It’s definitely been 100% weather related. Sure you can look at your moon charts and try to match dates up, but the weather MUST cooperate. If cool weather sets in October, things can heat up fast. You just NEVER KNOW!

The hunts take place on private farm ground across four counties. Champaign, Logan, Shelby and Union. We operate on some of the best grounds across the area. Leases total around 5000 acres. They are a mix of cropland, CRP, hardwood lots, creek and river bottoms, and wooded draws.

The farms are equipped with GORILLA KING KONG tree stands. These stands boast a comfortable 24 x 30 platform with a 21" fold down seat height. Stands are accessed by Ameristep grizzly screw-ins and climbing sticks.

Stands are entered by precut trails that are lit up with limb lights or fluorescent tape. We go to extreme measure making sure each stand is entered and exited with minimal disturbance. Taking precautions to an even higher level, we implemented the use of ELIMITRAX over boot system in the 2003 season.

(left) Myself standing over Dean Sullin's 160 class buck. I'm wearing ELIMITRAX over boot system that I used to hang the stand at 4:30 pm that night before.

Ohio’s one week gun season always begins the first Monday after Thanksgiving. Legal weapons are shotguns, muzzleloaders and certain handguns. (Look at ODNR (Ohio Dept. Natural Resources)  website for gun specifications.)

I make some slight archery stand altercations so you can enjoy the full benefit of the guns range.

Our shotgun strategies are tailored to suit each individual.

A. You can be patient and sit on stand. There are many hunters out and about keeping deer on their feet.
B. We do some light pushes to make things happen.

Whatever your preference, we do whatever it takes to get a shooter in your sights.

MUZZLELOADER

Ohio’s four day muzzleloader season historically runs December 27 - 30. In-line’s and scopes are allowed. By this stage of the season the deer are normally yarded up and bucks running together again. It’s not uncommon to experience secondary rut activity at this time.

Bring plenty of warm clothes! The colder the temperatures the better the hunting. If it’s cold, the deer have to feed. Which means they are on their feet and visible.

I implement a combination of ladder and fixed position stands on various food sources. I also do a lot of supplemental feeding for several weeks prior to season. (Legal in Ohio) This really gets them used to a reliable food source.

If there is some interest shown, I am definitely considering some January bow hunts. The weather can be brutal, but if your prepared, the action can be exciting. I keep the food poured to them and hunt heavy trails between bedding and food. If interested, email or call and we’ll talk.

myself Jan. 21, 2004