Ohio Hunting Seasons 2023-2024 [Schedule Update]

The Ohio hunting season is a favorite time of year for sportsmen and outdoor lovers alike. The Buckeye State offers a wide variety of hunting opportunities, from white-tailed deer and wild turkey to waterfowl and migratory birds. It’s crucial to educate yourself with Ohio’s hunting rules and restrictions before venturing out into the field. This entails getting the required permits and licenses, observing bag and possession restrictions, and sticking to the precise rules for using weapons, archery equipment, and other hunting tools. To guarantee a secure and productive hunting season for everyone, we will present an outline of Ohio’s hunting laws in this blog post.

Ohio Hunting Seasons
Ohio Hunting Seasons

Ohio Hunting Seasons

Hunting options in the state include those for deer, wild turkey, ducks, and other animals. It’s important for hunters to be informed of the laws and guidelines established to guarantee a safe and productive hunting experience. For instance, in order to hunt for particular species, such as ducks or wild turkeys, hunters must possess a current Ohio hunting license. Hunters should also be aware of bag limitations, hunting seasons, and prohibitions on certain hunting techniques, such the use of lures or electronic calling devices. The need for the HIP certification, the Federal Migratory Bird Shooting Stamp (Duck Stamp), and the Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp endorsement for hunting waterfowl should also be known to hunters.

Below here are the lists of schedules for the season

Deer Hunting Seasons

Ohio Deer SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Deer (Archery)Saturday, September 24, 2022Sunday, February 05, 2023Statewide, there is a bag limit of six, but you are not allowed to go beyond it. There can only be one antlerered.
Deer (Youth Gun)Saturday, November 19, 2022Sunday, November 20, 2022Statewide, there is a bag limit of six, but you are not allowed to go beyond it. There can only be one antlerered.
Deer (Early Gun)Monday, November 28, 2022Sunday, December 04, 2022Statewide, there is a bag limit of six, but you are not allowed to go beyond it. There can only be one antlerered.
Deer (Late Gun)Saturday, December 17, 2022Sunday, December 18, 2022Statewide, there is a bag limit of six, but you are not allowed to go beyond it. There can only be one antlerered.
Deer (Muzzleloader)Saturday, January 07, 2023Tuesday, January 10, 2023Statewide, there is a bag limit of six, but you are not allowed to go beyond it. There can only be one antlerered.

Coyote Season

Ohio Coyote SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
CoyoteSaturday, January 01, 2022Saturday, December 31, 2022There is no limit and Open all season.

Dove Season

Ohio Dove SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Dove (Early)Thursday, September 01, 2022Sunday, November 06, 2022A bag limit of 15
Dove (Late)Saturday, December 10, 2022Sunday, January 01, 2023A bag limit of 15

Duck Season

Ohio Duck SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Duck (North-2)Saturday, November 12, 2022Sunday, January 01, 2023Zone North. Six ducks are allowed in the daily bag limit, although they cannot exceed four mallards (only two hens), three wood ducks, two redheads, two canvasbacks, one pintail, two black ducks, or one mottled duck.
Duck (South-2)Saturday, December 10, 2022Sunday, January 29, 2023Southern Zone. Six ducks are allowed in the daily bag limit, although they cannot exceed four mallards (only two hens), three wood ducks, two redheads, two canvasbacks, one pintail, two black ducks, or one mottled duck.
Duck (Early Teal)Saturday, September 03, 2022Sunday, September 18, 2022A bag limit of 6.
Duck (Youth and Veteran Waterfowl)Saturday, October 01, 2022Sunday, October 02, 2022A bag limit same as regular season.
Duck (Lake Erie Marsh-1)Saturday, October 15, 2022Sunday, October 30, 2022Marsh Zone of Lake Erie. Six ducks are allowed in the daily bag limit, although they cannot exceed four mallards (only two hens), three wood ducks, two redheads, two canvasbacks, one pintail, two black ducks, or one mottled duck.
Duck (South-1)Saturday, October 22, 2022Sunday, October 30, 2022Southern Zone. Six ducks are allowed in the daily bag limit, although they cannot exceed four mallards (only two hens), three wood ducks, two redheads, two canvasbacks, one pintail, two black ducks, or one mottled duck.
Duck (North-1)Saturday, October 22, 2022Sunday, October 30, 2022Zone North. Six ducks are allowed in the daily bag limit, although they cannot exceed four mallards (only two hens), three wood ducks, two redheads, two canvasbacks, one pintail, two black ducks, or one mottled duck.
Duck (Lake Erie Marsh-2)Saturday, November 05, 2022Sunday, December 18, 2022Marsh Zone of Lake Erie. Six ducks are allowed in the daily bag limit, although they cannot exceed four mallards (only two hens), three wood ducks, two redheads, two canvasbacks, one pintail, two black ducks, or one mottled duck.

