Public Land: Ohio or Missouri?

[bjohnson]

I want to go on an out of state hunt this year and have narrowed it down to these two states. Looking for some advice on which areas to scout, deer densities and rut timing of each state. I know its public land but I would like not to run into another hunter every 200 yards. I'm not expecting to kill a monster but a good chance at seeing mature bucks. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[buckslayer85]

I went to Missouri this past season and bowhunted. I hunted the Reform Conservation Area in central Missouri. I seen tons of deer and didn't really see many hunters, but I arrived in a Monday-Thursday hunt. Some good looking land. I suggest taking a loc on and sticks. There was several spots that I really wanted to hunt but couldn't because all I had was my climbing stand.

 

[lungpuncher1]

Whatever you read about the less online....

 

[Trnr]

I've got some friends in Ohio, and I try to get up there as often as I can. I've never gun hunted there, so I can't offer any advice on hunter "population" during firearm seasons. I've had the best luck around the 2nd week of November, but it seems to vary a little year to year. The area I hunt is the Conesville Coal Lands (https://www.aep.com/environment/conserv ... areas.aspx), and I rarely feel crowded in regards to number of other hunters. A good reference to Conesville is "Coshocton, OH". This will give you an idea of the part of the state, terrain, etc. There is literally tens of thousands of acres of public land. From what I am told, AEP (power company) owns an incredible amount of land, as Ohio harvests oil/gas from Ohio to produce power for Ohio, and gets a tax break for allowing the public to use it. Conesville isn't the only public land, just the one I know a little about. Ohio does offer a great deal of public hunting, and non-resident tags are about $150. I can't offer any advice on mature bucks because that will vary based upon so many factors. I will say, I have seen everything from spikes to 150's. My friend has shot his largest buck on those same public grounds and it was a low 180's typical. From what I have seen, deer densities aren't super high, but I generally see deer daily. The odd thing is, I often see more bucks than does. When I was up there last Nov. I saw 2 does in a week, and I saw bucks almost daily. Ohio does have a "one and done" type regulation with hunting. You can legally shoot one buck...period. Not one per weapon, one buck all year, so choose wisely. I'm sure I've missed a thing or two so feel free to shoot me a PM if you have any questions.