Hunting Seasons & Licensing · OH
Ohio Hunting Seasons & Licensing
2025–2026 SeasonOhio is one of the top white-tailed deer hunting states in the eastern United States, consistently producing trophy-class bucks. The state has approximately 400,000 deer hunters and over 100,000 acres of public Wildlife Areas. Ohio is a shotgun/muzzleloader/handgun-only state for deer during the gun season — rifles are not legal for deer hunting. Wild turkey hunting is also excellent, with a healthy and growing population. Ohio's location in the Mississippi and Atlantic Flyways makes it a productive waterfowl state.
Dates shown are for the 2025–2026 season based on the most recent published regulations. Always verify current dates with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources — Division of Wildlife before hunting.
Season Dates by Game Type
Big Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | Sep 27 – Feb 1, 2026 | 6 deer per season (county-specific antlerless limits) | Bow and arrow, crossbow |
| White-tailed Deer | Gun | Dec 1 – Dec 7 & Dec 20 – Dec 21, 2025 | 1 buck + antlerless (county-specific) | Shotgun, muzzleloader, handgun, crossbow |
| White-tailed Deer | Muzzleloader | Jan 3 – Jan 6, 2026 | 1 deer | Muzzleloader only |
| White-tailed Deer | Youth Gun | Nov 22 – Nov 23, 2025 | 1 deer | Shotgun, muzzleloader, handgun, crossbow |
White-tailed Deer (Gun): NO rifles for deer in Ohio — shotgun, muzzleloader, handgun, or straight-wall cartridge rifles only
White-tailed Deer (Youth Gun): Youth 17 and under with adult mentor
Turkey
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Turkey | Spring (youth) | Apr 11 – Apr 12, 2026 | 1 bearded turkey | Shotgun, bow |
| Wild Turkey | Spring | Apr 20 – May 24, 2026 | 2 bearded turkeys | Shotgun, bow |
| Wild Turkey | Fall | Oct 11 – Nov 23, 2025 | 1 turkey either sex | Shotgun, bow |
Upland Game Birds
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ring-necked Pheasant | General | Nov 1 – Jan 11, 2026 | 2 daily (roosters only) / 4 possession | Shotgun |
| Ruffed Grouse | General | Oct 11 – Nov 30, 2025 | 2 daily / 4 possession | Shotgun |
| Mourning Dove | General | Sep 1 – Nov 9 & Dec 13 – Jan 11, 2026 | 15 daily | Shotgun |
Ring-necked Pheasant (General): Wild populations limited. Stocked birds on public areas.
Ruffed Grouse (General): Southeast Ohio hill country
Waterfowl
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks | General | Varies by zone — Oct through Jan | 6 daily (species-specific limits) | Shotgun (non-toxic shot required) |
Ducks (General): Federal duck stamp + HIP required. Lake Erie marshes are premier waterfowl habitat.
Small Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottontail Rabbit | General | Nov 1 – Feb 28, 2026 | 4 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
| Fox/Gray Squirrel | General | Sep 1 – Jan 31, 2026 | 6 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
Licensing
| License Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting License | $19 | — |
| Non-Resident Hunting License | $125 | — |
| Resident Deer Permit | $24 | — |
| Non-Resident Deer Permit | $125 | — |
| Resident Turkey Permit | $24 | — |
| Non-Resident Turkey Permit | $49 | — |
| Youth (under 18) | Reduced fees | Apprentice license available |
| Senior (66+) | $10 | — |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $25 | Required for waterfowl |
Tags, Draws & Lotteries
Most Ohio hunting licenses and deer permits are available over the counter. There is no draw system for standard deer or turkey permits. Controlled hunts on select Wildlife Areas may require a lottery application. The state does not use a preference point system. Ohio's liberal bag limits (up to 6 deer per season) are designed to manage a healthy deer population.
Harvest Reporting
Ohio requires mandatory Game Check for all deer, turkey, and other select species. Reporting must be completed within 24 hours of harvest through the Ohio DNR website, HuntFish OH app, or by phone. Each harvest receives a confirmation number. CWD surveillance sampling is encouraged statewide.
Ohio Wildlife Resources
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources — Division of Wildlife — Hunting Home →
- Current Hunting Regulations →
- Hunter Education →
- Violation Hotline: Turn In a Poacher (TIP): 1-800-762-2437
- USFWS Waterfowl Frameworks →
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. Season dates, bag limits, license fees, and regulations shown here are based on the most recently published data from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources — Division of Wildlife and may not reflect last-minute changes, emergency closures, or special regulations. Always verify current regulations directly with your state wildlife agency before hunting. FirearmSelect does not provide legal advice and is not responsible for actions taken based on this information.