Fox Season

Ohio Fox SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Fox (Red & Gray)Thursday, November 10, 2022Tuesday, January 31, 2023There is no limit.

Goose Season

Ohio Goose SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Goose (Early Canada Geese)Saturday, September 03, 2022Sunday, September 11, 2022A bag limit of 5.
Goose (Youth and Veteran Waterfowl)Saturday, October 01, 2022Sunday, October 02, 2022Bag limit same as regular season.
Goose (Lake Erie Marsh-1)Saturday, October 15, 2022Sunday, October 30, 2022(Lake Erie Marsh Zone) 5 combined: Canada goose, white-fronted goose, and may not include more than 1 brant. 10 combined: Snow goose, blue goose, Ross’s goose.
Goose (North-1)Saturday, October 22, 2022Sunday, October 30, 2022(North Zone) 5 combined: Canada goose, white-fronted goose, and may include no more than 1 brant. 10 combined: Snow goose, blue goose, Ross’s goose.
Goose (South-1)Saturday, October 22, 2022Sunday, October 30, 2022(South Zone) 5 combined: Canada goose, white-fronted goose, and may include no more than 1 brant. 10 combined: Snow goose, blue goose, Ross’s goose.
Goose (Lake Erie Marsh-2)Saturday, November 05, 2022Sunday, December 18, 2022(Lake Erie Marsh Zone) 5 combined: Canada goose, white-fronted goose, and may include no more than 1 brant. 10 combined: Snow goose, blue goose, Ross’s goose.
Goose (North-2)Saturday, November 12, 2022Monday, February 06, 2023(North Zone) 5 combined: Canada goose, white-fronted goose, and may include no more than 1 brant. 10 combined: Snow goose, blue goose, Ross’s goose.
Goose (South-2)Saturday, November 19, 2022Monday, February 13, 2023(South Zone) 5 combined: Canada goose, white-fronted goose, and may include no more than 1 brant. 10 combined: Snow goose, blue goose, Ross’s goose.
Goose (Lake Erie Marsh-3)Sunday, January 01, 2023Sunday, February 05, 2023(Lake Erie Marsh Zone) 5 combined: Canada goose, white-fronted goose, and may not include more than 1 brant. 10 combined: Snow goose, blue goose, Ross’s goose.

Grouse Season

Ohio Grouse SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Ruffed GrouseSaturday, October 08, 2022Sunday, January 01, 2023(Private Land) A bag limit of 1.
Ruffed GrouseSaturday, October 08, 2022Sunday, November 27, 2022(Public Land) A bag limit of 1.

Hog Season

Ohio Hog SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Wild PigSaturday, January 01, 2022Saturday, December 31, 2022There is no limit. Open all season

Pheasant Season

Ohio Pheasant SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Ring-necked PheasantFriday, November 04, 2022Sunday, January 08, 2023A bag limit of 2 (males only).

Quail Season

Ohio Quail SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Bobwhite QuailFriday, November 04, 2022Sunday, November 27, 2022Bag limit 2.

Rabbit Season

Ohio Rabbit SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Cottontail RabbitFriday, November 04, 2022Tuesday, February 28, 2023A bag limit of 4.

