Ohio muzzleloader hunters have a long and proud tradition, and rank fourth in the nation for the number of record-book entries. Despite the history of muzzleloader hunting in Ohio, the population is largely underrepresented in the Black powder world.
However, there are many reasons that people choose to pursue this sport, from the genetics of their hunting partners to their age and nutrition. This article will explore the reasons why some hunters prefer this sport to others.
Black powder enthusiasts
If you’re looking for a fun way to get the adrenaline pumping, consider taking an Ohio muzzleloader hunt. This type of hunting is legal and unrestricted in the state, and there are several different types of muzzleloader guns available.
The recent season for muzzleloader hunting is perfect for black powder hunters and big game hunters alike. Hunting deer with a muzzleloader allows you to get a perfect shot at the animal, and early season is the best time to avoid spooking the animal. To be legal, your shotgun must be 10-gauge or smaller, with one ball in each barrel.
Before you set out for your hunt, it’s important to remember that you’ll need to obtain a hunting license. You can buy one online from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources or from one of the many 1,200 license sales outlets throughout the state.
Underage hunters must have a parent or adult accompany them to protect their safety. You can check the status of your game online too, and can even check in your bagged game and register for a hunting license lottery.
Nutrition
Many hunters are avoiding the nutritional needs of deer during early-season muzzleloader hunts in Ohio, but this may be a mistake. Early-season muzzleloader hunting is still possible in almost all parts of the state, and there is also a weekend youth gun season.
The earlier-season hunts are becoming more popular among older hunters who prefer to hunt in warmer weather. Also, because fewer hunters are shooting in the early season, fewer deer are moving.
While fewer deer are harvested each year, the amount of deer being harvested is within expectations. The reduction in antlerless permits has had an impact on the number of bucks on the land, but it is not the cause of deer mortality.
In fact, Ohio’s restrictive hunting laws have helped to improve deer nutrition. These regulations have taken pressure off the deer herd, allowing bucks to age and thrive. With a healthy herd, Ohio deer hunters have a greater chance of obtaining trophy bucks.
In addition to the abundant deer populations, the state also has the right habitat for deer. For example, forests in the state provide abundant hardwood mast that the deer love to feast on.
In addition to hardwood trees, Ohio has a wealth of agricultural resources that provide abundant food for deer. Specifically, row crops provide deer with the energy they need to grow and mature. These nutrients are the foundation for deer nutrition.
Genetics
Muzzleloader hunters in Ohio primarily use crossbows and rarely go on a compound bow hunt. Click here for more information about crossbows.
Ohio has long had strict hunting regulations, which took pressure off the herd and allowed bucks to age naturally. These factors, combined with the state’s excellent genetic pool and abundant food, are resulting in consistently large bucks.
The genetics of these bucks have produced some truly stunning antlers. These bucks have massive antlers, sweeping tines, and incredible mass. These big bucks are often wide-antlered, and they are capable of a wide array of horn configurations. Ohio’s deer population is so good, many hunters take multiple bucks each season.
Age
In Ohio, hunting requires a hunting license. Non-residents must purchase an annual license that costs $125. Hunting deer is legal between Sept. 25 and Feb. 10. Hunters must be at least 18 years of age to hunt with a muzzleloader, and the license is valid for three years.
A hunter education certificate is a must for young hunters in Ohio. If you’re under the age of 18, you must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 21 years old. If you’re under the age of 12, you’ll need an apprentice license.
An apprentice license allows you to take game without the requirement of a hunter education course. However, you must be supervised by an adult at least 18 years old.
Bag limit
The state of Ohio has laws that govern the use of muzzleloader shotguns and ammunition. A muzzleloading shotgun must be a ten gauge or smaller, and use only one ball per barrel. Click the link: https://mdc.mo.gov/magazines/conservationist/2001-10/hunting-muzzleloading-shotgun for more information about this type of gun.
High-risk carcass parts of Cervids are prohibited. Hunting with a muzzleloader is not allowed outside of Ohio. In addition, a muzzleloader must be loaded with one ball per barrel.
Bag limits for deer in Ohio vary by county, but statewide deer hunters are limited to six deer per season. Individual county limits are higher. While you can harvest one antlerless deer, the bag limit for white-tailed deer is six.
In addition, you can only harvest one antlered buck per year. To use an antlered deer, you must have one antler that is at least three inches long.
If you are planning to use a muzzleloader, you must tag your game immediately after you have taken it. Tags must include the hunter’s name, date, and county.
You must also report your harvest to the state’s Game Check system. To do this, visit the official website of the Ohio Division of Wildlife or call an authorized license sales agent, such as OGO Muzzleloader Hunts, to report your harvest. Depending on the size and type of the muzzleloader you use, the bag limit will be higher than the legal limit.
Disease Surveillance Area (DSA)
The Disease Surveillance Area (DSA), where hunting is not allowed, covers portions of the state where chronic wasting disease is a problem. While CWD is a deadly disease in deer that attacks the central nervous system, it is not spread to humans.
Since 2002, the Division of Wildlife in Ohio has been aggressively conducting CWD surveillance throughout the state, testing nearly 30,000 deer.
When you hunt for deer in a DSA, you must bring the deer to a local carcass inspection station. There are two DSAs in Ohio. In addition, Ohio ranks fifth in the nation for the number of resident hunters and 11th for the number of jobs in the hunting industry.
Hunting creates about $853 million in economic activity in the state. Hunting also creates jobs and generates tax revenue for the state, which includes spending on fuel, lodging, and the sale of hunting equipment.
