Hunting & Shooting
Nestled among the Appalachian foothills of southeastern Ohio, the Wayne National Forest offers over 500 acres of ponds and lakes open to public fishing and wildlife viewing.
Hunting
Hunting opportunities abound on the Wayne National Forest. Ohio hunting laws are enforced on National Forest land, with a variety of species to be hunted and an array of hunting experiences from remote walk-in areas to easily accessible lands near roads.
Fishing
Four warm-water streams flow through the Wayne’s boundaries, and the Ohio River borders a part of this Forest. This presents a variety of fishing opportunities. Walk-in to a remote pond or enjoy the amenities of a developed lake site. Visit one of our Ohio River access points or wade along one of our lazy, slow-moving streams. The choice is yours!
Hunting
Where Hunting is Allowed hunting opportunities abound on the Wayne National Forest. There are a variety of species to be hunted, and hunting experiences vary from remote walk-in areas to accessible lands near roads. Generally hunting is allowed anywhere on Wayne National Forest Land with a few exceptions. Hunting is not allowed in or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area (campgrounds, picnic areas, parking areas, designated swimming areas, and trailheads). Discharging a firearm is also prohibited in the following conditions
- From, into, or across any parking area, trail, boat ramp or forest road.
- Across or on a Forest road or adjacent body of water
- Into or within a cave.
License Requirements and Seasonal Restrictions
An Ohio resident or nonresident hunting license is required to hunt on Wayne National Forest lands. Additionally, all Ohio Division of Natural Resources hunting and trapping regulations apply on Wayne National Forest lands, including conservation limits and hunting seasons.
Target Practice
The Wayne does not allow target practice at any time of the year. Consider visiting one of the shooting ranges managed by the Ohio Division of Wildlife.
OHVs
OHVs (off-highway vehicles) are not to be unloaded from your vehicle or trailer, unless you are within a designated OHV area. Hunters wishing to use an OHV (50 inches or less in width) to access a hunting spot or area are required to stay on designated OHV trails.
Never discharge firearms within 150 yards of the trailhead to ensure the safety of other Forest visitors. While on your OHV, all guns must be unloaded and secured in a locked case. All National Forest designated trails are closed to all uses except foot travel from mid-December through mid-April.
Camping and Parking
When camping, burn only dead wood picked up from the forest floor. Never leave your campfire unattended, and ensure it is out before leaving the area. Help us keep your forest clean by maintaining a clean campsite and taking your trash with you.
Park in designated trailheads or parking areas if available. Where they are not available, do not block roads or gates, leave room for passing traffic, and avoid parking in blind spots.
Additional Information
Private land is interspersed with public land, and you must obtain written permission from private landowners to hunt on their property. Use caution to ensure you don’t inadvertently stray off public land onto private ownership.
Maps are available from any Wayne National Forest office. Half inch to the mile maps is sold, but we recommend 2.5 inch to the mile topographic maps. Grids are available to assist you in knowing which areas you need to order. Maps may also be ordered by mail or from our website.
Be careful to stay back from oil and gas operations; they are private property and are potentially dangerous. Do not use storage tanks for a platform. Pump-jacks may begin to operate without warning and any open flame, firearm discharge, or spark could cause an explosion.
See our Hunting Brochure for more information.
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Longbow Archery Trailhead