Turkey Season

Ohio Turkey SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Turkey (Fall)Saturday, October 08, 2022Sunday, November 13, 2022(Select counties only) A Bag limit of1 either sex.
Turkey (Spring Youth)Saturday, April 15, 2023Sunday, April 16, 20232 bearded turkeys, 1 per day. (No more than 1 on public land.)
Turkey (Spring South Zone)Saturday, April 22, 2023Sunday, May 21, 20232 bearded turkeys, 1 per day. (No more than 1 on public land.)
Turkey (Spring Northeast Zone)Saturday, April 29, 2023Sunday, May 28, 20232 bearded turkeys, 1 per day. (No more than 1 on public land.)

Upland Bird Season

Ohio Upland Bird SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
WoodcockSaturday, October 08, 2022Monday, November 21, 2022A bag limit of 3 daily.
ChukarFriday, November 04, 2022Sunday, January 08, 2023A bag limit of 2 daily.

Small Game & Furbearer Season

Ohio Small Game & Furbearer SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End Date
American Crow
(Friday,Saturday,and Sunday only)
Friday, June 03, 2022Sunday, March 05, 2023
Friday, June 02, 2023Sunday, March 03, 2024
Squirrel (red, gray,and fox)Thursday, September 01, 2022Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Ruffed Grouse (public land)Saturday, October 08, 2022Sunday, November 27, 2022
Ruffed Grouse (private land)Saturday, October 08, 2022Sunday, January 01, 2023
Cottontail RabbitFriday, November 04, 2022Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Ring-necked PheasantFriday, November 04, 2022Sunday, January 08, 2023
Bobwhite Quail
(Select Counties
and Wildlife Areas)
Friday, November 04, 2022Sunday, November 27, 2022
Fox (red and gray), Raccoon, Skunk, Opossum, and WeaselThursday, November 10, 2022Tuesday, January 31, 2023
CoyoteNo closed season
Feral Swine (wild boar)No closed season
GroundhogNo closed season
Youth Small GameSaturday, October 22, 2022Sunday, October 23, 2022
Saturday, October 29, 2022Sunday, October 30, 2022

Furbearer Trapping Season

Ohio Furbearer Trapping SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End Date
Fox (red and gray), Raccoon, Skunk, Opossum, and WeaselThursday, November 10, 2022Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Mink, MuskratThursday, November 10, 2022Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Mink, Muskrat, Raccoon, Opossum, Skunk, Weasel: (Select Counties)Thursday, November 10, 2022Wednesday, March 15, 2023
BeaverMonday, December 26, 2022Tuesday, February 28, 2023
River OtterMonday, December 26, 2022Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Migratory Bird Season

Ohio Migratory Bird SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
DoveThursday, September 01, 2022Sunday, November 06, 2022(Mourning and Eurasian-collared)
Saturday, December 10, 2022Sunday, January 01, 2023
Rail (Virginia, Sora)Thursday, September 01, 2022Wednesday, November 09, 2022
Common GallinuleThursday, September 01, 2022Wednesday, November 09, 2022
Thursday, September 01, 2022Wednesday, November 23, 2022
Wilson's SnipeSaturday, December 10, 2022Sunday, January 01, 2023
American WoodcockSaturday, October 08, 2022Monday, November 21, 2022

Waterfowl Season

Ohio Waterfowl SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Early Waterfowl
Canada GeeseSaturday, September 03, 2022Sunday, September 11, 2022
Teal Saturday, September 03, 2022Sunday, September 18, 2022(Blue-winged, Green-winged, and Cinnamon)
Youth Waterfowl HUNTING Saturday, October 01, 2022Sunday, October 02, 2022(Hunters 17 years old or younger)
Military WaterfowlSaturday, October 01, 2022Sunday, October 02, 2022Active duty military and veterans
Lake Erie Marsh Zone
Geese (Canada, White-fronted, Snow, Blue, Ross's), BrantSaturday, October 15, 2022Sunday, October 30, 2022Geese (Canada, White-fronted, Snow, Blue, Ross's), Brant
Saturday, November 05, 2022Sunday, December 18, 2022
Sunday, January 01, 2023Sunday, February 05, 2023
(Ducks, Coots, and Mergansers)Saturday, October 15, 2022Sunday, October 30, 2022
Saturday, November 05, 2022Sunday, December 18, 2022
North Zone
Geese (Canada, White-fronted, Snow, Blue, Ross's), BrantSaturday, October 22, 2022Sunday, October 30, 2022
Saturday, November 12, 2022Monday, February 06, 2023
(Ducks, Coots, and Mergansers)Saturday, October 22, 2022Sunday, October 30, 2022
Saturday, November 12, 2022Sunday, January 01, 2023
South Zone
Geese (Canada, White-fronted, Snow, Blue, Ross's), BrantSaturday, October 22, 2022Sunday, October 30, 2022
Saturday, November 19, 2022Monday, February 13, 2023
(Ducks, Coots, and Mergansers)Saturday, October 22, 2022Sunday, October 30, 2022
Saturday, December 10, 2022Sunday, January 29, 2023

