Shade River State Forest in Ohio

Located adjacent to Forked Run State Park, Shade River State Forest offers a wide variety of hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife observance opportunities. Encompassing over 2500 acres of land, Shade River State Forest covers ridge tops and brushy hollows that holds plenty of habitat for game and other wildlife.

Shade River State Forest sits on former farm land that is in the process of returning to forest. The state of Ohio manages the land's resources and in doing so provides hunters with ideal habitat. The forest offers older growth hardwood and pine stands, clearer brushy areas for small game, and some openings for grazing. While I have never hunted this area, I have seen numerous deer in the area while hiking and driving nearby. The nearby farming operations on the Ohio River Flood Plain provide plenty of nutrition for deer. Stands situated to intercept deer moving from the ridge to the rich food sources in the river valley below should be very productive.

Shade River State Forest offers access to the Ohio River across from the entrance to Forked Run State Park. Forked Run State Park also offers a stocked 100 acre lake for fisherman and swimmers. See my Content Producer Page for an article on Forked Run State Park.

While many bird watchers, hikers, and others I have talked to are leery of venturing into Public Hunting areas for safety reasons, there is really no need to be scared. Most Public Hunting areas are seldom used except in deer firearm season and in some areas turkey season. I have hunted a lot on public land in small game season and rarely see another hunter. Check with the Ohio DNR (www.dnr.state.oh.us) for season dates. Some simple precautions such as brightly colored clothing (a blaze orange hat is always good) and being aware of your surrounds is all that is needed to be safe. Bring your camera for the scenery and the wildlife!