OHIO
OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION
OF
WILDLIFE
wildohio.gov
OHIO
Eective SEPTEMBER 1, 2024
to AUGUST 31, 2025
HUNTING AND TRAPPING
REGULATIONS 2024-25
OHIO
VISIT US ON THE WEB
WildOhio.gov
DOWNLOAD OUR FREE APP
HuntFish OH
FOR GENERAL INFORMATION
1-800-WILDLIFE
(1-800-945-3543)
TO REPORT WILDLIFE VIOLATIONS
1-800-POACHER
(1-800-762-2437)
OHIO GAME CHECK
OhioGameCheck.com
1-877-TAG-IT-OH
(1-877-824-4864)
HIP CERTIFICATION
1-877-HIP-OHIO
(1-877-447-6446)
WILDLIFE DISTRICT ONE
1500 Dublin Road
Columbus, OH 43215
WILDLIFE DISTRICT TWO
952 Lima Avenue
Findlay, OH 45840
WILDLIFE DISTRICT THREE
912 Portage Lakes Drive
Akron, OH 44319
WILDLIFE DISTRICT FOUR
360 E. State Street
Athens, OH 45701
WILDLIFE DISTRICT FIVE
1076 Old Springfield Pike
Xenia, OH 45385
DIVISION
OF
WILDLIFE
DISTRICT OFFICES
GOVERNOR, STATE OF OHIO
MIKE DEWINE
OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION
OF
WILDLIFE
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Like us on Facebook
facebook.com/ohiodivisionofwildlife
Follow us on Twitter
twitter.com/OhioDivWildlife
Follow us on Instagram
instagram.com/your_wild_ohio
The Division of Wildlife’s mission is to conserve and improve sh and wildlife
resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
This program receives Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service. Under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act
of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972. The U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits
discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability.
If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program,
activity, or facility, or if you need more information, please write to:
Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Civil Rights • Department of the Interior
1849 C Street, NW • Washington, D.C. 20240
PUBLICATION 5084
(
R0524
)
Total Printed: 400,000 Unit Cost: $0.233 Pub Date: 07/24
DIRECTOR, OHIO DEPARTMENT
OF NATURAL RESOURCES
MARY C. MERTZ
CHIEF, DIVISION OF WILDLIFE
KENDRA S. WECKER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Seasons & Dates
4
White-Tailed Deer Hunting
6
Wild Turkey Hunting
14
Game Check: Deer & Turkey Hunting
16
Small Game & Furbearer Hunting
20
Waterfowl & Migratory Bird Hunting
22
Furbearer Trapping
28
Licenses & Permits
31
Controlled Hunting & Trapping
36
Legal Denitions
38
General Information
40
Public Shooting Ranges
43
State Wildlife Ocers
48
202425 NOTEWORTHY CHANGES
█
County limits for deer hunting are changing in Butler, Clinton, Fayette, Greene,
Madison, and Pickaway counties. See page 6.
█
The disease surveillance area was expanded and now includes all of Hardin,
Marion, and Wyandot counties and Auglaize and Jackson townships in Allen
County. See page 10.
█
Spring 2025 wild turkey hunting dates will be announced in the fall. More
information and season dates will be posted at wildohio.gov.
█
Deer management permits are valid until the last day of the bonus deer gun
hunting weekend (Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024). See page 7.
2024-25 OHIO HUNTING
& TRAPPING REGULATIONS
THIS SUMMARY is intended for the convenience of hunters and trappers and IS NOT INTENDED
to cover all laws and regulations. THIS SUMMARY is not intended for use as evidence or as a
defense in a criminal or civil case. Because of possible changes, this summary may not be an
accurate reection of the Ohio Revised Code and Ohio Administrative Code, which contains the
details of these regulations. Copies of the actual laws are available for review at each Division of
Wildlife district oce and online at codes.ohio.gov.
On the cover: WHITETAILED DEER
photo by Alex Goetz
The primary source of funding for the Ohio Division of Wildlife comes from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses,
federal excise taxes on hunting, fishing, and shooting equipment, capital bond dollars, and donations from the
public. We care about all wildlife and maintaining stable, healthy wildlife populations. Our challenge is to balance
the needs of wildlife, habitat, and people.
