Gun Hunting at Edge of Appalachia Preserve: Permit Guide & Conditions

ByThe Answerlode Editorial Team

Getting a Permit: The Essential First Step

Hunting at Edge of Appalachia requires a free permit, but there’s one catch that trips up hunters who don’t plan ahead: permits must be requested in person. You cannot apply online or by phone. Head to the field office at 4274 Waggoner Riffle Road in West Union, Ohio 45693 on a Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., starting in late August (typically around August 18). Permits are issued first come, first served and often run out, especially for non-residents of Adams County, so arriving early in the season matters.

The preserve has a limited number of permits available each year. If you’re coming from out of state or don’t live in Adams County, get there as soon as applications open rather than waiting until October. Call 937-544-2880, extension 15, before making the drive to check if permits are still available.

What You’re Actually Signing Up For

Edge of Appalachia is 20,000 acres total, with roughly 3,200 acres designated for deer hunting. The terrain is nothing like flat public land. Expect heavily forested slopes, steep hillsides, and ravines. The land is rugged and mountainous—this is not a gentle walk. Hunters need to be in reasonable physical condition because you’ll be hiking in, sometimes over significant elevation gains, to reach hunting areas.

The preserve does not allow ATVs. You’ll carry your gear on foot, scouting on foot, and pack out what you harvest on foot. Maps showing the open hunting areas are provided with your permit and aren’t available online beforehand, so you won’t know the exact layout until you get your permit in hand.

Firearm and Hunting Rules

Only white-tailed deer can be hunted. You can use any centerfire rifle caliber or a shotgun up to 10 gauge (shotguns must use nontoxic shot). Adams County has a three-deer bag limit per license year, with a one-antlered-deer limit (antlers must be three inches or taller to count as antlered).

The 2025-26 Ohio gun season runs December 1–7 and December 20–21. Youth gun season is November 22–23. You’ll need a valid deer permit from the state; Edge of Appalachia’s permit gets you access to their land, but you still need an Ohio hunting license and deer permit.

Preparing for the Hunt

Because the terrain is steep and remote, bring sturdy boots broken in before the hunt. Layers matter—December in southern Ohio is cool but variable. A GPS unit or detailed map of your area (mark your landmarks on the permit map) helps you navigate back out. Since no ATV access means no easy exit for an injured animal or an emergency, you need to be comfortable hiking significant distances, potentially in the dark if your hunt runs late.

Scout if you can before the season. Many hunters visit a few weeks early to walk the permitted areas, get a feel for the terrain, and identify bedding or feeding areas. The more familiar you are with the land, the less time you’ll waste lost and the more time you’ll spend actually hunting.

Contact Information

Edge of Appalachia Preserve field office: 937-544-2880. Press extension 15 for permit availability or extension 16 for general hunting questions. The office is open Fridays only during permit season (late August through December). For detailed information about Ohio deer hunting regulations, visit the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website or call them directly.

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