Southern Ohio has the best whitetail hunting in this region of the country. It offers trophy whitetail that are second to none. On November 8 of 2001 Mike Beatty took the current world record non-typical buck. It scored an astounding 304 6/8 points. 

This year's total deer harvest of 204,652 was the highest ever recorded, far exceeding the previous Ohio record of 179,543 deer set in 1995, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

"This past season’s record deer harvest can be attributed to expanded bag limits, opportunities to hunt on Sundays, and excellent hunting conditions during the statewide gun season," said Mike Reynolds, deer biologist for ODNR's Division of Wildlife.

Heavy timber and many creeks attribute to the rise in turkey populations. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, www.ohiodnr.com offers both a spring and fall turkey season, giving hunters ample opportunity to bag a quality bird. 

Ohio also offers hunters excellent opportunities for many game species. Ruffed grouse, mourning dove, squirrel, cottontail rabbit, pheasant, chucker, bobwhite quail, ducks and geese all have open seasons.

In addition, Lake Erie is known as the walleye capital of the world. This water body holds half of the United States walleye. Many bass and crappie lakes are spread throughout the state. Ohio also provides a chance at trophy muskie.