SEASON
OPENING DATE CLOSING DATE PAGE
White-tailed
Deer
HUNTING
Archery
Sept. 28, 2024 Feb. 2, 2025 6
Youth Gun
Nov. 16, 2024 Nov. 17, 2024 6
Gun
Dec. 2, 2024 Dec. 8, 2024
6
Dec. 21, 2024 Dec. 22, 2024
Muzzleloader
Jan. 4, 2025 Jan. 7, 2025 6
DSA Deer
HUNTING
DSA Archery Sept. 14, 2024 Feb. 2, 2025
11
DSA Early Gun Oct. 12, 2024 Oct. 14, 2024
11
Wild Turkey
HUNTING
Fall Turkey
(
select counties)
Oct. 1, 2024 Oct. 27, 2024 14
Youth Spring Turkey To be announced To be announced 14
Spring Turkey: South Zone
To be announced To be announced 14
Spring Turkey: Northeast Zone
To be announced To be announced 14
Small Game
& Furbearer
HUNTING
American Crow
(Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only)
June 7, 2024 March 2, 2025
20
June 6, 2025 March 1, 2026
Squirrel (red, gray, and fox) Sept. 1, 2024 Jan. 31, 2025 20
Ruffed Grouse
(select counties) Nov. 1, 2024 Dec. 1, 2024 20
Cottontail Rabbit
Nov. 1, 2024 Feb. 28, 2025 20
Ring-necked Pheasant
Nov. 1, 2024 Jan. 12, 2025 20
Chukar
Nov. 1, 2024 Jan. 12, 2025 20
Bobwhite Quail
(
select counties and wildlife areas)
Nov. 1, 2024 Dec. 1, 2024 20
Fox (red and gray), Raccoon,
Skunk, Opossum, and Weasel
Nov. 10, 2024 Jan. 31, 2025 20
Coyote
No closed season 20
Feral Swine (wild boar)
No closed season 20
Groundhog
No closed season 20
Youth Small Game
Oct. 19, 2024 Oct. 20, 2024
20
Oct. 26, 2024 Oct. 27, 2024
Furbearer
TRAPPING
Fox (red and gray), Raccoon,
Skunk, Opossum, and Weasel
Nov. 10, 2024 Jan. 31, 2025 28
Mink, Muskrat Nov. 10, 2024 Feb. 28, 2025 28
Mink, Muskrat, Raccoon, Opossum,
Skunk, Weasel (
select counties)
Nov. 10, 2024 March 15, 2025 28
Beaver Dec. 26, 2024 Feb. 28, 2025 28
River Otter Dec. 26, 2024 Feb. 28, 2025 28
2024-25 OHIO HUNTING & TRAPPING REGULATIONS
SEASONS & DATES
Download our free mobile app, HuntFish OH. See page 47.
4
SEASON
OPENING DATE CLOSING DATE PAGE
Early
Waterfowl
HUNTING
Canada Geese Sept. 7, 2024 Sept. 15, 2024 22
Teal (Blue-winged, Green-winged,
and Cinnamon)
Sept. 7, 2024 Sept. 22, 2024 22
Youth Waterfowl
HUNTING
Hunters 17 years old or younger Sept. 28, 2024 Sept. 29, 2024 23
Military Waterfowl
HUNTING
Active duty military and veterans Sept. 28, 2024 Sept. 29, 2024 23
Lake Erie
Marsh Zone
Waterfowl
HUNTING
Geese (Canada, White-fronted,
Snow, Blue, Ross's), Brant
Oct. 12, 2024 Oct. 27, 2024
23
Nov. 16, 2024 Feb. 3, 2025
Ducks, Coots, and Mergansers
Oct. 12, 2024 Oct. 27, 2024
23
Nov. 9, 2024 Dec. 22, 2024
North Zone
Waterfowl
HUNTING
Geese (Canada, White-fronted,
Snow, Blue, Ross's), Brant
Oct. 19, 2024 Oct. 27, 2024
23
Nov. 9, 2024 Feb. 3, 2025
Ducks, Coots, and Mergansers
Oct. 19, 2024 Oct. 27, 2024
23
Nov. 16, 2024 Jan. 5, 2025
South Zone
Waterfowl
HUNTING
Geese (Canada, White-fronted,
Snow, Blue, Ross's), Brant
Oct. 19, 2024 Oct. 27, 2024
23
Nov. 16, 2024 Feb. 10, 2025
Ducks, Coots, and Mergansers
Oct. 19, 2024 Oct. 27 2024
23
Dec. 7, 2024 Jan. 26, 2025
Migratory Bird
HUNTING
Dove
(Mourning and Eurasian collared)
Sept. 1, 2024 Nov. 3, 2024
22
Dec. 7, 2024 Jan. 1, 2025
Rail (Virginia, Sora) Sept. 1, 2024 Nov. 9, 2024 22
Gallinules Sept. 1, 2024 Nov. 9, 2024 22
Wilson's Snipe
Sept. 1, 2024 Nov. 20, 2024
22
Dec. 7, 2024 Jan. 1, 2025
American Woodcock Oct. 12, 2024 Nov. 25, 2024 22
Hunting any wild animal (except waterfowl) from 30
minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset during
the youth deer gun season, deer gun seasons, and the
deer muzzleloader season is unlawful unless the hunter
is visibly wearing a vest, coat, jacket, or coveralls that are
either solid hunter orange or camouflage hunter orange.
This requirement applies statewide
on both public and private land.
HUNTER ORANGE REQUIRED
2024-25 OHIO HUNTING & TRAPPING REGULATIONS
SEASONS & DATES
5
SEASON OPENING DATE CLOSING DATE STATEWIDE LIMIT
Archery
Sept. 28, 2024 Feb. 2, 2025
Only one may be antlered.
Statewide limit is six deer.
Hunters may combine individual
county harvests to reach the
statewide limit.
