As one of the top states for hunting whitetail, Ohio is a destination hunting ground for many hunters. If you’re after a trophy buck, the Buckeye State could deliver for you this year. It’s also an excellent spot for hunting and trapping furbearers (like mink, muskrat, raccoon, fox, and others).
So, whether hunting Ohio means the field is practically in your backyard or we’ve piqued your interest for a trip to the state for a whitetail hunt, make sure you know when the season starts for the game you’re after. You’ll also need to know about getting a hunting license and how many deer and furs you can bring home.
In this guide, you’ll find details you need to hunt in Ohio, whether you’re after furs, that trophy buck, or a nice turkey. We also recommend downloading the HuntWise app to find the best spots to hunt and plan your days in the field! Here’s what hunters need to know about Ohio hunting seasons.
Updated July 21, 2025
Why Do Hunters Hunt in Ohio?
We mentioned that Ohio could be where you finally get that trophy buck. It’s known for delivering large whitetail deer, so whether you tag that biggest buck you’ve ever shot this season, or it’s simply just a “really good” one, deer hunters can treat themselves to a great experience when planning a hunt in Ohio.
The state is also known for excellent trapping if you prefer small furbearers. You can also hunt for turkey, duck, dove, goose, wild hogs, and coyotes in Ohio.
Where Should I Hunt?
You’ll find lots of public hunting land throughout the state.
Ohio has plenty of deep valleys contrasted with hills as part of the Appalachian Plateau, so there is plenty of varying terrain for hunters to research when planning a hunt. Depending on the game you’re after, you could also come across agricultural lands and hardwood forests.
HuntWise can help you learn more about the terrain where you’ll find the game you hunt. Use map layers and markers to learn about specific hunting areas (public and private)and max out your bag limit each season.
With these insights, hunters can choose the best days to hunt and bring the right gear for a day in the field.
When Can I Hunt?
Knowing when and where to hunt in Ohio requires plenty of research, especially if you hunt different species year-round.
HuntiWise is to help! We’ve compiled this guide with the latest information to help you get out in the field faster (and more often) this season.
However, we also recommend conducting your own research as you plan your hunts, as information can always change. Before heading out into the field, check with state agencies to confirm the latest information about regulations, season dates, and bag limits.
Dates have been updated for 2025. We'll make more updates for the 2025 season as information becomes available.
Ohio Deer Season
Archery: September 27, 2025 – February 1, 2026
Youth Gun: November 22 – 23, 2025
Gun: December 1 – 7, 2025 and December 20 – 21, 2025
Muzzleloader: January 3 – 6, 2026
DSA Archery: September 13, 2025 – February 1, 2026
Cottontail Rabbit: November 7, 2025 – February 28, 2026
Pheasant: November 1, 2025 – January 11, 2026
Chukar: November 7, 2025 – January 11, 2026
Quail: November 1 – 30, 2025
Fox, Raccoon, Skunk, Weasel, Opossum (hunting and trapping): November 10, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Mink and Muskrat (trapping): November 10, 2025 – February 28, 2026
Beaver and River Otter (trapping): December 26, 2025 – February 28, 2026
Migratory Birds
Dove: September 1 – November 9, 2025 an December 13, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Rail: September 1 – November 9, 2025
Gallinule: September 1 – November 9, 2025
Snipe: September 1 – November 19, 2025 and Decemberr 6, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Woodcock: October 11 – November 24, 2025
Waterfowl
Youth Hunting: October 4 – 5, 2025
Military & Veteran Hunting: October 4 – 5, 2025
Early Waterfowl:
Canada Geese: September 6 – 14, 2025
Teal: September 6 – 14, 2025
Lake Eerie Marsh Zone:
Geese: October 18 – November 2, 2025 and November 15, 2025 – February 2, 2026
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers: October 18 – November 2, 2025 and November 15 – Decemberr 28, 2025
North Zone:
Geese: October 18 – 26, 2025 and November 15, 2025 – February 9, 2026
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers: October 18 – 26, 2025 and November 15, 2025 – January 4, 2026
South Zone:
Geese: October 18 – October 27, 2025 and November 16, 2025 – February 9, 2026
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers: October 18 – 27, 2025 and December 13, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Wild Pig, Coyote, and Woodchuck
No closed seasons and no bag limit.
What Do I Need to Know About Ohio Hunting Regulations and Licenses?
All hunters in Ohio need a hunting license regardless of age. You can purchase a resident or nonresident annual license valid starting March 1 through the end of February of the following year. Costs range from $10 for a youth license to $430.56 for a lifetime license for residents.
Depending on the game you hunt and the season, you may also need a permit or stamp.
What Are the Bag Limits for Ohio Hunting?
How many turkeys, deer, or mourning doves can you bring home this season? To comply with Ohio’s hunting regulations, follow the bag limits for everything you plan to hunt.
Deer
2, 3, or 4, depending on the county
Pheasant
2 per day (males only)
Turkey
1 bearded (spring), 1 either sex (fall)
Ruffed Grouse
1 per day
Rabbit
4 daily
Duck
6 daily
Squirrel
6 daily
Goose
5 daily (Canada and white-fronted geese, and may include no more than 1 Brant),
Along with the right safety education and a license and permit, you also need the right gear (like a sharp knife)! HuntWise subscribers get discounts on gear from our partners. You can save hundreds on gear like binoculars, calls, clothing, scopes, and more from our partners.
Make Your Ohio Hunting Season a Success with HuntWise
We hope the information in this guide is helpful as you plan your hunts for deer, furbearers, geese, or turkey in Ohio this year.
Along with the information in this guide, don’t forget the best tool for hunting any species this season. As you plan your hunting year, download the HuntWise app for immediate access to current information on hunting in Ohio, including season dates and regulations. You’ll also have access to hundreds of map layers, landowner boundaries, satellite imagery, real-time animal behavior predictors, wind and weather forecasting, and more.
If you like big bucks (white-tail bucks, that is) and the potential to add a bear to your hunting trophies, Wisconsin is the place to hunt. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to hunt turkey in the spring and fall. Read More
Hunting in Michigan is a deep tradition, often marked by “going to deer camp” to start the season. With access to everything from turkey, deer, and even bear and elk, as well as many non-game species, hunters can hunt nearly year-round.Read More
Rhode Islanders are big fans of hunting, fishing, and the outdoors in general. The state supports getting out into nature, conservation, wildlife management, and more, making it an excellent state for hunting year-round.Read More
If you like big bucks (white-tail bucks, that is) and the potential to add a bear to your hunting trophies, Wisconsin is the place to hunt. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to hunt turkey in the spring and fall. Read More
Hunting in Michigan is a deep tradition, often marked by “going to deer camp” to start the season. With access to everything from turkey, deer, and even bear and elk, as well as many non-game species, hunters can hunt nearly year-round.Read More
Rhode Islanders are big fans of hunting, fishing, and the outdoors in general. The state supports getting out into nature, conservation, wildlife management, and more, making it an excellent state for hunting year-round.Read More