The Short Answer
Getting a hunting license in Ohio requires completing a hunter education course and purchasing the appropriate license for your needs through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Different license types are available based on residency status, age, and hunting seasons.
Before heading into Ohio's abundant wilderness for hunting, obtaining the proper license helps you meet legal requirements and maintain responsible hunting practices. These licenses help maintain wildlife populations, fund conservation efforts, and promote safe hunting practices across the state. Understanding Ohio's basic requirements for hunting licenses, the different license and permit types available, and the costs involved is your first step toward a successful hunt, no matter what season it is or what game you're hunting.
Types of Ohio Hunting Licenses
Under Ohio law, all hunters in the state must carry a valid hunting license or trapping license. License years in Ohio begin in March and end on the final day of February.
There are several hunting license options available for purchase through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to meet different hunters' needs and circumstances. Exact prices can vary depending on the buyer's age at the time of application.
Resident Licenses
Resident licenses are available to those who have lived in Ohio for at least six months, while non-resident licenses are required for out-of-state hunters at a higher fee structure. Residents have access to annual licenses ($19), multi-year licenses ($55-180), or annual licenses (449.28).
Youth Licenses
Youth hunters aged 17 and under can obtain specialized licenses at reduced rates. These licenses include the same privileges as adult licenses but come with additional safety requirements, including mandatory adult supervision for those under 16.
Non-Resident Licenses
Visitors and other non-residents can purchase a one-day license for $40.56 or an annual license for $180.96.
Apprentice Licenses
The apprentice hunting license program opens doors for newcomers to try hunting before completing hunter education. This license lets beginners hunt under the supervision of a licensed adult hunter, providing a practical introduction to the sport.
Senior Licenses
For hunters age 66 and older, Ohio provides senior licenses at discounted rates. These licenses offer the same hunting privileges as standard adult licenses while recognizing the long-term contribution of experienced hunters to wildlife conservation.
Multi-Year Options
A multiyear license allows hunters to secure their rates and avoid transaction fees for 3 year, 5 year, or 10-year periods. The state also offers lifetime hunting licenses that can be purchased as gifts. This non-refundable lifetime license fee is $449.28 for residents and $84.24 for seniors ages 65 and older.
Game and Season-Specific Options
These permits supplement the basic hunting license for particular game species or seasons. Each permit specifies allowed hunting methods, seasons, and bag limits.
Deer
- Either-Sex Deer Permits
- Deer Management Permits
Turkey
- Fall Turkey Permits
- Spring Turkey Permits
Waterfowl Stamps
Fur Taker Permit
Shooting Range Permits
Admission to Class A, B, and C shooting ranges operated by the Ohio Division of Wildlife requires permits for shooters 18 years and older.
All license purchases support Ohio's wildlife conservation efforts through the Division of Wildlife, helping maintain healthy animal populations and preserve hunting grounds for future generations.
License Requirements and Eligibility
To obtain a hunting license in Ohio, applicants must meet several specific qualifications and provide proper documentation.
Residency
Ohio divides licenses into resident and non-resident categories. To qualify as an Ohio resident, you must live in Ohio for at least six months and provide acceptable proof of residency. Non-residents can still obtain hunting licenses but at higher fees.
Active duty military members stationed in Ohio qualify for resident hunting licenses, regardless of their home state. They must show their military ID and current orders to receive resident pricing.
Education
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1982, needs to complete a state-approved hunter education course before purchasing their first hunting license. The Ohio Division of Wildlife offers instructor-led, home-study, and online education courses. Bowhunters in Ohio must also complete the National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF) Online Bowhunter Education Course.
First-time adult hunters can use the apprentice hunting license program, which allows them to hunt under the supervision of a licensed adult for one year without completing hunter education. However, they must complete the course before purchasing a regular hunting license in subsequent years.
Youth Hunting Guidelines
Youth hunters aged 15 and under must hunt with a licensed adult. They can purchase an apprentice hunting license without completing a hunter education course, but they must stay within sight and voice contact of their accompanying licensed adult. The apprentice option allows new hunters to try the sport before committing to hunter education.
Documentation
When applying for a license, hunters need to provide:
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Social Security number
- Hunter education certificate (if born on or after January 1, 1982)
- Proof of Ohio residency (for resident licenses)
Hunters with permanent disabilities may qualify for reduced fees or special permits. They need to submit documentation from a licensed physician detailing their condition and how it affects their hunting abilities.
Statewide Hunting Regulations
Ohio regulations specify that equipment and bag limits may vary for different types of game. Significant changes for the 2025-26 season include:
- New county-specific limits for deer hunting in Defiance and Paulding counties
- A revised bag limit of two antlerless deer in public hunting areas
- Deer management permits now allow hunting of antlerless deer in public hunting areas
- Hunting of feral swine (wild boar) is prohibited
- An expanded disease surveillance area
Exemptions
Certain individuals and groups are exempted from buying hunting licenses in Ohio:
- Ohio resident landowners, their spouses, and children are not required to have a hunting license, fur taker permit, or any specific hunting permits when hunting or trapping on their property.
- Nonresident landowners and their families may also hunt without a license or permits if their home state allows Ohio residents to do the same.
- A landowner member of a limited liability company or partnership, as well as beneficiaries or trustees of certain trusts, may also hunt without a license, provided the conditions are met.
- Tenants and their children, living on and deriving more than 50% of their income from agricultural land, are also exempt from hunting-related permits while hunting on the land where they reside.
- Ohio resident landowners' grandchildren under 18 years old are exempt from having a hunting license or at Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp on their grandparents' property
- Members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty while on leave or furlough are exempt from purchasing a hunting license, an Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp, and a fur taker permit.
How to Obtain Your License
Ohio makes getting your hunting license straightforward through multiple purchase options. You can buy your license online through Ohio's Wildlife Licensing System, which operates 24/7 for convenience. The system works on both desktop and mobile devices, letting you purchase and display your license right from your phone. Authorized license vendors across Ohio offer license sales process in-person transactions, including municipal clerk offices and many outdoor retail stores.
Payment options include credit cards, debit cards, and cash (for in-person purchases only). Online purchases require a credit or debit card. Processing happens immediately for online and in-person purchases.
Your permanent license becomes available right away, either as a digital version you can save on your phone through the HuntFish OH mobile app or as a printed document from a license vendor. This app serves as your digital license carrier, letting you display your credentials to wildlife officers in the field.
Find All the Hunting Gear You Need at Vance Outdoors
Getting your Ohio hunting license is a straightforward process when you understand the requirements and follow the proper steps. Remember to complete your hunter education certification if you're a first-time hunter, select the correct license type for your needs, and always carry your license while hunting. For questions about hunting regulations or licenses, contact the Ohio Division of Wildlife. Local county wildlife officers and district offices can help with area-specific questions about hunting areas and regulations.
Before heading out on your hunt, stop by Vance Outdoors for all your hunting equipment needs. At each of our five Ohio locations, our experienced staff can help you select the right gear, from firearms and ammunition to outdoor apparel.