State Guide

Ohio Hunting Guide 2026

Complete Ohio hunting guide for 2026: seasons, license costs, draw odds, GMU boundaries, bag limits, and regulations. Compare every game species at a glance.

Wildlife Agency

Ohio Division of Wildlife

Official Site

Hunter safety course required for first-time buyers

Ohio Hunting Seasons

Whitetail Deer

Res: $24 Non-res: $139

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Archery	Sep 30	Feb 4
Shotgun	Nov 27	Dec 10
Muzzleloader	Jan 6	Jan 9

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 6 (1 antlered, 5 antlerless in most counties)

No rifle season — shotgun with slugs, muzzleloader, or archery only. Generous antlerless bag limits to manage population.

Turkey

Res: $24 Non-res: $139

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	Apr 17	May 21
Archery	Apr 17	May 21

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 2 (spring)

Spring season for bearded turkeys only. Youth season weekend prior to regular opening. Fall season available by permit.

Pheasant

Res: $24 Non-res: $139

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	Nov 4	Jan 14

Bag limits: daily: 2, season: No limit

Wild pheasant populations limited. State-managed areas stocked prior to season. Habitat primarily in northwest Ohio.

Planning Tools

Tag-to-Trail Planner — interactive map: public land, harvest records, water, burns
Hunt Cost Calculator — budget your full hunt cost
Application Timeline — never miss an application deadline
Preference Point Tracker — track points across all your states

Ohio Hunting Guides

destinations

Ohio Deer Hunting Guide — Trophy Bucks, Seasons & Access

Ohio Hunting FAQ

Do I need a hunting license in Ohio?

Yes. All hunters in Ohio must hold a valid hunting license from the Ohio Division of Wildlife. Non-residents typically pay higher fees. A hunter safety course is required for first-time license buyers.

What is the hunting license cost in Ohio?

Ohio license costs vary by species. Whitetail Deer: resident $24, non-resident $139. Turkey: resident $24, non-resident $139.

When is deer season in Ohio?

Ohio deer seasons: Archery: Sep 30 - Feb 4, Shotgun: Nov 27 - Dec 10, Muzzleloader: Jan 6 - Jan 9.

Does Ohio require a hunter safety course?

Yes, Ohio requires hunter education certification for all first-time hunters. The course covers firearm safety, hunting laws, wildlife conservation, and ethical hunting practices.

Who manages hunting regulations in Ohio?

The Ohio Division of Wildlife manages all hunting licenses, regulations, and wildlife management in Ohio. Their website (https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/buy-and-apply/hunting-fishing-boating/hunting) has current season dates, license purchasing, and regulation booklets.