Ohio 2025 Game Season Info – Species Lists & Hunting Times
Welcome to the ultimate guide for Ohio’s hunting enthusiasts! Whether you’re a seasoned sportsperson or just starting out, this comprehensive resource covers everything you need to know about the Buckeye State’s 2024-25 game seasons. From whitetail adventures in the woods to waterfowl expeditions on Lake Erie, we’ve compiled the official dates, bag limits, zone information, and licensing details to keep you informed and prepared.
Ohio Hunting Season Overview
Ohio offers diverse wildlife opportunities across its varied landscapes, from the Appalachian foothills to the shores of Lake Erie. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife has approved the 2024-25 seasons with some notable changes, including bag limit increases in several counties and adjusted regulations for disease surveillance areas.
Let’s dive into the specifics of what awaits outdoor enthusiasts in the upcoming wildlife management year!
Key Hunting Seasons at a Glance
| Species | Season Opens | Season Closes | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer Archery | Sept. 28, 2024 | Feb. 2, 2025 | Bow |
| Deer Gun | Dec. 2, 2024 | Dec. 8, 2024 | Firearms |
| Deer Bonus Gun | Dec. 21, 2024 | Dec. 22, 2024 | Firearms |
| Deer Muzzleloader | Jan. 4, 2025 | Jan. 7, 2025 | Muzzleloader |
| Fall Turkey | Oct. 1, 2024 | Oct. 27, 2024 | Various |
| Squirrel | Sept. 1, 2024 | Jan. 31, 2025 | Various |
| Rabbit | Nov. 1, 2024 | Feb. 28, 2025 | Various |
| Pheasant | Nov. 1, 2024 | Jan. 12, 2025 | Various |
| Waterfowl | Varies by zone | Varies by zone | Various |
🦌 Big Game: Archery & Rifle Seasons
Whitetail Deer
Ohio’s deer population remains robust, with the ODNR making strategic adjustments to manage herd growth in specific regions. For the 2024-25 season, only one antlered deer may be harvested per hunter, regardless of location or method.
Deer Archery
- Regular Season: September 28, 2024 – February 2, 2025
- Disease Surveillance Areas: September 14, 2024 – February 2, 2025
- Hunting Hours: 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset
Deer Firearms
- Youth Gun: November 16-17, 2024
- Regular Gun: December 2-8, 2024
- Bonus Gun Weekend: December 21-22, 2024
- Muzzleloader: January 4-7, 2025
- Early DSA Gun: October 12-14, 2024 (Disease Surveillance Areas only)
Bag Limits by County
Ohio uses a county-based bag limit system:
- Two-Deer Counties: Hunters may harvest up to two deer using either-sex permits, deer management permits, or one of each
- Three-Deer Counties: Hunters may harvest up to three deer using any combination of permits
- Four-Deer Counties: Hunters may harvest up to four deer using any combination of permits
📣 Important Change: Bag limit increases from two to three deer were approved in Butler, Clinton, Fayette, Greene, Madison, and Pickaway counties for the 2024-25 season.
🦃 Turkey Season
Fall Turkey
- Season: October 1-27, 2024
- Open Counties: 70 counties statewide
- Bag Limit: One turkey per season
Spring Turkey
Spring 2025 turkey season dates will be announced in fall 2024. Stay tuned for updates!
