Ohio Hunting Guide 2025-2026 – Seasons, Regulations & Public Hunting Areas
Welcome to your complete resource for navigating the upcoming game calendar in the Buckeye State! Whether you’re a lifelong Ohioan or planning a trip to experience our diverse wildlife opportunities, this guide covers everything you need to know about dates, permits, bag limits, and prime locations for the 2025-2026 schedule.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife has finalized another exciting year of opportunities across our state’s varied landscapes. From the rolling hills of southeastern counties to the marshlands along Lake Erie, there’s something for every type of outdoor enthusiast. Let’s dive into what’s in store for the coming months.
📅 Ohio Hunting Quick Highlights
Before we get into the detailed breakdowns, here’s what you need to know at a glance:
Key Season Highlights:
- Archery: Sept. 27, 2025 – Feb. 1, 2026 (longest window)
- Youth Gun: Nov. 22-23, 2025 (perfect weekend opportunity)
- Rifle/Gun: Dec. 1-7 & Dec. 20-21, 2025 (split format returns)
- Muzzleloader: Jan. 3-6, 2026 (post-holiday tradition)
- Fall Turkey: Oct. 1-26, 2025 (select counties only)
- Small Game: Generally Nov. 7 start dates for most species
Major Changes This Year:
- Public land antlerless limit increased from one to two deer
- Management permits now valid on public areas
- County bag limit adjustments in select regions
Big Game Overview
White-tailed Deer Seasons
| Season Type | Dates | Legal Methods | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sept. 27, 2025 – Feb. 1, 2026 | Bow, crossbow | Longest opportunity window |
| Youth Gun | Nov. 22-23, 2025 | Any legal firearm | Ages 17 and under |
| Gun Season | Dec. 1-7 & Dec. 20-21, 2025 | Firearms, muzzleloaders | Two separate periods |
| Muzzleloader | Jan. 3-6, 2026 | Muzzleloading firearms only | Traditional primitive season |
| DSA Archery | Sept. 13, 2025 – Feb. 1, 2026 | Bow, crossbow | Disease surveillance areas |
| DSA Early Gun | Oct. 11-13, 2025 | Any legal firearm | Select counties/townships |
Bag Limits & Tags:
- Statewide limit: 6 deer maximum (only one may be antlered)
- County-specific limits: 2, 3, or 4 deer depending on location
- Public land: Maximum 2 antlerless deer per license year
- Either-sex permits OR deer management permits required
- Management permits valid until Dec. 21, 2025
Black Bear Information
Currently, there are no established bear seasons in the state. While occasional sightings occur, particularly in eastern counties, no harvest opportunities exist at this time.
Turkey Dates
| Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Legal Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Turkey | Oct. 1-26, 2025 | 1 (either sex) | Shotgun, archery |
| Spring Turkey | TBA (check Jan. 2026) | 1 bearded bird | Shotgun, archery |
Important Notes:
- Fall opportunities limited to select counties
- Spring dates announced in January at wildohio.gov
- Valid tag and base license required
- Legal to use leashed dogs for wounded bird recovery in spring
Youth Turkey Opportunities:
Special youth-only dates typically precede regular spring dates. Check official announcements for 2026 youth schedule.
