Great Spots for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Whether you’re just getting into hunting near Beavercreek, Ohio, or you’re a seasoned veteran of the sport looking for a new location to try, there will be something on this list for you.
Hunting is one of America’s most popular outdoor sports for good reasons. It offers an opportunity to get out into nature, test one’s mettle, and potentially head home with some extra food to put on the table as an added benefit.
Even the best hunters won’t have successful trips if they don’t find the right locations. This article will focus on hunting in the Heartland and beyond, offering options for Beavercreek, Ohio, hunters who want to stay close to home and those happy to venture further afield.
1. Beaver Creek Wildlife Area
The closest place to Beavercreek, Ohio, to hunt is the Beaver Creek Wildlife Area. The 373-acre property is located seven miles northwest of Xenia, Ohio, and is home to diverse ecosystems, including five wetland areas.
The Beaver Creek Wildlife Area allows both hunting and trapping in season. The prime hunting season runs from around September 1st through January. The general trapping season runs from mid-November through late February, though some seasons run longer.
2. Woodbury Wildlife Area
Located in Coshocton County, the state leader in deer harvests, Woodbury Wildlife Area is one of the state’s most popular public hunting grounds. Just a two-hour drive from Beavercreek, the 19,050-acre Woodbury Wildlife Area is also popular with fishermen, birders, and hikers.
Woodbury Wildlife Area can be found around 10 miles west of Coshocton. It’s accessible via state routes 541, 16, 36, and 60 and is the largest public area in Ohio. The Cabin at Woodbury is very conveniently located for those who want to head out on a weekend hunting trip.
3. Ballard Wildlife Management Area
The Ballard WMA is less than six hours from Beavercreek in nearby Kentucky. It’s best known for offering the most impressive buck-to-doe ratio of any of the state’s public hunting areas, with an average of one buck for every two does.
Ballard also features an exceptional age-class structure with many older bucks, perfect for sportsmen. The WMA is one of two Kentucky public lands with a minimum outside spread of 15 inches. Be sure to bring knee boots to reach secluded areas.
4. PA State Game Land 223
Less than four hours from Beavercreek, Ohio, the Pennsylvania State Game Land 223 offers excellent hunting opportunities. The area consists primarily of reverting farm fields and old apple orchards, which helps keep bucks in easy-to-reach areas.
Hunters will find around 200 acres of crop fields and several clear-cuts that mark prime deer hunting territory. The land has recently produced a 178 Bone and Crockett buck and a 190-class bruiser.
5. Chaparral Wildlife Management Area
Hunters who want to plan a trip further afield often turn to Texas. The Chaparral WMA is one of the best places in the state for hunters seeking quality bucks. It covers over 15,200 acres of South Texas brush country and reliably boasts high successful hunting rates.
The Chaparral WMA offers a unique hunting experience as it spans a vast expanse of land and a good deal of managed habitat. It’s a perfect place for seasoned hunters to try their luck in a new state.