🐰 Furbearers & Small Game
Small Game
- Squirrel: September 1, 2024 – January 31, 2025 (6 daily limit)
- Cottontail Rabbit: November 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025 (4 daily limit)
- Ring-necked Pheasant (roosters only): November 1, 2024 – January 12, 2025 (2 daily limit)
- Ruffed Grouse (17 counties): November 1 – December 1, 2024 (1 daily limit)
Youth Small Game Weekend
- Dates: October 19-20, 2024 and October 26-27, 2024
- Species: Cottontail rabbit, ring-necked pheasant, bobwhite quail
- Limits: Same as regular season limits for each species
Furbearer Hunting & Trapping
- Fox, Raccoon, Skunk, Opossum, Weasel: November 10, 2024 – January 31, 2025
- Beaver Trapping: December 26, 2024 – February 28, 2025
- River Otter Trapping: December 26, 2024 – February 28, 2025
- Zone A: 3 otters per season
- Zone B: 1 otter per season (season limit of 3 total)
- Coyote: No closed season
- Woodchuck: No closed season
🦆 Waterfowl Seasons
Migratory Game Birds
- Mourning Dove: September 1 – November 3, 2024; December 7, 2024 – January 1, 2025
- Early Canada Goose: September 7-15, 2024
- Early Teal: September 7-22, 2024
- Youth, Military, Veterans Waterfowl Weekend: September 28-29, 2024
Duck Seasons by Zone
- Lake Erie Marsh Zone: October 12-27, 2024; November 2 – December 15, 2024
- North Zone: October 19-27, 2024; November 9 – December 29, 2024
- South Zone: October 19-27, 2024; December 7, 2024 – January 26, 2025
Goose Seasons by Zone
- Lake Erie Marsh Zone: October 12-27, 2024; November 16, 2024 – February 3, 2025
- North Zone: October 19-27, 2024; November 9, 2024 – February 3, 2025
- South Zone: October 19-27, 2024; November 16, 2024 – February 10, 2025
Daily Bag Limits
- Ducks: 6 total, with species-specific limits
- Canada & White-fronted Geese: 5 daily (may include no more than 1 brant)
- Light Geese: 10 daily
🦢 Other Game Birds
- Chukar: November 1, 2024 – January 12, 2025 (2 daily limit)
- Bobwhite Quail (16 counties and specific wildlife areas only): November 1 – December 1, 2024 (2 daily limit)
- Crow (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only): June 7, 2024 – March 2, 2025
🗺️ Ohio Hunting Zones Map
Ohio divides its territory into various management zones for different species. For detailed zone maps, visit the Official ODNR Wildlife Maps.
Disease Surveillance Areas
For the 2024-25 season, the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance area includes:
- All of Hardin, Marion, and Wyandot counties
- Auglaize and Jackson townships in Allen County
Hunters in these areas have additional opportunities and special regulations, including mandatory CWD testing for deer taken during specific periods.
🎟️ License Information
Resident Licenses
- Annual Hunting License: $19 for adults, $10 for youth
- 3-Year Hunting License: $54.08
- 5-Year Hunting License: $90.14
- 10-Year Hunting License: $180.28
- Lifetime Hunting License: Available at various price points based on age
Non-Resident Licenses
- Annual Hunting License: Higher fees apply for non-residents
- Either-Sex Deer Permit + Hunting License: $257.92
Additional Permits
- Either-Sex Deer Permit: Required for each deer harvested
- Deer Management Permit: Valid until December 22, 2024
- Turkey Permit: Required for turkey hunting
- Waterfowl Stamp: Required for waterfowl hunting
Licenses and permits can be purchased online through Ohio’s Wildlife Licensing System or at authorized license agents throughout the state.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many deer can I take in Ohio?
The statewide limit is six deer, but you cannot exceed individual county bag limits. Only one deer may be antlered.
Where can I hunt on public land in Ohio?
Ohio offers numerous public hunting areas, including state wildlife areas, forests, and parks. The ODNR provides maps and information for public hunting lands.
Is night hunting allowed in Ohio?
Night hunting is prohibited for most species. However, raccoon, opossum, fox, and coyote may be hunted at night during their respective seasons with certain restrictions.
What are the CWD testing requirements?
Hunters in the disease surveillance area must submit samples for testing during the first two days of the early disease surveillance area gun season (Oct. 12-13) and the first two days of the weeklong deer gun season (Dec. 2-3).
Do I need hunter education in Ohio?
Yes, all first-time hunting license buyers must successfully complete a hunter education course, unless purchasing an apprentice license.
🔗 Related Resources
- Pennsylvania Hunting Seasons
- Michigan Hunting Seasons
- Indiana Hunting Seasons
- Kentucky Hunting Seasons
- West Virginia Hunting Seasons
Preparing for Your Ohio Hunt
As the fall approaches, now is the perfect time to prepare for your Ohio wildlife adventures. Remember to check zone-specific regulations, get your licenses early, and scout your hunting locations before opening day. The Buckeye State offers tremendous opportunities for sportspeople of all experience levels, with diverse habitats supporting healthy game populations.
Always verify current regulations through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources before heading out, as seasons and requirements may change. Good luck, be safe, and enjoy Ohio’s great outdoors!
