I saw a website that led me to believe that the state forest land is bow hunting only. Bow hunting is what I prefer to do and I plan on hunting in Pope county. Is that true or only certain areas bow only?


Jim

The Shawnee National Forest is a National Forest not a State Property. So on the National forest all Deer Seasons are open to the public unless otherwise posted.. I do know there a parts of the crab Orchard National Refuge are Bow only but its only like 100 acres, considering there is 2000 acres open to public hunting bow and firearm. I am not sure other than that but I do know that most bow only areas are very small and get high congestion during first part of the season. I think you are better off in normal areas.

Good luck in Pope we hunt Hardin with shotgun and bow on private and National forest ground. Bow season down there is usually not too crowded just find a spot off the beaten path and you should be ok there is alot of territory available it would be worth your time to stop in at the National Forrest office in Harrisburg for any info you are looking for they are usually pretty helpful and willing to tell you where the areas are that get the most pressure.

Google Ohio Shawnee State Forest. 60,000 acres bordering the Ohio River open to bow, shotgun and a primitive weapon season. gottahunt.com