DSA: All of Hardin, Marion, and
Wyandot counties; Augalize
and Jackson townships
in Allen County
Youth Gun
Nov. 16, 2024 Nov. 17, 2024
Gun
Dec. 2, 2024
Dec. 21, 2024
Dec. 8, 2024
Dec. 22, 2024
Muzzleloader
Jan. 4, 2025 Jan. 7, 2025
DSA Archery
Sept. 14, 2024 Feb. 2, 2025
DSA Early Gun
Oct. 12, 2024 Oct. 14, 2024
2024-25 OHIO HUNTING & TRAPPING REGULATIONS
WHITE-TAILED DEER HUNTING
202425 COUNTY BAG LIMIT MAP
Additional restrictions apply
when hunting deer on public land.
See below for more information.
HUNTING HOURS
Hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30
minutes after sunset.
TAG AND CHECK
A hunter is required to complete the
game check process following the harvest
of a white-tailed deer. See page 16 for
more information.
PUBLIC LAND HUNTING
No more than one antlerless deer may be
taken from all public hunting areas per li-
cense year. A list of public hunting areas is
available at wildohio.gov. Authorized Divi-
sion of Wildlife controlled hunts; Andreoff,
Big Island, Wyandot, Lake La Su An, and
Killdeer Plains wildlife areas are exempt.
Hunters may not hunt deer over bait on
any public hunting area.
TWO DEER COUNTY
A hunter may use two
either-sex permits, two
deer management permits,
or one of each, to harvest
no more than two deer
in these counties.
THREE DEER COUNTY
A hunter may use three
either-sex permits, three
deer management permits,
or any combination, to
harvest no more than three
deer in these counties.
FOUR DEER COUNTY
A hunter may use four
either-sex permits, four
deer management permits,
or any combination, to
harvest no more than four
deer in these counties.
Disease surveillance area
WHITE-TAILED DEER HUNTING
2024-25
HuntFish OH
6
LUCAS COUNTY
WHITE-TAILED DEER HUNTING
2024-25
DEER PERMITS
In addition to a valid Ohio hunting license,
hunters are required to purchase an either-
sex deer permit or a deer management
permit to hunt deer in Ohio, unless exempt.
█ The either-sex deer permit is valid state-
wide from Sept. 28, 2024 to Feb. 2, 2025.
In the disease surveillance area, the ei-
ther-sex deer permit is valid from Sept.
14, 2024 to Feb. 2, 2025.
█ The deer management permit is valid
from Sept. 28 to Dec. 22, 2024.
In the disease surveillance area, the deer
management permit is valid from
Sept.
14, 2024 to Dec. 22, 2024.
DEER MANAGEMENT PERMIT
Deer management permits may only be
used to take antlerless deer. The permits are
valid on private land from Sept. 28 to Dec.
22, 2024. In the disease surveillance area,
deer management permits are valid from
Sept. 14 to Dec. 22, 2024. Deer management
permits are not valid on public hunting ar
-
eas, except Andreoff, Big Island, Killdeer
Plains, Lake La Su An, and Wyandot wildlife
areas, and authorized controlled hunts.
EITHERSEX DEER PERMIT
The either-sex deer permit may be used
to hunt an antlered or antlerless deer. This
permit may be used during any of the deer
hunting seasons and controlled hunts.
This permit may be purchased individually
throughout the entire deer season.
Only one antlered deer may be taken
during the 2024-25 season.
An antlered
deer has at least one antler 3 inches or
longer in length.
YOUTH DEER GUN SEASON
█ Deer taken by youth hunters during the
youth deer gun season count toward
the county and statewide bag limits.
█ All youths and nonhunting adults must
visibly wear the required hunter orange
clothing.
HUNTING OTHER
GAME DURING DEER
FIREARM SEASONS
WATERFOWL
Waterfowl hunters are not required to wear
hunter orange clothing and may use any
shot size.
COYOTE AND FERAL SWINE
Coyote and feral swine (wild boar) hunters
are required to wear hunter orange cloth-
ing and may only hunt during legal deer
season hours, using hunting implements
legal for that deer firearm season, with a
hunting license and valid deer permit.
FURBEARERS EXCEPT COYOTE
During legal deer season hours, furbearer
hunters may only hunt with a shotgun
using No. 4 shot size or smaller and are
required to visibly wear hunter orange
clothing. Hunter orange clothing is not
required from 30 minutes after sunset to
30 minutes before sunrise.
ALL OTHER GAME
Hunters may hunt with a shotgun using
No. 4 shot size or smaller and are required
to wear hunter orange clothing.
HuntFish OH
7
1. A successful deer hunter may aid or assist
another hunter who is hunting deer if the
deer permit has been filled in, he or she
does not carry any hunting implement
commonly used to kill wild animals, and
has a valid hunting license. Those persons
exempted from having a hunting license
and deer permits for deer hunting on their
property are required to have a hunting
license and deer permit to aid another
hunter off of their property or hunt deer
off of their property.
2. Take more than one deer per day as long
as the harvested animal's information has
been recorded on the permit or submitted
to game check.
3. Hunt deer over bait, except on public land
and in the Disease Surveillance Area. Re-
strictions apply, see pages 10, 11, 38, and 40.
4. Leave a deer or deer parts with a taxider-
mist, fur buyer, cold storage, locker plant,
or meat processing plant as long as the
confirmation code is attached to the an-
imal and all of its separate parts. Persons
receiving a deer from another person must
keep the confirmation code with the ani-
mal and all of its separate parts.
