Photo by Tom Evans.

While interviewing one of Ohio's 88 game wardens last fall -- and imagining the daunting task of single-handedly managing an entire county's poaching, nuisance wildlife calls and complaints about hunting without permission -- it occurred to me that, Hey, this guy probably knows the best places to hunt deer!

When I asked Rick Louttit, Medina County's wildlife officer, if he did, a slow smile spread across his face.

"I might," he said.

Before you head to the couch for a long winter's nap, you may want to read what Ohio's game wardens and resident wildlife research biologists answered when asked, "Where would you hunt late-season deer?"

Bear in mind that in January 2005, a prize buck with a 24-inch-spread was taken in Athens, Ohio; and Brad Jerman's state-record crossbow buck was killed in January 2006. There was also a 16-point buck taken in Geauga County on Jan. 4, 2004.

WHY BOWHUNT IN JANUARY?
"Two things influence deer numbers in January," said Michael Tonkovich, a wildlife research biologist for Ohio's Division of Wildlife.

"First, look at the number of deer in existence before the season. Deer harvest figures by county will answer that question for you. The larger the harvest, the larger the prehunt population and hence, the larger the population will be after the season."

The second influence, according to Tonkovich, is food.

"Although deer activity is reduced significantly in January, whitetails need to eat. Food is relatively scarce at this time of year, so I would focus on food sources."

As good bets, Tonkovich recommended unharvested agricultural crops, sources of waste grain and food plots planted for deer and other wildlife.

"Deer are especially weary at this time of year," Tonkovich continued. "They've been hunted hard for three months and they take few chances. Find the thickest cover available and do your best to blend in. When you find a consistent source, hunt near it."

DISTRICT ONE
Dillon Wildlife Area
Bill Ballard, and ODOW wildlife officer has watched over Licking County since 1996. During archery season last year, Licking County led the state with a total 1,121 deer killed. Of Ohio's five wildlife districts, the game wardens in District One were most enthusiastic about January whitetail hunting.

"I hunt in January every year," Ballard said. "I know most hunters hang up their equipment by then. But I enjoy late-season hunting and usually hang onto one or two tags until the very end."