Fall means the return of archery deer hunting to Ohio, and bowhunters who have practiced all summer will be ready to go on opening day.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources estimated the deer herd at 700,000 before the 2008-2009 season. Despite that year's record hunter harvest of 252,017 deer, and with the addition of this year's spring fawns, there should be record numbers of deer in the woods again this fall. Of the deer harvested in Ohio last year, 85,856 were taken by archery hunters.

Southeastern Ohio's Wildlife District Four has over 600,000 acres of public land that is open to the public. With wooded slopes and ridges, reverting fields and brushy margins, southeastern Ohio offers some outstanding terrain for archery deer hunts.

Autumn in Ohio's southeastern counties means hunting conditions at their best. Temperatures begin to drop, producing crisp, frosty mornings and chilly evenings that hunters love. Sunny days usually outnumber rainy days during fall, although there may be a bit of light snowfall in November. In addition to great hunting in beautiful woods, comfortable lodging and campgrounds may be found less than an hour's drive from the following public hunting grounds in southeast Ohio.

WAYNE NATIONAL FOREST
Jim Hill, an Ohio Division of Wildlife biologist in District Four, said Wayne National Forest is loaded with excellent deer-hunting locations. White oak dominates the forest, along with numerous streams, small lakes and brushy cover, and deer are plentiful in the area.

Two locations that are recommended for successful deer hunting are the Trimble and Wolf Creek wildlife areas. Hill also recommends forested areas north of Zanesville for deer hunting. Three of these are the Dillon Reservoir Wildlife Area, the Powelson Wildlife Area and the Woodbury Wildlife Area.

The Trimble Wildlife Area and Wolf Creek Wildlife Area are near Burr Oak State Park. Burr Oak offers a large, comfortable lodge with full-service dining, as well as well-equipped cottages and a campground. To the north, there is also plenty of comfortable lodging in Zanesville and at several campgrounds that are located nearby.

In Wayne National Forest, hunting is permitted in areas that are more than 150 yards from designated areas, including campgrounds, picnic areas and buildings.

Also, ATVs may be ridden only on the main roads. Areas closed to vehicles are clearly marked.

Trimble Wildlife Area
The Trimble Wildlife Area lies about 45 miles south of Zanesville or 18 miles north of Athens. Public hunting grounds may be accessed from state Route 78. Wayne National Forest's Trimble Wildlife Area adjoins Sunday Creek Wildlife Area. The sign posted on state Route 78 designates the area as Sunday Creek Wildlife Area.

County Road 315, also called Houston Road, leads into the heart of the area. Access roads are reasonably well maintained and public hunting areas are clearly designated.

Approximately 90 percent of the region is forested, with oak and hickory along the many ridges and upper slopes. Elevations range from 700 to 1,005 feet above sea level.

For more information, contact the ODOW's Wildlife District Four office, 360 East State Street, Athens, OH 45701; or call them at (740) 589-9930.

WOLF CREEK WILDLIFE AREA
Wolf Creek Wildlife Area is 32 miles from Zanesville northeast of Burr Oak State Park along state route 78. Hunting areas may be accessed from Route 78 or Route 555, which cuts right through the forest.