Ohio’s hunting seasons offer outdoor enthusiasts a chance to pursue a variety of game species throughout the year. From white-tailed deer to wild turkey, waterfowl, and small game, the state provides numerous opportunities for hunters to enjoy their sport.

Ohio’s 2024-25 hunting and trapping seasons have been approved, with specific dates and regulations set for each species. Hunters can find detailed information on bag limits, license requirements, and allowable hunting equipment in the official regulations booklet, available in both English and Spanish.

The hunting calendar includes special opportunities for youth, veterans, and active duty military personnel. Additionally, hunters should be aware of changes for the upcoming season, such as Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance areas and testing requirements for certain species.

Overview of Ohio Hunting Seasons

Ohio offers diverse hunting opportunities throughout the year. The state’s hunting seasons are carefully regulated to ensure sustainable wildlife populations and fair hunting practices.

Deer hunting is particularly popular in Ohio. Archery season for deer typically runs from late September to early February. Gun seasons for deer occur in November and December, including a youth-only weekend.

Turkey hunting seasons are split between fall and spring. The fall season usually spans from mid-October to mid-November, while the spring season runs from late April to mid-May.

Small game seasons vary by species. Squirrel hunting often begins in September, while rabbit and pheasant seasons start in November.

Waterfowl hunting dates are set annually based on federal guidelines. These seasons generally occur between September and January.

Hunters must obtain the appropriate licenses and permits before participating in any hunting activity. Ohio residents and non-residents can purchase these online or from authorized vendors.

It’s crucial for hunters to review the current Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations booklet each year. This resource provides detailed information on season dates, bag limits, and specific rules for different game species.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife updates hunting regulations annually to maintain healthy wildlife populations and ensure hunter safety.

Deer Hunting Seasons

Ohio offers diverse deer hunting opportunities throughout the year. Hunters can pursue white-tailed deer using various methods and equipment during different seasons.

Deer Archery

The deer archery season in Ohio runs from September 28, 2024, to February 2, 2025. This extensive period allows hunters to use crossbows, compound bows, recurve bows, and longbows.

Archery season has gained popularity among Ohio hunters. In the 2023-24 season, a record 100,951 deer were harvested during this time.

Hunters must obtain the appropriate licenses and permits before participating. Either-sex deer permits are available for those seeking to take antlerless deer.

Youth Deer Gun Season

Ohio’s youth deer gun season provides a special opportunity for young hunters to participate in the sport. This season typically occurs on a designated weekend in November.

Young hunters must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult. They can use shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, or specific straight-walled cartridge rifles.

This season helps introduce the next generation to deer hunting traditions and conservation practices. It also allows youth hunters to gain valuable experience in a controlled setting.

Deer Gun Season

The regular deer gun season in Ohio usually takes place in late November to early December. Hunters can use shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, or specific straight-walled cartridge rifles during this time.

A second gun season weekend is often scheduled in mid-December. This provides additional opportunities for hunters who may have missed the main season.

Hunters are limited to harvesting one antlered deer per year, regardless of the method or season. Hunting hours are from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.

Deer Muzzleloader Season

Ohio’s deer muzzleloader season typically occurs in early January. This season allows hunters to use muzzleloading firearms to pursue white-tailed deer.

Muzzleloader hunting requires specialized skills and equipment. Hunters must load their firearms through the muzzle with black powder or approved substitutes.

This season provides a unique challenge for those interested in traditional hunting methods. It often takes place after other deer seasons have concluded, offering a final opportunity to harvest deer for the year.

Hunting Permits and Bag Limits

Ohio hunters need specific permits and must adhere to bag limits when pursuing game. Regulations cover deer management, license requirements, and legal equipment for various species.

Deer Management Permits

Hunters can purchase either-sex deer permits or deer management permits to hunt deer in Ohio. The either-sex permit is valid statewide from September 30, 2023, to February 4, 2024. In disease surveillance areas, this permit has extended validity.

Deer management permits offer additional harvest opportunities. These permits help control deer populations in specific regions. Hunters should check local regulations for permit availability and usage restrictions.

