Woodbury Wildlife Area in Coshocton County is the largest public hunting and fishing area in Ohio. Their 19,000 acres is operated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources specifically for wildlife recreation. It has also been designated as a ‘Watchable Wildlife’ area and is home to rarely spotted birds such as bobolinks, short-eared owls, rough-legged hawks and numerous songbirds. You’ll also find white-tailed deer, squirrels, wild turkeys, cottontail rabbits, ruffed grouse, waterfowl, beaver, muskrat, raccoon, opossum, skunks and many others. More than 42 ponds on the land have been stocked with bass, bluegill, red-ear sunfish, and channel catfish. Open year-round, this public wildlife area is perfect for birding, hiking, picnicking, primitive camping, fishing and hunting.

Woodbury features a Class A shooting range with 48 shooting benches distributed at 25, 50, 100 and 200-yard backdrops for pistol and rifle users. Shotgun enthusiasts can choose trap, skeet, hand-thrown or patterning areas. A walk-through archery trail with 20 targets set at various yardages is also available. Purchase permits for the shooting range where you buy your hunting and fishing licenses.

Access to Woodbury Wildlife Area is free although licenses are required for hunting and fishing. There are numerous access roads into the area. The shooting range is located just seven minutes outside Coshocton on State Route 541. Call for directions and information (740) 824-3211.