If you’re planning a hunt in the Buckeye State, one of your first questions is likely when is deer hunting in Ohio. The answer depends on the season and the type of equipment you plan to use, as Ohio offers a long and varied calendar.
Ohio’s deer hunting seasons are managed carefully to ensure healthy herds and provide multiple opportunities. From archery to gun seasons, each period has it’s own set of dates and regulations. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from season dates to license info, so you can plan your hunt effectively.
When Is Deer Hunting In Ohio
Ohio’s deer hunting seasons are not a single event but a series of periods stretching from late September to early February. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife sets these dates, usually finalizing them by the spring before the hunting year. Always verify the exact dates each year, as they can shift slightly.
Ohio Deer Season Dates Overview
Here’s a typical framework for Ohio’s deer hunting seasons. Remember, these are general ranges; always check the official regulations.
- Archery Season: Late September through early February.
- Youth Gun Season: A weekend in mid-November.
- Gun Season: Seven days starting the Monday after Thanksgiving.
- Muzzleloader Season: Usually three days in early January.
- Late Archery & Muzzleloader: A few days in late January.
Detailed Breakdown of Each Hunting Season
Archery Season
Ohio’s archery season is the longest and offers the most flexible hunting time. It typically opens in late September and runs continuously through early February, with a brief pause during the seven-day gun season. This allows you to hunt during the pre-rut, rut, and late-season periods.
- You can use longbows, compound bows, recurve bows, and crossbows.
- Crossbow hunting is permitted throughout the entire archery season.
- This season is open in all 88 counties, but always check for specific public land rules.
Youth Gun Season
This special two-day season is designed for young hunters. It usually falls on the third weekend of November. It’s a fantastic opportunity to introduce new hunters to the tradition in a less crowded field.
- Eligible hunters must be 17 years old or younger.
- They must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult who is at least 18.
- The adult must have a valid Ohio hunting license, unless exempt.
- Youth hunters must possess a valid youth deer permit and follow all tagging procedures.
The Seven-Day Gun Season
This is Ohio’s most popular and widely recognized deer season. It begins on the Monday immediately after Thanksgiving and runs for seven consecutive days. It’s a time when hunter participation is at its highest.
- Legal firearms include shotguns (slugs only), straight-walled cartridge rifles, and certain handguns.
- Specific caliber and cartridge requirements are listed in the regulations—know them before you go.
- Hunters must wear a solid orange vest, coat, jacket, or coveralls, plus a solid orange hat or cap.
Muzzleloader Season
The muzzleloader season provides a primitive weapons challenge. It typically occurs over a weekend in early January. There is also a late muzzleloader season for a few days in late January.
- Only muzzleloading firearms .38 caliber or larger are permitted.
- Single-barrel, single-shot weapons only; no double-barrels or repeating muzzleloaders.
- You may use open or peep sights; scopes are also allowed.
Ohio’s Deer Hunting Zones and Bag Limits
Ohio is divided into three deer hunting zones. Your location determines how many deer you can harvest in total during the combined seasons. The zones are designed to manage population goals in different regions of the state.
Zone A (Northwest & Central Ohio)
This zone typically has the most liberal bag limits to help control a higher deer population. Always check the annual regulations, but the structure is often:
- Two either-sex deer permits are included with your hunting license.
- You may purchase up to two additional antlerless deer permits.
- This allows for a potential total of four deer, with specific rules on antlered vs. antlerless.
Zone B (Northeast & South-Central Ohio)
Zone B offers a moderate bag limit structure. It’s common to see the following setup:
- One either-sex deer permit is included with your hunting license.
- You may purchase up to two additional antlerless deer permits.
- This allows for a potential total of three deer.
Zone C (Southeast Ohio)
This zone, covering the heavily forested Appalachian region, has the most conservative limits to help the herd grow or stabilize.
- One either-sex deer permit is included with your hunting license.
- You may purchase one additional antlerless deer permit.
- This allows for a potential total of two deer.
Remember, you can only take one antlered deer (a buck) per license year, regardless of zone or season. All harvested deer must be checked using the state’s mandatory game check system, usually within 24 hours.
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing for Ohio Deer Season
1. Secure Your Licenses and Permits
You cannot hunt without the proper paperwork. Here’s what you need:
- An Ohio hunting license. This is required for all hunters, regardless of age.
- An Ohio deer permit. Your first permit is often included with your license purchase, depending on the zone.