5. Carry a printed or electronic copy of the
deer permit.
6. Possess a communication device.
7. Use a leashed dog to recover a wounded
deer.
8. Archery hunt during the youth deer gun
season, if the archery hunter is not ac-
companying a hunter participating in the
youth deer gun season and is visibly wear-
ing hunter orange.
A DEER HUNTER MAY DO THE FOLLOWING:
1. Pursue wounded deer or recover dead
deer, including shed antlers, from private
property without the written permission
of the landowner.
2. Hunt with a shotgun or straight-walled
cartridge rifle loaded with more than
three shells in the chamber and magazine
combined. This does not apply to hand-
guns.
3. Possess a loaded firearm during any of the
deer firearms seasons at any time other
than 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 min-
utes after sunset. Muzzleloading firearms
are considered unloaded when the cap is
removed or priming powder is removed
from the pan, or when the battery is re-
moved on electronic systems.
4. Use a muzzleloading handgun to hunt
deer.
5. Have more than one hunting firearm while
hunting deer.
6. Have attached to a longbow or crossbow
any mechanical, electrical, or electron-
ic device capable of projecting a visible
beam of light. This does not include a
device such as a range finder that utilizes
nonvisible light.
7. Possess shotshells containing shot during
any deer gun season.
8. Use dogs to hunt deer.
9. Check a deer using a permit that was pur-
chased after the animal was harvested.
10. Construct, place, or use a permanent-type
tree stand, or place spikes, nails, wires, or
other metal objects into a tree to act as
steps or to hold a tree stand on public
hunting lands. It is also unlawful to make
any of these changes to trees on private
property without first getting the permis-
sion of the landowner or the landowner’s
authorized agent.
11. Check a deer as a landowner if the hunt-
er is a tenant of the property, unless the
tenant is an individual who resides on
land for which he or she pays rent and
whose annual income is primarily de-
rived from agricultural production con-
ducted on that land.
12. Submit a game check under the account
of anyone other than the hunter who har-
vested the animal.
13. Carry a firearm while deer hunting with
a longbow or crossbow (except when le-
gally carrying a concealed handgun, See
CONCEALED HANDGUN on page 41).
14. Use a drone or aircraft to hunt or aid in
the hunting of deer. Drones may be used
to recover a harvested deer.
A DEER HUNTER MAY NOT DO THE FOLLOWING:
WHITE-TAILED DEER HUNTING
2024-25
HuntFish OH
8
ARCHERY SEASON
Longbow or Bow:
The minimum draw weight is 40 pounds. This includes compound bows and
recurve bows. The arrow tip needs a minimum of two cutting edges, which may be exposed or
unexposed and a minimum 3/4-inch width. Expandable and mechanical broadheads are legal.
Crossbow:
The minimum draw weight is 75 pounds. The arrow tip needs a minimum of two cutting
edges, which may be exposed or unexposed and a minimum 3/4-inch width. Expandable and
mechanical broadheads are legal.
GUN SEASON
Shotgun:
10 gauge or smaller shotgun using one ball or one ried slug per barrel (ried shotgun
barrels are permitted when using shotgun slug ammunition).
Straight-walled cartridge ries:
All straight-walled
cartridge calibers from a minimum of .357 to a
maximum of .50 (includes .350 Legend).
Shotguns and straight-walled cartridge ries can be
loaded with no more than three shells in the chamber
and magazine combined.
Archery equipment:
See Archery Season, above.
Muzzleloading rie:
.38 caliber or larger.
Muzzleloading shotgun:
10-gauge or smaller using one ball per barrel.
Handgun:
With a 5-inch minimum length barrel, using straight-walled cartridges .357 caliber or larger.
The barrel is measured from the front of the cylinder or from the chamber to the end of the barrel.
MUZZLELOADER SEASON
Muzzleloading rie:
.38 caliber or larger.
Muzzleloading shotgun:
10-gauge or smaller using one ball per barrel.
Archery equipment:
See Archery Season, above.
LEGAL DEER HUNTING EQUIPMENT
Cartridge with Shoulder
ILLEGAL
Straight-Walled Cartridge
LEGAL
You can carry only one HUNTING implement while hunting deer. (See Concealed Handguns on page 41)
WHITE-TAILED DEER HUNTING
2024-25
HuntFish OH
9
HARDIN COUNTY
TUSCARAWAS COUNTY
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a fatal
neurological disease of white-tailed deer.
There is no strong evidence that CWD is
transmissible to humans. In December
2020, Ohio confirmed its first CWD-posi-
tive wild deer in Wyandot County. Addi-
tional cases have been confirmed in every
year since 2020.
To monitor the prevalence and implement
regulations to slow the spread of the dis-
ease, a Disease Surveillance Area (DSA) has
been established and includes all of Har-
din, Marion, and Wyandot counties, and
all of Auglaize and Jackson townships in
Allen County. Special rules apply to deer
hunting in these counties.
DSA RULES INCLUDE:
█ The placement of or use of bait (salt,
minerals, or any food) to attract or feed
deer within the Disease Surveillance
Area (DSA) boundaries is prohibited, as
is the hunting of deer by the aid of bait.
