"There are limited public hunting areas in our district," said McMillen. "But the Grand River Wildlife Area is a good choice for whitetail hunters."

The 7,231-acre area has had its share of lost hunters, so McMillen suggests that hunters wishing to use this wildlife area do some pre-season scouting to learn how to get around:

"Beaver dams are everywhere and can make it tough to navigate through the area.

"Last year, some dandy bucks were seen here," he added. "Once the hunting starts, they move toward the swampy areas to hide.

"It can be tough to hunt," McMillen cautions, "but there are some good bucks here if a hunter is persistent enough to go after them."

Grand River in Trumbull County may be reached east of West Farmington on state Route 88. This Route bisects the area from east to west. State Route 534 borders the area's western side and may be used by hunters coming north or south.

For more information about the area, contact the ODOW's District Three office at (330) 644-2293.

Now's the time to dust off your favorite shotgun or muzzleloader and enjoy some of the best deer-hunting opportunities in the Midwest.

DISTRICT FOUR
Woodbury Wildlife Area
Experienced deer hunters know the reputation of Coshocton County as both a whitetail producer and a trophy hotspot. Jim Hill, assistant wildlife management supervisor for District Four, said that Woodbury WA fits both modes.

"Woodbury Wildlife Areas offers a good mix of habitat," he said.

"There are thick creek bottoms, hardwood stands, and strip-mined areas with thick vegetation and some open fields."

But he added, "Most hunters don't travel far from the road. I would suggest that serious whitetail hunters get a topographical map or a GPS unit and hunt the deeper areas."

Hill pointed out that pressured deer move toward the center of the area to get away from hunters.

Woodbury Wildlife Area's 19,050 acres in Coshocton County may be reached from state Route 541, which bisects the area from east to west.

A series of county and township roads branching from state Route 541 give good access to the area.

State Route 60, running north-south on the western side, and state Route 16 on the eastern can be used to access the wildlife area as well.

Whitetail hunters wishing to try out the great hunting at Woodbury Wildlife Area can reach the District Office at (740) 594-2211.

DISTRICT FIVE
Tranquility Wildlife Area
Adams County is another renowned whitetail haven in Ohio. Brett Beatty, assistant wildlife supervisor for District Five, is quick to mention two huge trophy bucks that came from the district last year.

Beatty's pick of Tranquility Wildlife Area is a personal one: "This is my favorite area," he said. "I used to work there."

Tranquility WA, like most perfect deer habitat, is a good mixture.

"This area is at the start of the Appalachian foothills," Beatty said.

"There are some hollows, croplands and hardwoods. The area is also convenient to get to."

Another benefit to hunters is that the wildlife area has a shooting range with no permit requirement.