Hunting License Requirements

A valid Ohio hunting license is mandatory for most hunters. Certain exemptions exist, but these are limited. Licenses can be purchased online or from authorized vendors.

Some species require additional permits. For example, waterfowl hunters need a wetlands habitat stamp. This stamp supports conservation efforts for wetland habitats.

Hunters born on or after January 1, 1982, must complete a hunter education course. Proof of completion is necessary when purchasing a license.

Bag Limits and Legal Equipment

Bag limits vary by species and region. For deer, the statewide limit is six, with only one antlered deer allowed. Antlered deer must have at least one antler 3 inches or longer.

Some counties have a two-deer harvest limit. Hunters can use either two either-sex permits or two deer management permits in these areas.

Legal equipment for deer hunting includes bows, crossbows, muzzleloaders, and specific firearms. Shotguns and straight-walled cartridge rifles are permitted during gun seasons.

For small game and furbearers, bag limits differ. Fox, raccoon, skunk, opossum, and weasel can be hunted from November 10, 2024, to January 31, 2025. Specific daily and season limits apply to these species.

Small Game and Furbearer Hunting

Ohio offers diverse hunting opportunities for small game and furbearers. Seasons and regulations vary by species, with specific dates and bag limits set each year.

Small Game Seasons

Squirrel hunting opens the fall season on September 1, 2024, and runs through January 31, 2025. Hunters can pursue red, gray, black, and fox squirrels with a daily bag limit of 6.

Rabbit season typically starts in early November and extends into February. Specific dates for cottontail rabbit hunting are set annually.

Ruffed grouse have a limited season in 17 Ohio counties, running from November 1 to December 1, 2024. The daily bag limit is 1 grouse.

Youth small game weekends offer young hunters opportunities to pursue rabbits, pheasants, and quail in October. These special dates allow new hunters to gain experience before the regular seasons begin.

Furbearer Seasons

Furbearer hunting and trapping seasons generally run from fall through early spring. Species include raccoon, opossum, fox, and coyote.

Raccoon and opossum hunting typically starts in early November and continues into January. Trapping seasons for these species often extend into February.

Fox and coyote hunting seasons are usually longer, often running from fall through winter. Trappers may have different dates for pursuing these furbearers.

Beaver and river otter trapping seasons are set separately, usually spanning from December through February or early March.

Hunters and trappers must consult the current Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations for exact dates, bag limits, and special requirements for each species.

Wild Turkey and Migratory Bird Hunting

Ohio offers diverse hunting opportunities for wild turkeys and migratory birds. Hunters can pursue these game species during specific seasons, with regulations in place to ensure sustainable populations.

Wild Turkey Seasons

Ohio’s wild turkey hunting seasons occur in spring and fall. The spring season dates for 2025 are yet to be announced. Hunters eagerly anticipate this popular season, which typically runs from late April to late May.

Fall wild turkey hunting is open in 70 counties across Ohio. In 2024, the season runs from October 1 to October 27. Hunters are limited to one turkey per season during the fall hunt.

Turkey hunting regulations require hunters to obtain proper licenses and permits. Shotguns and archery equipment are permitted for turkey hunting, subject to specific restrictions.

Migratory Bird Seasons

Migratory bird hunting in Ohio encompasses various species, including waterfowl, doves, and woodcock. Waterfowl seasons are split into different zones and periods to accommodate migration patterns.

Duck hunting seasons typically begin in October and extend into January, with specific dates varying by zone. Goose hunting seasons follow a similar pattern, often running from September through February.

Special regulations apply to migratory bird hunting. Hunters must use non-toxic shot and adhere to daily bag limits. Federal and state waterfowl stamps are required for most migratory bird hunting activities.

Dove season usually opens on September 1, providing an early opportunity for hunters. Woodcock hunting generally occurs in October and November, with a limited season length.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Regulations

Ohio has implemented specific regulations to manage Chronic Wasting Disease in deer populations. These measures aim to monitor and control the spread of CWD through targeted surveillance and hunting strategies.