█
Normal agricultural activities, includ-
ing feeding domestic animals, as well
as hunting deer over food plots, natu
-
rally occurring or cultivated plants, and
agricultural crops are not prohibited in
the DSA.
CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE
KNOW THE FACTS
PROTECT OHIO’S DEER HERD
█ Properly dispose of a deer carcass. Be
sure to double-bag all high-risk parts
(brain, spinal cord, eyes, and lymphoid
tissues) and dispose of them with your
household trash.
█ It is illegal to bring high-risk carcass
parts into Ohio from anywhere outside
the state, or to remove high-risk carcass
parts from a disease surveillance area,
unless the animal is delivered to a Di-
vision of Wildlife certied processor or
taxidermist within 24 hours (see Deer
Carcass Regulations on page 12).
█ Contact a Division of Wildlife district of-
ce or state wildlife ocer if you see a
deer that appears sick, is acting abnor-
mally, or has a visible ear tag.
█
The Division of Wildlife has a Disease
Surveillance Area (DSA) which includes
all of Hardin, Marion, and Wyandot
counties, and all of Auglaize and Jack
-
son townships in Allen County.
PRECAUTIONS FOR HUNTERS
A deer infected with CWD typically does
not immediately show signs of the dis-
ease. As the disease progresses, the animal
begins to lose body condition and stagger,
carry its head and ears lowered, drool ex-
cessively, and show little fear of humans.
They will eventually appear weak and
emaciated.
█ Wear rubber gloves when eld-dress-
ing and thoroughly wash your hands
and instruments after eld-dressing
and butchering.
█ Bone out the meat from your animal
and minimize the handling of brain and
spinal tissues.
█ Do not eat the brain, spinal cord, eyes,
spleen, tonsils, and lymph nodes.
█ Do not consume meat from any animal
that tests positive for CWD.
█
Hunters that have successfully harvested
a deer may have it tested for CWD at the
Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Ani
-
mal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. Call
(614) 728-6220 for more information.
WHITE-TAILED DEER HUNTING
2024-25
HuntFish OH
10
MANDATORY SAMPLING FOR DEER HARVESTED
WITHIN THE DISEASE SURVEILLANCE AREA DSA
█ Mandatory sampling is required for ALL deer harvested Oct.12-13 and Dec. 2-3.
Staed sampling locations will be available during the mandatory sampling days at
the addresses below.
Hunters can utilize self-serve kiosks to drop their deer o for testing throughout the
deer season. Participation is voluntary outside of the four mandatory days noted
above. Kiosk locations and dates of operation are available at wildohio.gov and in-
structions for sample submission will be provided at the kiosk.
BIG ISLAND
Wildlife Area Headquarters
5389 Larue-Prospect Rd West,
New Bloomington, OH 43341
KILLDEER PLAINS
Wildlife Area Headquarters
19100 CH 115
Harpster, OH 43323
WYANDOT COUNTY
Fairgrounds
10171 OH 53
Upper Sandusky, OH 43351
SEASON OPENING DATE CLOSING DATE
DSA Archery Sept. 14, 2024 Feb. 2, 2025
DSA Early Gun Oct. 12, 2024 Oct. 14, 2024
DISEASE SURVEILLANCE AREA
DSA
DSA: All of Hardin, Marion and Wyandot counties;
Auglaize and Jackson townships in Allen County
Scan the QR code with your mobile device
for current information or vist wildohio.gov.
RURAL KING
233 American Blvd
Marion, OH 43302
HARDIN COUNTY
Fairgrounds
14134 County Road 140
Kenton, OH 43326
M
C
GUFFEY
Conservation Club
6950 Township Road 55
Ada, OH 45810
WHITE-TAILED DEER HUNTING
2024-25
HuntFish OH
11
DEER CARCASS REGULATIONS
To minimize risk of spreading CWD, possessing high-risk carcass parts from Cervids (deer,
moose, elk, and caribou) harvested anywhere outside of Ohio or removed from a disease
surveillance area is prohibited.
Only the following parts may be possessed from any Cervid imported from any-
where outside of Ohio or removed from a disease surveillance area: de-boned meat;
meat that is cut and securely wrapped either commercially or privately with no part of
the spinal column or head attached; quarters or other portions of meat with no part of
the spinal column or head attached; antlers; antlers attached to a skull cap from which all
soft tissue has been removed; upper canine teeth from which all soft tissue has been re-
moved; hides and capes without any part of the head or lymph nodes attached; finished
taxidermy mounts; and soft body tissue wrapped and packaged for use by a diagnostic
research laboratory.
Out of state hunters traveling through Ohio may possess any Cervid carcass (or part of a
carcass), provided the carcass or parts are not off-loaded from the vehicle.
Hunters returning to Ohio with a complete Cervid carcass or parts NOT on the list above,
as well as hunters who wish to move a complete carcass or parts NOT on the list above,
out of Disease Surveillance Areas, may do so provided that they present the complete
carcass or parts not listed above to a certified taxidermist or processor within 24 hours of
entering the state or leaving a Disease Surveillance Area.
