Ohio 2025-2026 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 2025-26 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 2025 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!
📅 Quick Reference: Key Species & Dates
| Species | Opening Date | Closing Date | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer (Archery) | Sept. 27, 2025 | Feb. 1, 2026 | Bow/Crossbow |
| Deer (Gun) | Dec. 1, 2025 | Dec. 7, 2025 | Shotgun/Rifle |
| Wild Turkey (Fall) | Oct. 1, 2025 | Nov. 30, 2025 | Shotgun/Archery |
| Squirrel | Sept. 1, 2025 | Jan. 31, 2026 | Various |
| Dove | Sept. 1, 2025 | Dec. 13, 2025 | Shotgun |
| Duck (North Zone) | Oct. 26, 2025 | Dec. 14, 2025 | Shotgun |
🦌 Big Game: Archery & Rifle Opportunities
White-tailed Deer
Ohio’s deer population provides excellent opportunities across the state, with multiple methods and timeframes available:
Archery Season 🏹
- Statewide: September 27, 2025 – February 1, 2026
- Disease Surveillance Areas (DSA): September 13, 2025 – February 1, 2026
- Legal equipment includes longbows (40+ lbs), crossbows (75+ lbs), and broadheads (minimum ¾” cutting diameter)
Youth Gun Weekend 👦👧
- November 22-23, 2025
- Perfect introduction for young hunters with proper supervision
Regular Gun Season 🔫
- Main dates: December 1-7, 2025
- Extended weekend: December 20-21, 2025
- DSA Early Gun: October 11-13, 2025
- Legal firearms include shotguns (10 gauge or smaller with slugs), straight-walled cartridge rifles (.357-.50 caliber), and approved handguns
Muzzleloader Season ⚡
- January 3-6, 2026
- Traditional black powder enthusiasts get their dedicated timeframe
Tags and licenses are required, with specific bag limits varying by zone. The Disease Surveillance Areas offer extended opportunities due to population management needs.
🦃 Turkey Season: Spring, Fall & Youth
Fall Turkey Season
- Dates: October 1 – November 30, 2025
- Counties: Available in 70 designated counties
- Bag limit: One bird of either sex
- Methods: Shotgun (shot only), archery equipment
- Special note: Dogs are permitted during fall season only
Spring Turkey Season
- Dates: To be announced (typically in spring 2026)
- Check the HuntFish OH app and official website for updated information
- Youth spring dates will also be announced separately
Turkey populations have rebounded nicely in recent years, providing exciting opportunities for both novice and experienced hunters. Fall season allows for more varied hunting strategies, while spring focuses on calling skills.
🦝 Furbearers: Trapping & Hunting
Ohio’s furbearer seasons offer excellent opportunities for trappers and hunters alike:
Fox, Raccoon, Skunk, Opossum, Weasel
- November 10, 2025 – January 31, 2026
- No bag limits
- Both trapping and pursuing allowed
Specialized Species 🦫
- Mink & Muskrat: November 10, 2025 – February 28, 2026
- Lake Erie Marsh Areas: Extended to March 15, 2026
- Beaver: December 26, 2025 – February 28, 2026
- River Otter: December 26, 2025 – February 28, 2026 (Bag limit: 3 statewide, 1 in Zone B)
Year-round Opportunities
- Coyote: No closed season
- Groundhog: No closed season
🐦 Upland Birds: Feathered Opportunities
Ring-necked Pheasant 🐓
- November 1, 2025 – January 11, 2026
- Males (roosters) only
- Youth weekend: October 25-26, 2025
Ruffed Grouse
- October 12 – November 7, 2025
- Available in 17 select counties
- Challenging quarry for upland enthusiasts
Bobwhite Quail
- November 1-30, 2025
- Limited to 16 counties and special management areas
- Youth weekend: October 25-26, 2025
Chukar
- November 1, 2025 – January 11, 2026
- Put-and-take opportunity on select public lands
🐿️ Upland Animals & Small Game
| Species | Opening Date | Closing Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squirrel (all species) | Sept. 1, 2025 | Jan. 31, 2026 | Red, gray, black, fox |
| Cottontail Rabbit | Nov. 1, 2025 | Feb. 28, 2026 | Youth: Oct. 25-26 |
| Crow | June 6, 2025 | March 1, 2026 | Fri-Sun only |
Small game provides excellent training opportunities for new hunters and year-round action for seasoned sportspeople. Squirrel season opens early and runs long, perfect for honing marksmanship skills.
🦆 Migratory Birds: Doves & Rails
Mourning Dove 🕊️
- September 1 – December 13, 2025
- Fast-paced action over agricultural fields
- Excellent wing shooting practice
Rail Species
- Virginia Rail & Sora: September 1 – November 9, 2025
- Common Gallinule: September 1 – November 9, 2025
- Marsh-dwelling opportunities for specialized hunters
Wilson’s Snipe
- September 1 – December 6, 2025
- Challenging targets in wetland areas
American Woodcock 🌲
- October 11 – November 24, 2025
- Forest floor specialists welcome
🦆 Ducks, Scaup, Mergansers & Geese
Ohio divides waterfowl seasons into three distinct zones:
Lake Erie Marsh Zone 🏞️
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers
- October 18 – November 3, 2025
- November 16 – December 29, 2025
Canada Geese
- October 18, 2025 – February 2, 2026
North Zone
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers
- October 26 – December 14, 2025
Canada Geese
- October 26, 2025 – February 2, 2026
South Zone
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers
- November 2, 2025 – January 19, 2026
Canada Geese
- November 2, 2025 – February 9, 2026
Special Scaup Regulations 🦆
- First 15 days: 1 bird daily bag limit
- Final 45 days: 2 birds daily bag limit
🦢 Other Waterfowls: Special Seasons
Early Seasons (Statewide)
- Canada Geese: September 6-14, 2025
- Blue-winged Teal: September 6-22, 2025
Youth & Military Waterfowl Weekends 🎖️
- Lake Erie Marsh Zone: October 5-6, 2025
- North Zone: October 12-13, 2025
- South Zone: October 19-20, 2025
These special seasons provide excellent mentoring opportunities and recognize military service members’ contributions.
🎯 Additional Game Seasons
Controlled Opportunities 📋 Various lottery-controlled areas offer additional chances throughout the year. Application periods include:
- Turkey permits: March 1-31
- Deer, small game, dove, waterfowl: July 1-31
- Trapping permits: October 4, 2025 (in-person only)
🗺️ 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 last 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!