Disease Surveillance Areas

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has designated Disease Surveillance Areas (DSAs) in regions where CWD has been detected. As of 2024, the DSA includes all of Hardin, Marion, and Wyandot counties, as well as Auglaize and Jackson townships in Allen County.

Hunters in DSAs have additional deer hunting opportunities. The archery season in these areas begins earlier, starting September 9. An early gun hunting season is also scheduled from October 7 to October 9.

CWD testing is mandatory for all deer harvested within the DSA. This requirement helps monitor the disease’s prevalence and spread. Hunters outside the DSA can participate in voluntary testing programs.

The ODNR has reported a total of 49 CWD-positive cases in wild deer as of April 2024. These cases were found in Wyandot (37), Marion (10), Hardin (1), and Allen (1) counties.

These regulations aim to reduce deer populations before the breeding season, potentially slowing the spread of CWD. Hunters play a crucial role in disease management efforts by participating in these extended seasons and complying with testing requirements.

Hunting Areas and Hours

Ohio offers diverse hunting opportunities across public and private lands. Specific regulations govern where and when hunters can pursue game during designated seasons.

Public Hunting Areas

Ohio provides over 750,000 acres of public hunting land. These areas include state forests, wildlife areas, and national forests. Hunters can access maps and information about public hunting areas through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website.

Some popular public hunting areas in Ohio include:

• Wayne National Forest
• Shawnee State Forest
• Grand River Wildlife Area
• Woodbury Wildlife Area

Hunters must follow all posted rules and regulations specific to each area. Some public lands may have restricted access or require special permits.

Hunting Hours

Ohio’s hunting hours are generally 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. These times apply to most game species and seasons. Specific times vary based on location and date.

Exceptions to standard hunting hours include:

• Spring turkey season: Hunting ends at noon during the first two weeks
• Waterfowl hunting: Typically starts at sunrise and ends at sunset

Hunters are responsible for knowing the exact legal hunting hours for their location and date. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources provides sunrise and sunset tables to help hunters determine legal hunting times.

Special Hunting Seasons

Ohio offers unique hunting opportunities during designated periods. These seasons cater to specific groups or target particular species outside of regular hunting timeframes.

Early Deer Gun

The Early Deer Gun season in Ohio provides an additional chance for hunters to pursue white-tailed deer. This season typically occurs in October, before the regular gun season. It lasts for two days and is open in select counties.

Hunters must possess a valid hunting license and deer permit. Only antlerless deer may be taken during this season. The bag limit is one deer per hunter.

Participating counties are chosen based on deer population management needs. Hunters should check the current regulations for the list of open counties.

Military Waterfowl Hunting Weekend

Ohio honors its military personnel with a special waterfowl hunting weekend. This event takes place in early fall, usually in October.

Active duty military members and veterans can hunt ducks, geese, and other waterfowl species before the regular season opens. Participants must have proper licenses and permits.

The season follows federal guidelines for bag limits and species restrictions. Hunters are required to use non-toxic shot and adhere to all waterfowl hunting regulations.

This weekend provides a unique opportunity for military members to enjoy priority access to prime hunting locations.

Hunting Equipment and Regulations

Ohio’s hunting regulations specify allowable equipment for different game species. Hunters must use appropriate firearms, archery equipment, or other approved methods depending on the season and animal being pursued.

For deer hunting, common options include shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, and archery equipment like compound bows and crossbows. Specific caliber and draw weight requirements apply.

Small game hunting typically involves shotguns or air guns. Waterfowl hunters must use shotguns limited to 3 shells and non-toxic shot.

The Ohio Wildlife Council sets equipment rules annually. Hunters should consult current regulations for detailed specifications on legal hunting implements.

Game check is mandatory for deer, turkey, and other select species. Hunters must report their harvest online, by phone, or at an authorized check station within a specified timeframe.

Proper licensing is required, including a valid Ohio hunting license and any necessary species-specific permits. Additional certifications like hunter education may be mandatory depending on age and experience.

Safety equipment such as hunter orange clothing is required during certain seasons. Treestand safety harnesses are strongly recommended when hunting from an elevated position.