█
The Ohio Division of Wildlife’s
HuntFish OH app
█
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) solar calculator:
gml.noaa.gov
█
Sunrise-sunset and weather apps
█
Local newspaper, television,
or radio outlets
SUNRISE AND SUNSET RESOURCES
Sunrise and sunset times are available from a variety of sources, including:
█
U.S. Navy Astronomical
Applications Department:
https://aa.usno.navy.mil
While these are some examples, any reliable
source is acceptable for determining the
sunrise and sunset times at your hunting lo-
cation. Be safe and make sure to check the
sunrise and sunset times before your outing.
WHITE-TAILED DEER HUNTING
EPIZOOTIC HEMORRHAGIC DISEASE EHD IN DEER
The Division of Wildlife is seeking reports of sick or dead deer
to help track potential disease outbreaks. If you observe a deer
that is behaving abnormally, call your county wildlife officer or
1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543).
Common symptoms of EHD include disorientation; fever; pro
-
nounced swelling of the head, neck, tongue, and eyelids; and re-
spiratory disease. EHD-positive deer are often found dead near a
water source. EHD updates can be found by scanning the QR code.
2024-25
12
The Ohio Landowner-Hunter Access Partnership Program is a way for
Ohio hunters to get access to private properties. Public access will be
granted through an online check-in system from Sept. 1 to June 1 each
year between the hours of 5:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. All hunting opportu-
nities, except deer gun hunting and trapping, are permitted.
For more information, visit wildohio.gov or scan the QR code.
Ohio Landowner-Hunter
ACCESS PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
OLHAP
You do not have to give your name.
JUST GIVE THE FACTS • ACTIVE 24/7
IF YOU OBSERVE A WILDLIFE VIOLATION
1800POACHER
18007622437
OR WILDOHIO.GOV
TURN IN A POACHER
█
I
nstructor-led training.
█
Home-study courses for Ohio residents.
█
Online testing for residents 12 and older.
While hunter education is a vital part of
becoming an Ohio hunter, new hunters
also have the option of hunting with an
apprentice license before taking a hunter
education course.
Call 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543)
or visit wildohio.gov
for information on courses in your area.
The Division of Wildlife offers three
types of hunter certification courses:
OHIO HUNTER
EDUCATION
2024-25
2024-25 OHIO HUNTING & TRAPPING REGULATIONS
WILD TURKEY HUNTING
WILD TURKEY HUNTING
It is unlawful to hunt or take wild turkeys
with the aid or use of bait. An area is con-
sidered baited for 10 days after the com-
plete removal of any bait.
It is unlawful to use a live decoy while
hunting wild turkeys.
It is unlawful to possess or use an elec-
tronic calling device while hunting wild
turkeys.
It is unlawful to take or attempt to take a
wild turkey while it is in a tree.
It is unlawful to possess more than one hunt-
ing implement while turkey hunting. See
Concealed Handgun License on page 41.
A successful wild turkey hunter may aid or
assist another hunter who is hunting wild
turkeys if the turkey permit has been filled
in, he or she does not carry any hunting
implement commonly used to kill wild ani-
mals, and has a valid hunting license. Those
persons exempted from having a hunting
license and wild turkey permits for turkey
hunting on their property are required to
have a hunting license and turkey permit
to aid another hunter off of their property
or hunt turkey off of their property.
TAG AND CHECK
Following the harvest of a wild turkey, a
hunter is required to complete the game
check process by 11:30 p.m. on the day of
kill. See page 16 for information.
FALL WILD TURKEY SEASON
█ A valid Ohio hunting license and fall
turkey permit are required, unless ex-
empt.
█ A wild turkey of either sex may be har-
vested during the fall season. The bag
limit is one turkey.
█ Fall wild turkey hunting hours are 30
minutes before sunrise to sunset.
█ It is legal to use dogs to assist in taking
wild turkeys during the fall season only.
Counties open for fall hunting
2024 FALL WILD TURKEY
OPEN COUNTIES MAP
SEASON OPENING DATE CLOSING DATE BAG LIMIT
Fall Wild Turkey: Select counties Oct. 1, 2024 Oct. 27, 2024 1 (either sex)
Spring Wild Turkey To be announced
HuntFish OH
WILD TURKEY HUNTING
14
YOUTH WILD TURKEY SEASON
█ A valid hunting license and wild turkey
permit are required, unless exempt.
█ Hunting hours for youth turkey season
are 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.
SPRING WILD TURKEY SEASON
█ It shall be unlawful for any person to
take or possess a wild turkey during the
spring wild turkey season that does not
have a visible beard.
█ A valid Ohio hunting license and spring
turkey permit are required, unless ex-
empt.
█ It is legal to use a leashed dog to recov-
er wounded wild turkeys in the spring
turkey season.
LEGAL WILD TURKEY
HUNTING EQUIPMENT
Shotgun: 10-gauge or smaller shotgun using
shot, includes muzzleloading shotguns.
Longbow or Bow: The minimum draw weight is
40 pounds. This includes compound bows and
recurve bows. The arrow tip needs to have a min-
imum of two cutting edges which may be exposed
or unexposed, and a minimum 3/4-inch width.
Expandable and mechanical broadheads are legal.