- Any additional antlerless permits if you plan to harvest more than the included permit allows.
- You can buy these online, at licensed agents, or at ODNR Division of Wildlife offices.
2. Scout Your Hunting Area
Scouting is the key to success. Don’t wait until the season opens.
- Use topographic maps and aerial photos to identify funnels, bedding areas, and food sources.
- Look for signs like rubs, scrapes, tracks, and trails. Pre-season is a great time for this.
- Get permission early if you plan to hunt on private land. A face-to-face ask is always best.
- For public land, visit early to find spots away from heavy pressure.
3. Check Your Equipment Thoroughly
Equipment failure can ruin a hunt. Test everything well before the season.
- Archery: Check bowstrings, cables, and limbs for wear. Practice at various distances. Sight in your pins or scope.
- Firearms: Clean your gun thoroughly. Sight it in with the exact ammunition you will hunt with. Practice from different shooting positions.
- Muzzleloader: Practice loading and firing. Know your effective range. Make sure your ignition system is reliable.
- General Gear: Inspect your tree stand harness for safety. Wash your hunting clothes in scent-free detergent. Pack your backpack with essentials like water, a knife, and drag rope.
4. Understand the Rules of Engagement
Knowing the law is your responsibility. Key points include:
- Legal shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
- You must wear the required amount of hunter orange during gun, muzzleloader, and youth seasons.
- You must have permission to retreive a wounded deer on private property.
- All deer must be properly tagged immediately after harvest and checked officially within 24 hours.
Common Mistakes to Avoid as an Ohio Deer Hunter
Even experienced hunters can slip up. Here’s a few pitfalls to watch for.
- Not Checking Annual Regulations: Dates, zones, and bag limits can change. Never assume last year’s rules apply.
- Poor Shot Selection: In the excitement of the moment, taking a low-percentage shot leads to wounded, lost deer. Wait for a clear, ethical shot.
- Ignoring Wind Direction: Deer have an incredible sense of smell. Always plan your entry, stand location, and exit with the wind in your face or crossing.
- Over-hunting a Stand: Too much activity and scent in one area makes deer nocturnal. Have multiple stand locations and use them rotationally.
- Forgetting Safety: Always use a full-body harness in a tree stand. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
FAQs About Deer Hunting in Ohio
What are the exact dates for deer hunting in Ohio this year?
The exact dates are set by the ODNR Division of Wildlife each spring. You can find the definitive dates in the annual “Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations” guide, available for free online or at license vendors. It’s the only source you should trust.
Can I hunt deer on Sundays in Ohio?
Yes, you can. Ohio law now permits hunting on Sundays on all public and private lands, provided you follow all other season dates and regulations. This is a relativly recent change, so it’s good news for weekend hunters.
What license do I need to deer hunt in Ohio?
You need two main things: a valid Ohio hunting license (resident or non-resident) and an Ohio deer permit. The first deer permit is often bundled with the license purchase, but you must still “buy” it at no extra cost during the transaction. Additional antlerless permits cost extra.
How many deer can I take in Ohio?
It depends on which zone you hunt in. Statewide, you are limited to one antlered deer (buck). The total number of deer (including antlerless) ranges from two in Zone C to four in Zone A. You must purchase the appropriate permits for each deer you intend to harvest.
Is a crossbow legal during archery season?
Yes, crossbows are legal for all hunters during the entire archery season in Ohio. There is no longer a separate permit or restriction, making it a popular choice for many hunters.
What are the hunter orange requirements?
During all gun, muzzleloader, and youth seasons, you must wear a vest, jacket, coat, or coveralls that are solid hunter orange. You must also wear a solid hunter orange hat or cap. Camouflage hunter orange patterns are not allowed—it must be solid. During archery-only season, orange is not required unless you are in a designated gun hunting area.
Final Thoughts on Planning Your Hunt
Knowing when is deer hunting in Ohio is just the starting point. Success comes from detailed preparation: understanding the zones, securing the right permits, scouting your area, and practicing with your chosen equipment. Ohio offers a long and varied season with opportunities for every type of hunter, from the patient archer to the traditional firearm enthusiast.
Make it a habit to review the official regulations from the ODNR every single year. They are your most important tool besides your own skills. By following the rules and practicing ethical hunting, you contribute to Ohio’s rich hunting heritage and it’s outstanding deer management program. Get out there, be safe, and enjoy your time in Ohio’s woods and fields.