The Ashland County Forestry and Recreation meeting on March 14, 2025, highlighted significant changes in deer hunting and timber management as the county wraps up its busy recreation season. With the deer hunting season concluding, officials are adjusting access to forest areas by opening and closing gates, while also preparing for upcoming timber sales.

Timber management is a key focus, with plans for new sales set to begin in the coming weeks. However, the timber market remains sluggish, raising questions about the volume of work that can be accomplished this winter. Officials noted that winter is typically a busy time for timber sales, especially in areas that require frozen ground for access. The current condition of the roads, described as hard but rough, may impact operations until snowfall improves conditions.

In a related update, deer harvest numbers in Ashland County have seen a notable decline. The total deer harvest is down 10% from the five-year average, with a significant 35% drop in antlerless deer due to a lack of available tags. This decrease in antlerless tags has likely influenced overall hunting activity, as hunters may seek opportunities elsewhere. Despite the lower numbers, officials reported that the quality of the deer remains promising, with many bucks showing good body size and antler growth, attributed to last year's mild winter.

The meeting also revealed a trend of declining participation in deer hunting, with fewer hunters spending less time in the field. This shift, combined with the absence of snow during the opening weekend, has affected visibility and tracking, although a recent snowfall did lead to a spike in harvest numbers.

As the county navigates these challenges, officials are optimistic about the potential for improved deer survival rates this winter, thanks to the healthy condition of the deer population. The meeting underscored the importance of adapting to changing conditions in both timber management and wildlife conservation efforts.