Crossbow: The minimum draw weight is 75
pounds. The arrow tip needs to have a minimum
of two cutting edges which may be exposed or un-
exposed, and a minimum 3/4-inch width. Expand-
able and mechanical broadheads are legal.
Report your wildlife sightings and help Division of Wildlife biologists better under-
stand population trends, species distributions, and other important information
about Ohio’s wildlife. Photographs or videos are encouraged, as are latitude and
longitude coordinates, which help wildlife biologists quickly verify the sighting.
Scan the QR
code to report
your wildlife
sightings!
REPORT WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS
SPECIES TO REPORT INCLUDE:
□ Badger
□ Bald Eagle Nest
□ Barn Owl
□ Black Bear
□
Black-crowned Night Heron
□ Bobcat
□ Feral Swine
□ Fisher
□ Gray Fox
□ Peregrine Falcon
□ Porcupine
□ River Otter
□ Ruffed Grouse
□ Sandhill Crane
□ Snowshoe Hare
□ Trumpeter Swan
□ Weasel
□ Wild Turkey
Remember to view
wildlife from a
respectful distance
for your safety as well
as the safety of the
animal.
WILD TURKEY HUNTING
All hunters who harvest a white-tailed deer or wild turkey are required to complete the
game check process.
For deer, the hunter must complete the game check process and receive a confirmation
code by noon the day after the kill. If the deer is killed on the last day of a season, it must
be checked in by 11:30 p.m. on the day of the kill. For wild turkey, the hunter must com-
plete the game check process and receive a confirmation code by 11:30 p.m. on the same
day it was killed.
FILL IN THE PERMIT OR TAG
█ Fill in the deer or wild turkey permit immediately upon harvest and prior to moving
the carcass with the date, time and county of kill. Submitting through the Division of
Wildlife’s mobile application fulfills this requirement. A temporary tag or mobile pho-
to of a permit does not fulfill this requirement. The game must be tagged once the
hunter leaves the animal unattended or arrives at a residence or temporary lodging.
█
Exempt landowners are required to make a tag and include their name, date, time,
and county of kill. Submitting through the Division of Wildlife's mobile application
fulfills this requirement. The tag may remain unattached until the hunter leaves the
animal unattended or arrives at a residence or temporary lodging.
█
Once the hunter leaves the game unattended, the completed permit or tag, or con-
firmation code, must be attached. The permit or confirmation code is required to
remain with the game at all times.
2024-25 OHIO HUNTING & TRAPPING REGULATIONS
GAME CHECK
2024-25
Regardless of game check method, the
hunter must provide the 10-digit permit
number, which is printed in large numbers
on every permit. Exempt landowners do
not need to provide a permit number.
The hunter must answer a series of ques-
tions. The hunter will be issued a confirma-
tion code at the end of the process.
The confirmation code may be written on
the corresponding permit or tag and at-
tached to the game. When a hunter checks
a deer or wild turkey by internet, agent,
or mobile application, they will receive a
game check receipt with their confirmation
code printed on it. Hunters using the tele-
phone game check method will receive the
confirmation code over the phone. Hunt-
ers using the Division of Wildlife's mobile
application will receive their confirmation
code once their phone has service.
The confirmation code must remain at-
tached to the game and its parts. The code
may be written on the back or bottom of
a mount.
A game check receipt may be printed by
accessing Ohio's Wildlife Licensing System
at ohiogamecheck.com after the game
check process is complete.
The game check process must be complet-
ed prior to skinning or removing the head
from a deer, and prior to removing the feet,
beard, meat, or feathers from a wild turkey.
This does not include field dressing.
HuntFish OH
GAME CHECK
16
ASHLAND COUNTY
COMPLETING THE GAME CHECK PROCESS
WHITETAILED DEER & WILD TURKEY
Are you the landowner or
exempt from needing a permit?
You will be issued a confirmation
code when finished. The
code may be written on the
corresponding permit or tag and
attached to the game. Keep this
code attached to the game and
its parts, including mounts.
NO
YES
Fill in your deer or turkey
permit with the date,
time, and county
of harvest or
submit through the
HuntFishOH app.
Create a tag that includes your name,
date, time, and county of harvest or
submit through the HuntFishOH app.
Complete the game check
process through one of the
following approved methods
Proceed with processing or
butchering the carcass.
ENJOY THE REWARDS OF A
SUCCESSFUL HARVEST!
Congratulations on your Ohio deer or turkey harvest!
Before you move your game, follow the steps below.
PUBLIC LANDPRIVATE LAND
Are you hunting public or private land?
YOU MAY NOW
MOVE THE GAME.
MOBILE APP: HuntFish OH
ONLINE: ohiogamecheck.com
CALL: 1-877-TAG-IT-OH
(1-877-824-4864) automated
IN-PERSON: Visit any authorized
license sales agent
LANDOWNERS ONLY: 1-866-703-1928
(operator assisted, fees apply)
GAME CHECK
2024-25
HuntFish OH
17
Hocking Hills State Park Lodge
opened in 2022.
Great Council State Park opened in 2024.
Established on August 11, 1949, ODNR began
with seven charter divisions: Geological Survey,
Wildlife, Forestry, Parks, Water, Beach Erosion,
and Lands and Soil. At that time, the department
was charged with formulating and implementing
long-term comprehensive plans for the develop-
ment and wise use of the state’s natural resources.