Furbearer Opportunities
Year-Round Species
- Coyote: No closed period (no bag limit)
- Groundhog: No closed period (no bag limit)
Seasonal Opportunities
| Species | Dates | Bag Limit | License Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fox, Raccoon, Skunk, Opossum, Weasel | Nov. 10, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026 | No limit | Base license + fur taker permit |
| Mink, Muskrat | Nov. 10, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026* | No limit | Base license + fur taker permit |
| Beaver | Dec. 26, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026 | No limit | Base license + fur taker permit |
| River Otter | Dec. 26, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026 | 3 (1 from Zone B) | Base license + fur taker permit |
*Select northern counties: extends to March 15, 2026
Special Requirements:
- River otter pelts must be checked within 5 business days
- Fur taker permit NOT required for coyote pursuit
- Night vision equipment legal for coyote year-round
Small Game Section
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squirrel | Sept. 1, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026 | 6 | Most popular small game |
| Rabbit | Nov. 7, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026 | 4 | Cottontail opportunities |
| Ring-necked Pheasant | Nov. 7, 2025 – Jan. 11, 2026 | 2 (males only) | Stocked birds available |
| Ruffed Grouse | Nov. 7-30, 2025 | 1 | Select counties only |
| Bobwhite Quail | Nov. 7-30, 2025 | 2 | Limited areas/counties |
| Chukar | Nov. 7, 2025 – Jan. 11, 2026 | 4 | Released bird opportunities |
Youth Small Game Weekends
Oct. 25-26 & Nov. 1-2, 2025 – Special youth-only opportunities with same bag limits as regular periods. Great way to introduce young hunters to the sport!
American Crow Special Season:
June 6, 2025 – March 1, 2026 (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays only). No bag limit. Electronic calls permitted.
Complete Waterfowl Seasons
Early Opportunities
| Species | Dates | Daily Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Early Canada Goose | Sept. 6-14, 2025 | 5 |
| Early Teal | Sept. 6-14, 2025 | 6 |
Youth & Military Weekends
Oct. 4-5, 2025 – Special youth and active military waterfowl opportunities
Regular Waterfowl Zones
Lake Erie Marsh Zone:
- Geese: Oct. 18 – Nov. 2 & Nov. 15, 2025 – Feb. 2, 2026
- Ducks/Coot/Merganser: Oct. 18 – Nov. 2 & Nov. 15 – Dec. 28, 2025
North Zone:
- Geese: Oct. 18-26 & Nov. 15, 2025 – Feb. 9, 2026
- Ducks/Coot/Merganser: Oct. 18-26 & Nov. 15, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026
South Zone:
- Geese: Oct. 18-27 & Nov. 16, 2025 – Feb. 9, 2026
- Ducks/Coot/Merganser: Oct. 18-27 & Nov. 16, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026
Daily Bag Limits:
- Ducks: 6 (species-specific restrictions apply)
- Geese: 5 combined
- Coot: 15
- Merganser: 5 (only 2 hooded)
Other Migratory Birds
| Species | Dates | Daily Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Mourning Dove | Sept. 1 – Nov. 9 & Dec. 13, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026 | 15 |
| Wilson’s Snipe | Sept. 1 – Nov. 19 & Dec. 6, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026 | 8 |
| American Woodcock | Oct. 11 – Nov. 24, 2025 | 3 |
| Rails (Virginia, Sora) | Sept. 1 – Nov. 9, 2025 | 25 |
| Gallinule | Sept. 1 – Nov. 9, 2025 | 15 |
Other Available Game
Special Considerations
Feral Swine (Wild Boar): Currently NOT legal for general public pursuit. Landowners may contact ODNR Division of Wildlife for specific situations.
Controlled Hunts & Lotteries
Various wildlife areas offer controlled opportunities for specific species or locations. Applications typically open in summer months. Check wildohio.gov for current lottery information and application deadlines.
Wildlife Areas & Public Land Access
Ohio offers over 600 public areas totaling more than 200,000 acres of accessible land. Top destinations include:
Major Wildlife Areas:
- Salt Fork Wildlife Area (17,500+ acres)
- Caesar Creek Wildlife Area (7,900 acres)
- Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Area (5,800+ acres)
- Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (9,000+ acres)
State Forests:
- Shawnee State Forest (65,000+ acres)
- Zaleski State Forest (26,000+ acres)
- Dean State Forest (2,700+ acres)
Interactive Maps:
Find specific area regulations, access points, and special rules at the official ODNR hunting regulations map portal. Each area may have unique restrictions or opportunities.
New for 2025-2026:
Public land antlerless limit increased to two deer per license year, and management permits are now valid on public areas. This change significantly expands opportunities for doe harvest on state lands.
