The Guide to Ohio Hunting Seasons 2024

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.  
 

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. 

Deer Seasons

• Archery: September 28 – February 2
• Youth Gun: November 16 – 17
• Gun: December 2 – 8
• Bonus Gun: December 21 – 22
• Muzzleloader: January 4 – 7

For more information about deer seasons and to check for changes to bag limits and Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance areas (DSA areas), check the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife website. 

Turkey Seasons

• Fall: October 1 – 27
• Spring: 
  • Youth: April 13 – 14
  • South Zone: April 20 – May 19
  • Northeast Zone: April 27 – May 26

Ruffed Grouse

• Southern and Easter Counties: November 1 – December 1
• Sharp-tailed Grouse (Northwest Zone): September 14 – November 30

Waterfowl

Youth, active military, and veterans (only) can hunt all waterfowl September 28 – 29.

Duck, Coot, Merganser 

• Lake Erie Marsh Zone: October 12 – 27 and November 9 – December 22
• North Zone: October 19 – 27 and November 16 – January 5
• South Zone: October 19 – 27 and December 7 – January 26

Goose

• Lake Erie Marsh Zone: October 12 – 27 and November 16 – February 3
• North Zone: October 19 – 27 and November 9 – February 3
• South Zone: October 19 – 27 and November 16 – February 10

Mourning Dove

September 1 – November 3 and December 7 – January 1

Wild Pig, Coyote, and Woodchuck

No closed season and no bag limit. 

Small Game (Hunting and Trapping)

• Rabbit (Cottontail): November 1 – February 28
• Squirrel: September 1 – January 31
• Fox, Raccoon, Skunk, Weasel, Opossum (hunting and trapping): November 10 – January 31
• Mink and Muskrat (trapping): November 10 – February 28
• Beaver and River Otter (trapping): December 26 – February 28

For more details about other small game species, check this resource. 

You can also find more details about all species and season dates through eRegulations. 

What Do I Need to Know About Hunting Licenses?

All hunters in Ohio need a 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 mink, 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.  

What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?

In Ohio, all first-time hunters need a hunter safety certification before buying a license and hunting. 

Along with the right safety education and a license and permit, you also need the right gear! HuntWise subscribers get discounts on gear from our partners. You can save hundreds on gear like binoculars, hunting knives, calls, clothing, scopes, and more from our partners. 

Have a Successful Ohio Hunting Season 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. 

Start your free trial soon to make sure you’re ready on opening day.