Muskingum County Deer Gun Season

ZANESVILLE, OH – Ohio’s deer gun hunting season will soon get underway. Hunters from far and wide will make their way to Muskingum and surrounding counties in search of the perfect shot.

Deer gun hunting season is one of the most anticipated times of year for hunters in Ohio. This year it begins Monday and runs through Sunday. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources it’s not just about the thrill of the hunt, but about conservation.

“Muskingum County does have a thriving deep population,” said ODNR Wildlife Comm. Specialist Lindsay Rist. “For the previous deer season, Muskingum ranked top 5 for total harvest numbers. We were in the top 5 for majority of those deer gun seasons and they also ranked top 5 in the percentage of the harvest that was taken on public land.”

So far, early reports show steady participation across Muskingum County with plenty of opportunities to make this season a success. The ODNR division of wildlife is again partnering with farmers and hunters feeding the hungry to support local food banks with donated venison.

“Deer hunting for many hunters has long been a source of obtaining protein and food. One of the only major changes to the deer gun season, is the use of the deer management permits,” Rist said. “In the past those were only valid for the early archery season and this year those have been extended. They are valid through December 22nd, that last day of the bonus deer gun season. Those are antlerless only permits that are valid on private property and a few select public lands throughout the state.”

If you’re looking to get out there this season it’s not too late to purchase a license or permit. Just a reminder this hunting season that everyone participating is required to wear hunter orange. According to ODNR it’s also important to treat every gun like it’s loaded, be sure of your target and beyond and never aim at anything you aren’t ready to shoot.