If you’re planning to explore opportunities in neighboring states, you might also want to check Michigan’s hunting regulations for comparison.
Permits, Tags & Licenses Details
Base License Requirements
| License Type | Cost Range | Duration Options |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Adult | $19-$434 | 1, 3, 5, 10 year, lifetime |
| Non-resident Adult | $134-$165 | 1, 3 year |
| Youth (17 & under) | $9-$434 | 1, 3, 5 year, lifetime |
| Senior (65+) | $9 | Annual |
| Apprentice | $10 | Annual |
| Military (Active Duty) | Resident rates | Various |
Required Add-On Permits
Species-Specific Tags:
- Either-sex deer permit: ~$24 resident / ~$52 non-resident
- Deer management permit: ~$15 (antlerless only, valid until Dec. 21)
- Spring turkey permit: ~$15 resident / ~$45 non-resident
- Fall turkey permit: ~$15 resident / ~$45 non-resident
- Fur taker permit: ~$15 (not required for coyote)
Waterfowl Requirements:
- Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp: ~$15 (age 18+)
- Federal Duck Stamp: ~$25 (age 16+)
- HIP certification: Free (required for all migratory birds)
License Exemptions
- Resident landowners on their own property (certain conditions apply)
- Some disabled veterans and mobility-impaired individuals
- Children under specific ages on family property
Pro Tip: Purchase licenses and permits online through the HuntFish OH mobile app or wildohio.gov for convenience and to avoid last-minute rushes.
Ohio Game Calendar Quick FAQ
Q: Can I use my crossbow during archery-only periods?
A: Yes! Crossbows are legal during all archery periods for hunters of any age. No special permit required.
Q: What’s the difference between either-sex and management permits?
A: Either-sex permits allow harvest of any deer (buck or doe), while management permits are antlerless-only but cost less and work on both private and public land.
Q: Do I need hunter education?
A: Yes, unless you were born before January 1, 1974, or qualify for specific exemptions. Apprentice licenses provide a temporary alternative while completing education.
Q: Can non-residents hunt the same areas as residents?
A: Generally yes, though license costs are higher. Some controlled hunts may have resident preference in lottery drawings.
Q: Are there Sunday restrictions?
A: No statewide Sunday prohibitions exist. However, individual properties or local ordinances may restrict Sunday activities.
Q: What if I live near the Pennsylvania border?
A: Ohio licenses are only valid in Ohio. You’ll need separate licenses for each state. Consider checking Pennsylvania’s regulations if you plan to cross state lines.
Q: How do I check if private land is posted?
A: Always assume private land requires permission unless explicitly marked otherwise. Posted signs, purple paint marks, or verbal permission are standard indicators.
Essential Resources & Links
Official ODNR Resources:
- wildohio.gov – Complete regulations and updates
- HuntFish OH mobile app – License purchases and regulations
- Interactive hunting regulations map
- Public land area maps and access information
Federal Requirements:
- Federal Duck Stamp purchases
- HIP certification registration
- National Wildlife Refuge specific regulations
Planning Tools:
- Weather and sunrise/sunset calculators
- Harvest reporting systems
- Season date reminders and alerts
Conclusion
The 2025-2026 game calendar in Ohio offers exceptional variety and extended opportunities across multiple species and methods. From the early September dove flights through late-winter muzzleloader periods, there’s something to keep every outdoor enthusiast engaged throughout the months ahead.
Key reminders as you plan your adventures: verify all dates and regulations directly with official sources before heading afield, secure your permits early to avoid disappointment, and always prioritize safety and ethical practices. The increased public land opportunities this year make it an especially exciting time to explore new areas and techniques.
Whether you’re chasing that elusive mature buck, calling in your first gobbler, or introducing a young person to the outdoor tradition, make this upcoming year count. The memories you create and the conservation you support through your participation help ensure these opportunities continue for future generations.
Bookmark this guide and check back regularly for any updates or changes to the schedule. Tight lines, straight shooting, and safe adventures ahead!
