The Short Answer
Ohio's 2025-26 hunting seasons specify game-specific regulations and hunting periods for each species, which can vary from September to March. Hunters need to obtain proper licenses, follow equipment restrictions, and understand zone-specific rules to hunt legally in Ohio.
Ohio's rich hunting heritage spans generations, and thousands of people hunt in the fields and forests across the state's diverse landscape every year. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, there were over 350,000 paid hunting license holders in Ohio in 2025. From the rolling hills of the southeast to the farmlands of the northwest, these hunters help maintain healthy wildlife populations in Ohio while contributing to conservation efforts through license fees and equipment purchases.
Planning for the upcoming hunting season requires more than just marking dates on a calendar. Successful hunters understand the importance of reviewing season date ranges, checking zone-specific regulations, and preparing their equipment well in advance. Knowing when and where you can hunt makes all the difference, and hunters must pay attention to regulations based on the species they're hunting and the weapon they plan to use.
This guide will walk through everything you need to know about Ohio's 2025-26 hunting seasons, including dates, licensing requirements, and equipment regulations for each game species.
2025-26 Hunting Dates in Ohio
Approved by the Ohio Wildlife Council and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, hunting seasons in Ohio follow a structured schedule that allows hunters to pursue different game throughout the year.
- The first big game season opens in late September and ends in early February.
- Most waterfowl seasons begin in September or October. Several species have two separate periods covering fall and winter.
- Small game seasons, including rabbit and pheasant, typically run from late fall through late winter.
Big Game Seasons
The first big game season in Ohio is white-tailed deer archery season in late September 2025, followed by the popular gun season in late November and early December. Small game seasons, including rabbit and pheasant, typically run from early November through February, while wild turkey seasons are split between fall 2025 and spring 2026.
Deer Hunting
Ohio's deer hunting opportunities span multiple seasons, each with specific regulations designed to maintain healthy wildlife populations while providing diverse hunting experiences.
- Archery Season: September 28, 2025 through February 2, 2026
- Youth Gun Season: November 22-23, 2025
- Gun Season: December 1-7 & December 20-22, 2025
- Muzzleloader Season: January 3-6, 2026
Bag limits vary by county, with most allowing up to three deer per season. Antlerless permit use is restricted to specific counties, and hunters must follow the statewide limit of one antlered deer per license year, regardless of hunting method or season.
Turkey Hunting
Wild turkey hunting is divided into spring and fall seasons. Hunting hours for turkey usually run 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset during the fall season.
- Fall 2025: October 11 through November 30, 2025
- Spring 2026: To Be Announced
Small Game & Furbearer Seasons
Ohio's small game seasons provide extended hunting opportunities throughout fall and winter. These seasons typically follow established patterns, with waterfowl seasons split into zones and segments. The youth hunting season for small game offers hunters 17 and under special early-season opportunities for most species.
Small Game
- Cottontail Rabbit: November 17, 2025 through February 28, 2026
- Squirrel: September 1, 2025 through January 31, 2026
- Crow (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only): June 6, 2025 through March 1, 2026
- Bobwhite Quail (16 counties & specific wildlife areas only): November 7, 2025 through November 30, 2025
- Youth Small Game: October 25-26, 2025 & November 1-2, 2025
- Chukar: November 7, 2025 through January 11, 2026
- Ring-Necked Pheasant (roosters only): November 7, 2025 through January 11, 2026
- Ruffed Grouse (17 counties): November 7 through November 30, 2025
Furbearer Hunting & Trapping
- Coyote & Woodchuck: Open Season
- Fox, Raccoon, Skunk, Opossom, & Weasel: November 10, 2025 through January 31, 2026
- Mink & Muskrat Trapping: November 10, 2025 through February 28. 2026
- Lake Erie Marsh Trapping: November 10, 2025 through February 28, 2026
- Beaver & River Otter Trapping: December 26, 2025 through February 28, 2025
Waterfowl Hunting
Waterfowl hunting in Ohio generally begins with early teal season in September, followed by regular duck season zones running from October through January. Goose hunting usually spans from October through February, with specific dates varying by zone.Special regulations apply to Lake Erie marsh trapping zones. Hunters must obtain both a valid hunting license and Federal Duck Stamp, plus complete Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification for migratory birds.