General Hunting Regulations

  • 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 hunting license if they want to shoot migratory game birds such mourning doves, ducks, geese, woodcock, rails, coots, and snipe.
  • An Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp endorsement is required for all hunters who are at least 18 years old.
  • A federal Migratory Bird Hunting 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 hunt 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 turkey hunting, it is forbidden to have more than one hunting tool in your possession.
  • If the wild turkey permit has been completed, the hunter is in possession of a current hunting license, and is successful in taking a wild turkey, the hunter may help another hunter.
  • During the youth waterfowl weekend, any hunters who are under the age of 17 may go waterfowling.
  • On October 1 and 2, 2022, active-duty personnel and veterans may go waterfowl hunting.
  • There is a daily limit of one turkey per hunter.
  • Deer hunting with bait is prohibited everywhere save on public lands and in disease surveillance areas.
  • Communication tools cannot be used by hunters to help in chasing or killing deer.
  • The deer permit must be carried by hunters, whether it is paper or digital.
  • A leashed dog may be used by hunters to retrieve a wounded deer.
  • With a hunting license and a valid deer permit, hunters may hunt coyotes and feral swine (wild boar) during the deer gun season, the youth deer gun season, and the deer muzzleloader season while visibly donning a vest, coat, jacket, or set of coveralls in solid hunter orange or camouflage hunter orange.
  • 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.

Visit OhioDNR.gov for additional information on regulations.

Hunting License

Hunting in Ohio requires a valid hunting license for both Ohio residents and non-residents . Ohio hunting licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase. Hunting ducks requires a federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp (Duck Stamp). This requirement applies to those who are at least 16 years old. Check out the Ohio Department of Natural Resources eregulations website for additional details on license requirements, costs, and other laws.

FAQs related to Ohio Hunting Seasons

What are the hunting season dates for Ohio in 2023?

Depending on the kind of animal being hunted, different dates shall apply to Ohio’s hunting seasons in 2023. For instance, the season for shooting wild turkeys this fall might run from October 8 through November 13. In a three-county disease monitoring area in north-central Ohio, the deer archery season will have a modified start date.

What are the bag limits for hunting turkey, waterfowl and migratory birds in Ohio?

The spring wild turkey season’s bag restriction is one bearded wild turkey, while the autumn season’s 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 kind of animal being pursued will determine the legal hunting gear in Ohio. For instance, shotguns that use shot and have a gauge of 10 or less, including muzzleloaders, are permitted during the autumn and spring wild turkey hunting seasons. Straight-walled cartridge rifles and muzzleloaders that are.38 caliber or bigger are permitted during the deer shooting season.

What permits are necessary for hunting in Ohio?

You need both a Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification and a current Ohio hunting license to go hunting in Ohio. Along with a signed federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp (Duck Stamp) for individuals who are 16 years of age or older, you also need an Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp endorsement to shoot waterfowl in Ohio.

Are there any special hunting regulations for active duty military and veterans in Ohio?

Yes, on October 1 and 2, members of the armed forces in active duty and veterans may go water fowling. During this special waterfowl season, minors are permitted to hunt with adults and bag restrictions are the same as during the normal season.

1 thought on “Ohio Hunting Seasons 2023-2024 [Schedule Update]”

  1. 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

    Reply

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