Four fantastics months offered for this season have the deer shifting patterns as a result of the beautiful change in season. Beginning the last Saturday of September, Bow and Crossbow season officially begins in Ohio. Weather conditions in the early weeks have deer moving from bedding areas to feed plots along the crop edges. Mornings can be cool, evenings very warm. The average temperature this time of the year range from 40-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Some of the largest bucks of the season are taken at this time.

    Mid October through November is the pre rut and rutting period. We now start hunting surrounding woodlands, creek bottoms, ravines, scrapes and funnel areas, as bucks are everywhere looking for that doe to encounter. There appears to be more bucks to see at this time. This is the time of the year we highly recommend spending your entire day in the tree stand.

    Gun season opens the Monday after Thanksgiving for seven days. Shotgun (3 shell maximum), muzzleloader or handgun (verify with Ohio Department of Natural Resources(www.ohiodnr.com) on size and caliber) only. A lot of deer traffic at this time as a result of the weather getting colder and all of the hunter movement forcing the deer to our secluded areas. MANY DEER TO BE SEEN..... All day long! Weather conditions can be very cold to exceptionally warm (10-60 degrees Fahrenheit)... it varies from year to year. Snow is also possible, but rare.

    Muzzleloader (in-line or traditional) begins two days after Christmas day and provides a four day hunt. Groups of bachelor bucks are back together and some rutting may still be occurring. At this stage of the season, we feed the deer to increase the movement. Temperatures are typically very cold at this time (0-40 degrees Fahrenheit) with a normal cover of snow on the ground.

    We provide strategically placed ground blinds and stationary tree stands. We use 16-20 foot hunting stands for ease and comfort, however, climber tree stands are also available. You must bring your own personal safety harness, and they MUST be worn at all times during your hunt.

    What should you bring? All participants will need to furnish their own firearms or bow, hunting clothing, rubber boots and Saftey Harness. Scent free clothing and boots are highly recommended for bow hunting. Gun hunters MUST wear orange clothing. For safety reasons, we also require that hunters carry a personal cell phone. Hunters will need to provided their own refreshments and snacks. Bottled water will be provided.

** We can assist you here at "Ohio Whitetail 1st Class Outfitters" with your trophy harvest by offering you taxidermy services by Shepler Taxidermy.