A number of hunting seasons got underway across Ohio during October. The statewide archery deer season opened October 7 and allows archers an excellent opportunity to take a deer through the final day of the season on January 31. As many as 175,000 people hunt deer each year during Ohio's archery season.

The special early primitive deer season for bucks only is open October 23-28 on the Salt Fork, Shawnee and Wildcat Hollow public hunting areas. Longbows, crossbows, muzzleloading rifles and muzzleloading shotguns may be used to take an antlered deer during this special season.     

The ruffed grouse hunting season began October 14. While grouse abundance is below its long-term average, the best hunting opportunities are found in townships that border or are near the Ohio River between Brown County and Columbiana County. Grouse inhabit 40 of Ohio's 88 counties, almost exclusively in the eastern half of the state. The Division of Wildlife said an estimated 66,000 people went grouse hunting in Ohio last year.     

Ohio's waterfowl seasons open statewide October 21. Despite the warm weather, hunters were expected to have good success in taking geese during the opening weekend of the season. Duck hunting success will improve as the weather gets colder and more migrating ducks pass through Ohio.

The young hunters special upland hunting seasons are being held October 21-22 and October 28-29. Persons age 17 and under may take rabbits, pheasants and all other legal game that is in season during these two weekends.

Ohio's squirrel season opened in August and remains open through January 31. An abundant mast crop should provide excellent opportunities for hunters to take squirrels throughout the month and into early winter.

Fall fishing opportunities also are very good in October. This is generally the final month for the Lake Erie fishing season when anglers can take limit catches of yellow perch along with some walleyes and steelhead trout. The steelhead migration into northeast Ohio tributaries of Lake Erie occurs this time of year and has already provided some good fishing opportunities. Expect even better steelhead fishing success during November and early December.

Inland lakes and streams, plus the Ohio River, offer additional fishing opportunities for perch, largemouth bass, saugeye, sauger, and catfish. Three of Ohio's state record fish (rainbow trout, redear sunfish and northern pike) were caught during October in previous years. The tailwaters below lock and dam structures along the Ohio River attract strong fishing interest during the fall.

And if you're not a hunter or angler, October still remains a very popular month for outdoors recreation. The peak of fall colors has spread across Ohio and this is the golden weekend for leaf-peepers, according to the ODNR, Division of Forestry. Visitations to state parks, forests, natural areas and other areas are high this month largely because of the great scenery, mild weather, and viewing opportunities.

Camping, hiking and boating opportunities are excellent during October across the state. Wildlife viewing opportunities hit a seasonal peak during the month, anchored largely by the migration of waterfowl, raptors, and other birds. Horseback riding, canoeing, cycling, and having a picnic are just a few of the many outdoor activities people enjoy during this glorious fall month of October.

Other information about Ohio's outdoor recreation opportunities is available through the Ohio Department of Travel & Tourism or by calling toll-free 1-800-BUCKEYE.