Ohio Hunting Season Dates
Complete hunting calendar for Ohio including deer, elk, turkey, and more.
Ohio Hunting Season Calendar
Find all hunting season dates for Ohio including deer, elk, turkey, and waterfowl. Filter by species and hunting method.
Coming Up in Ohio
Seasons opening in the next 60 days
Apr 20 - May 18, 2026
Opens in 48 days
Complete Season Calendar
All Ohio hunting seasons organized by species
Deer 4 seasons
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sep 27, 2025 - Feb 1, 2026 | Statewide | Closed | Extended archery | |
| Shotgun | Nov 30 - Dec 7, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Gun week one | |
| Shotgun | Dec 13-14, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Gun week two | |
| Muzzleloader | Jan 3-6, 2026 | Statewide | Closed | Muzzleloader only | |
Turkey 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any Legal Method | Apr 20 - May 18, 2026 | Statewide | Upcoming | Spring - zone dates vary | |
Waterfowl 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shotgun | Oct 25, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026 | South Zone | Closed | Duck season | |
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Ohio Hunting Regulations
License year, species, and agency information
- License Year
- Mar 1, 2025 - Feb 28, 2026
- Available Species
-
- Deer
- Turkey
- Waterfowl
- Hunting Methods
-
- Archery
- Shotgun
- Muzzleloader
- Any Legal Method
- Wildlife Agency
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife
This information is for reference only. Always verify regulations with your state wildlife agency before hunting or fishing.
Last verified: January 2026
Important Note for Ohio
Ohio allows straight-wall cartridge rifles in addition to shotguns.
Hunting Method Legend
Ohio Hunting FAQ
Common questions about hunting seasons in Ohio
What are the hunting season dates for Ohio?
Ohio offers hunting seasons for Deer, Turkey, Waterfowl. The license year runs from Mar 1, 2025 to Feb 28, 2026. Check our complete calendar above for specific dates by species and method.
When does deer season start in Ohio?
Deer season in Ohio typically begins with archery season starting Sep 27, 2025.
Does Ohio require a draw for hunting?
Ohio offers general season licenses for some species and may require draws for others like elk, moose, or pronghorn. Check specific requirements for your target species.
What hunting seasons are open now in Ohio?
The next season to open is Turkey starting Apr 20, 2026.
What should I know about hunting in Ohio?
Ohio allows straight-wall cartridge rifles in addition to shotguns.
Other States
Compare hunting seasons across states
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