State Roadside Rest Areas

[Bowhunter57]

I've noticed a few of the State roadside rest area that have a 5+ acre woodlot attached to them. These woodlots are back away from the restrooms, picnic areas, etc. As I've been standing around these areas, it's not uncommon to see deer wandering through. They never get too close to people or want to interact with them.

Since this is State property, it made me wonder what the possibilities would be to hunt these sections. Staying back inside the woodlot and out of sight of people would be easy enough. Most of these property sections are connected to private farm grounds that also hold deer. It would be approached from the attached private grounds, so running into anyone that's actually in/on the State roadside rest area would be unlikely.

I may ask a GW about this, the next time I see one.
Anyone know if these woodlots are available or legal to hunt?

 

[Outdoorsfellar]

I'm trying to figure out why you go around standing out at these places .....

 

[finelyshedded]

The rest areas I pass always seem packed or very busy. I chuckle imagining the looks I’d get parked at the end of one of these lots smoking up and putting on my outer layers.

 

[giles]

 

[triple_duece]

I'm trying to figure out why you go around standing out at these places .....

Tapping shoes between stalls is my best guess

 

[Outdoorsfellar]

The rest areas I pass always seem packed or very busy. I chuckle imagining the looks I’d get parked at the end of one of these lots smoking up and putting on my outer layers.

Don't forget about a state trooper pulling up .....

 

[Dustinb80]

Fuckin saddle hunters...

 

[Bowhunter57]

Funny replies.

I used to work in Wastewater Treatment for Allen County and O.D.O.T. was attempting to hand their treatment processes over to Allen County. While we were there evaluating their systems and the costs involved, is when I had the time to see this hunting opportunity. The County decided to pass on the job. Meanwhile, while they're mulling this idea over, I'm standing there watching the deer in the back section of this small woodlot.

It may be a hunting opportunity that's never been considered. Just the same, it may not be allowed in any way, shape or form, but I won't know until I ask someone with the State.

 

[Jackalope]

I bet it's going to be one of those depends on who you ask things, and if they don't know their answer will default to no.

 

[Ohiosam]

Back in the early 70's St Rt 11 was built in my neighborhood. At the time ODOT had plans to extend St Rt 62 through my neighborhood and connect to Rt 11. They were serious enough that when they acquired the ROW for Rt 11 they got the land for the proposed clover leaf. 50 years later 62 has never been built and the 15-20 acres of land for the clover leaf is over grown (it was farmland) and is wooded. The west side has frontage on the township road, The east side is landlocked. People, myself included, have tried to get permission to hunt with no success. I knew the head of ODOT in my county well and there was no way he could give permission. I'm sure people hunt the landlocked east side.

 

["J"]

Could you imagine the number of Karen’s you’d cross paths with while they were relieving their ankle biters?
That in itself would ward off any hunter worth his salt…..

 

[Bowhunter57]

Could you imagine the number of Karen’s you’d cross paths with while they were relieving their ankle biters?
That in itself would ward off any hunter worth his salt…..

True! The endless possibilities with that thought in mind is enough to drop the idea entirely.