From all early indications, Ohio's bowhunters should enjoy continued success during the 2006 archery deer season.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources deer biologist Mike Tonkovich said most of eastern Ohio would probably be down, but meant that only in modest terms.

"My gut feeling is that for a while, we're going to see harvests remain fairly constant," Tonkovich said.

Last fall, bowhunters got off to a fast start. For the second consecutive year, they set a record pace during the first six weeks. Good weather was a contributing factor. In just those first six weeks, archers took 41,589 deer -- 2 percent more than in 2004.

Mike Rex of Athens, former Buckeye Big Buck Club president, contributed a 17-point buck that should make it into the all-time top 25, and he did it on the very first morning of the season.

Last season continued to be hot, producing a final tally of 60,090 deer.

LOOKING AHEAD
Deer hunting conditions change dramatically as the long season progresses. Early bowhunting season is often summerlike, with temperatures that might exceed 70 degrees. Though these are pleasant conditions for being in the field, such high temperatures present unique obstacles to bowhunters. Deer don't move as much in hot weather, and preserving the eating quality of venison can be a challenge.

But first, you have to get those deer in your sights. Here is a look at some of the better public lands around the state to start your 2006 bowhunting season:

DISTRICT FOUR
Shawnee State Forest
The ODOW's District Four is the top deer-producing district in the state. Wayne National Forest provides the greatest amount of public hunting ground, but there are also numerous state lands open to hunting.

One of the more intriguing opportunities is Shawnee State Forest, which lies on the border between districts Four and Five, but mostly in District Four. Although Shawnee is west of the area most bowhunters look to as the region's best deer-hunting area, we'll make it our top pick this year for early-season bowhunting.

"I can't help but believe that Shawnee State Forest is going to be a great place to hunt this fall," Tonkovich said. "It's been four growing seasons since a big ice storm ravaged the forest," he noted. In February 2003, a major ice storm knocked down hundreds of thousands of trees. Trails have since been cleared, but hunters should expect the going to be tough in the woods.

This is some of the more rugged terrain in Ohio, part of the Appalachian Plateau. Dense hardwood forest covers the hills.

"It's rugged," Tonkovich said. "It's not for the faint of heart!"

Logging operations are ongoing on the state forest. However, about 8,000 acres have been designated as the Shawnee Wilderness Area, where no logging is allowed. An additional 8,000 adjacent acres is specially managed for wildlife. Combined, the two areas provide an unusual walk-in hunting experience.

Shawnee, with an area of 63,747 acres, is the largest state forest in Ohio. It is west of Portsmouth in Scioto and Adams counties, extending generally north from the Ohio River and U.S. Route 52.

Camping is permitted only in areas provided and designated for such use. Shawnee State Park, which is situated within Shawnee State Forest, has camping, rental cabins and a lodge. To reach the park, take U.S. Route 52 West, and then state Route 125.