Duck Hunting
- Duck Lake Erie Marsh Zone: October 18 through 26, 2025 & November 16 through February 9, 2025
- Duck North Zone: October 18 through 26, 2025 & November 15 through January 4, 2026
- Duck South Zone: October 18 through 27, 2025 & December 13, 2025 through January 31, 2026
Goose Hunting
- Early Goose: September 6 through September 14, 2025
- Goose Lake Erie Marsh Zone: October 18 through November 2, 2024 & November 15 through February 2, 2026
- Goose North Zone: October 18 through October 26, 2024 & November 15 through February 9, 2026
- Goose South Zone: October 18 through October 27, 2024 & November 16 through February 9, 2026
Migratory Game Bird Hunting
- Mourning Dove: September 1 through November 9, 2025 & December 13, 2025 through January 1, 2026
- Rail & Gallinule (Moorhen): September 1 through November 9, 2025
- American Woodcock: October 11 through November 24, 2025
- Wilson's Snipe: September 1 through November 9, 2025 & December 6, 2025 through January 1, 2026
- Early Teal: September 6 through September 14, 2025
- Waterfowl (youth, active military, veterans): October 4 through October 5, 2025
Before heading on a hunting trip, hunters should always verify current dates, zones, and bag limits through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources since seasons and regulations may be adjusted annually based on wildlife population management needs.
Understanding Ohio Hunting Licenses, Permits, & Regulations
Ohio's hunting license system provides multiple options to match different hunters' needs, including hunting license types based on resident status and the type of game being hunted. Hunters can purchase licenses through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, at local license agents including sporting goods stores, or through the HuntFish OH mobile app. Digital licenses are acceptable, but hunters must be able to display their license and permits when requested by wildlife officers.
Resident & Non-Resident Licences
In Ohio, there are hunting license options for residents, non-residents, and youth.
- Resident Hunters: Can choose between annual licenses ($19), multi-year licenses ($55-180), or annual licenses (449.28). Prices can vary by age at purchase.
- Non-Residents: Can pay $40.56 for a one-day license or $180.96 for an annual license.
- Youth Hunters (17 & under): Can obtain reduced-price annual licenses and apprentice licenses at $10.
Game-Specific Requirements
Different game animals require separate permits beyond the basic hunting license. Deer hunters need either-sex permits, while spring and fall turkey hunting each need their own permits. Waterfowl hunters must obtain both a Federal Duck Stamp and an Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp in addition to their hunting license.
Hunter Education
New hunters must complete a hunter education course before obtaining their first license. The course covers firearm safety, wildlife conservation, and hunting regulations. Options include instructor-led courses and online courses in hunter education. Additionally, bowhunters in Ohio must complete the National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF) Online Bowhunter Education Course. This requirement applies to all first-time hunters born after January 1, 1982, though apprentice licenses offer a way to try hunting under supervision before completing the course.
Ohio Hunting & Trapping Regulations
Under statewide regulations, different types of game can have different equipment and bag limits. Some major changes made for the 2025-26 season include:
- New county limits for deer hunting in Defiance and Paulding counties
- In public hunting areas, the bag limit for antlerless deer is now two deer
- Deer management permits can be used to hunt antlerless deer from public hunting
- Feral swine (wild boar) may not be hunted
- Expanded disease surveillance area
Planning Your Hunt
Getting ready for hunting season starts well before opening day. First, complete your hunter education certification if you haven't already - it's required for all first-time hunters. Purchase your hunting license and necessary permits through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website or at authorized vendors. Check your equipment thoroughly, and practice with your firearms or bow at a local range to maintain accuracy.
Prioritizing Safety During Hunting Season
- All hunters must wear solid hunter orange during any gun or muzzleloader seasons, including at least a vest, coat, jacket, or coveralls.
- During archery season, hunter orange is required only when gun seasons overlap.
- Always treat every firearm as if it's loaded, and keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
- Know your target and what lies beyond it.
- When using a tree stand, wear a full-body harness and maintain three points of contact while climbing.
Stay Updated with Ohio Regulations
- Local weather conditions and property access can change quickly, so check these resources often.
- If you're hunting deer or turkey, remember to report your harvest within 24 hours using Ohio's game check system.
- The Ohio Department of Natural Resources provides regular updates about hunting seasons, regulations, and wildlife populations through their website and the HuntFish OH app.
Prepare for Your Hunting Season with Vance Outdoors
Ohio's diverse hunting seasons offer something for every outdoor enthusiast, from early fall turkey hunts to late winter small game pursuits. With proper planning and preparation, you can make the most of this year's opportunities. Understanding season dates, regulations, and having the right equipment ready beforehand will help you succeed in the field.
For all your hunting preparation needs, Vance Outdoors offers top-quality gear. Our five Ohio locations feature an extensive selection of firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, and more hunting products from trusted brands. Our experienced staff understands your needs and can help you choose the perfect equipment for your specific hunting goals. Visit one of our locations in Columbus, Hebron, Lebanon, Obetz, and Springdale to gear up for the upcoming season.