This page covers complete information for hunting in Ohio, including the dates, rules, and thrilling chances that await hunters in the forthcoming season.
Engaging in outdoor pursuits across the state encompasses activities targeting deer, wild turkeys, ducks, and diverse wildlife. To ensure a secure and fulfilling experience, individuals should familiarize themselves with pertinent regulations. Pursuing certain species necessitates having a current Ohio license. Those interested in waterfowl endeavors should be versed in limitations, methodologies, and requisite certifications such as HIP, the Federal Migratory Bird Shooting Stamp (Duck Stamp), and the Wetlands Habitat Stamp.
To hunt in Ohio, you must have a current hunting license, unless you are exempt.
All hunters, including landowners, must have a harvest information program (HIP) certification number on their license if they want to shoot migratory game birds such mourning doves, ducks, geese, woodcock, rails, coots, and snipe.
Wetlands Habitat Stamp endorsement is required for all hunters who are at least 18 years old.
A federal Migratory Bird Stamp must be purchased and signed by any hunter who is 16 or older (Duck Stamp).
After the second day, the possession restriction for migratory and ducks is three times the daily bag limit.
With the help of or using bait, hunters are not allowed to pursue or capture wild turkeys.
Using a live decoy to take wild turkeys is prohibited.
Using or owning an electronic calling device during wild turkey hunting is prohibited.
A wild turkey that is perched on a tree cannot be taken or attempted to be taken.
While taking turkey, it is forbidden to have more than one hunting tool in your possession.
Having fulfilled the requirements of a wild turkey permit, possessing a valid hunting license, and successfully capturing a wild turkey, the hunter is permitted to assist another hunter.
During the youth waterfowl weekend, any hunters who are under the age of 17 may go waterfowling.
On October 1 and 2, active-duty personnel and veterans may go for waterfowl.
There is a daily limit of one turkey per permit.
Deer hunting with bait is prohibited everywhere save on public lands and in disease surveillance areas.
Communication tools cannot be used to help in chasing or killing deer.
The deer permit must be carried, whether it is paper or digital.
A leashed dog may be used to retrieve a wounded deer.
Possessing a valid license and deer permit allows individuals to pursue coyotes and feral swine (wild boar) when engaging in deer gun activities, youth deer gun sessions, and deer muzzleloader sessions. It must be visibly adorned in a vest, coat, jacket, or set of coveralls in solid orange or camouflage hunter orange during these pursuits.
With the exception of authorized nontoxic shot, no one is allowed to capture ducks, geese (including brant), rail, snipe, moorhens, or coots while in possession of shot.
Hunting License
Type
Validity
Category
Price
Youth
1 year
Resident & Nonresident
$10.00
1-Year Apprentice
$10.00
3 years
Resident
$27.04
5 years
$45.07
10 years
$90.14
Lifetime
$430.56
Adult
1 year
$19.00
1 year
$19.00
3 years
$54.08
5 years
$90.14
10 years
$180.27
Lifetime
$449.28
Nonresident
1-Year
NR
$180.96
3-Day
$40.56
1-Year Apprentice
$180.96
Senior
1 year
Resident Senior
$10.00
1-Year Apprentice
$10.00
3 years
$27.04
5 years
$45.07
Lifetime
$84.24
Free Senior
Lifetime
Free
Stamps and Permit
FAQ
What are the hunting season dates for Ohio?
Archery enthusiasts can enjoy deer activities from September 30, to February 4, complemented by youth gun and regular gun sessions in November and December. The window for turkey endeavors spans from October 14 to November 12 and April 20 to May 19, 2024, including a dedicated youth session in April. For enthusiasts of small game, 2024 holds prospects for squirrel and rabbit pursuits. Those interested in waterfowl can engage in Early and Late Canada Goose sessions from September 2–10 and November 27–December 3, respectively.
What are the bag limits for turkey, waterfowl and migratory birds in Ohio?
The spring wild turkey season’s bag restriction is one bearded wild turkey, while the fall bag limit is one bird. The bag limit for waterfowl and migratory birds after the second day is three times the daily bag limit.
What equipment is legal for hunting in Ohio?
The use of straight-walled cartridge rifles, shotguns, pistols, bows (including longbows, recurve bows, and compound bows), and crossbows is permissible. Additionally, hunters can employ 12 ft-lb airguns. Small game and furbearer hunting by dogs is permitted, excluding deer or turkey pursuits.
What permits are necessary for hunting in Ohio?
To engage in outdoor activities in Ohio, it is essential to hold both a Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification and a valid license. Individuals aged 16 or older, aiming to shoot waterfowl, must possess a signed federal Migratory Bird Stamp (Duck Stamp) and Wetlands Habitat Stamp endorsement.
Are there any special hunting regulations for active duty military and veterans in Ohio?
John Lewis, the passionate founder of HuntingSeasons.org, is committed to promoting responsible hunting and a profound love for the wilderness. With years of expertise, his platform serves as a reliable guide for hunting enthusiasts, advocating ethical practices and nature preservation.
where do I find a “printable form of the OHIO “Game Tag” form. I cannot find it in the last 2 yrs of Hunting Regulations or on the OHIO DNR website.
Thank you
Dan
First time hunter. Where can we hunt deer? Is there available community or government land that we can hunt on? Near Cincinnati Ohio