Conservation work in Ohio was well on its way by
1949. However, ODNR’s first director, Alonzo W.
Marion, had his work cut out for him as he tried
to balance the growing human population and
the protection of Ohio’s wildlife, plants, and nat
-
ural habitats.
Though the agency has seen many changes since
those early years, its values and mission have re-
mained the same — the responsible management
of Ohio’s resources for the present and the future.
This mission involves sustaining the productivity
of Ohio’s renewable natural resources such as tim-
ber and wildlife, promoting the wise use of non-re-
newable resources like oil and gas, and protecting
threatened and endangered plants and animals.
A department of incredible diversity, ODNR owns
and manages more than 800,000 acres of land, in-
cluding 76 state parks, 24 state forests, 147 state
nature preserves, and 189 wildlife areas. The de-
partment also has jurisdiction over more than
120,000 acres of inland waters, 7,000 miles of
streams, 481 miles of the Ohio River, and 2.25 mil-
lion acres of Lake Erie.
In addition, ODNR licenses all hunting, fishing,
and watercraft in the state,and is responsible for
overseeing and permitting all mineral extraction,
monitoring dam safety, managing water resourc-
es, mapping major geologic structures and min-
eral resources, and providing outdoor grants to
local communities. ODNR also serves as the state’s
outdoor recreation agency. Whether it’s hiking,
camping, boating, hunting, fishing, birding, or just
exploring, the possibilities for outdoor adventure
in Ohio are plentiful.
This year, we are celebrating a milestone in natural resources
management and outdoor recreation — the 75th anniversary
of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
Magee Marsh Visitor Center, built in 1970
as the Sportsmen’s Migratory Bird Center,
was renovated in 2023.
The Buckeye Trail, indicated by its
blue blazes, was established in 1957.
Put-In-Bay State Fish Hatchery, built in 1915,
will be reopened as a visitor center in 2025.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
The conservation and management of Ohio’s nat-
ural resources is an ongoing and ever-changing
effort. While incredible strides have been made
over the last 75 years, there is always more work
to be done and ODNR has exciting projects on
the horizon.
Governor DeWine’s H2Ohio initiative will continue
to restore and enhance wetlands and riparian areas
to ensure healthy water for Ohio’s people and wild
-
life alike, and efforts to reclaim abandoned mine
lands will provide much-needed habitat for plants
and animals. ODNR will strengthen its partnerships
and commitment to restoring Ohio’s threatened
and endangered species, such as the eastern hell
-
bender, lake sturgeon, and freshwater mussels.
Ohio has an abundance of outdoor recreation lo-
cations, and more are on the way. The 147th state
nature preserve, Little Beaver Creek State Nature
Preserve in Columbiana County, opened earlier
this year, and Ohio’s 76th state park, Great Coun-
cil State Park in Greene County, will open in June.
In addition, new visitor centers will be opening at
Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area and on Put-in-Bay.
ODNR will continue to improve aging infrastruc-
ture on its properties and increase recreational
opportunities across the state.
An agency is only as strong and successful as its
people. ODNR is actively recruiting dedicated and
talented staff who will bring new ideas and ensure
conservation work continues well into the future.
The rich history of ODNR has laid the groundwork
for a bright future. With reverence for the resource
and dedication to conservation, this agency will
continue to ensure a balance between the wise
use and protection of Ohio’s natural resources.
A full history of ODNR can be
found in two publications: A
Legacy of Stewardship: 1949-
1989 and The Legacy of Stew-
ardship Continues: A 75-Year
History of the Ohio Department
of Natural Resources, which will
be available soon. Visit ohiodnr.
gov for more information.
E
W
N
S
ENGINEERING
DIVISION OF
O
H
I
O
D
E
P
A
R
T
M
E
N
T
O
F
N
A
T
U
R
A
L
R
E
S
O
U
R
C
E
S
SEASON
OPENING DATE CLOSING DATE DAILY LIMIT
Crow: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday only
June 7, 2024 March 2, 2025
No Limit
June 6, 2025 March 1, 2026
Squirrel (red, gray, black, fox) Sept. 1, 2024 Jan. 31, 2025 6
Ruffed Grouse: Select counties Nov. 1, 2024 Dec. 1, 2024 1
Cottontail Rabbit Nov. 1, 2024 Feb. 28, 2025 4
Ring-necked Pheasant Nov. 1, 2024 Jan. 12, 2025 2
(males only)
Chukar Nov. 1, 2024 Jan. 12, 2025 2
Bobwhite Quail: Select counties
and wildlife areas
Nov. 1, 2024 Dec. 1, 2024 2
Fox, Raccoon, Skunk, Opossum, Weasel Nov. 10, 2024 Jan. 31, 2025 No Limit
Coyote No closed season No Limit
Feral Swine (wild boar) No closed season No Limit
Groundhog No closed season No Limit
Youth Small Game
Oct. 19, 2024 Oct. 20, 2024
Same as the
regular season
Oct. 26, 2024 Oct. 27, 2024
PHEASANT HUNTING
Hours are sunrise to sunset. Only male
pheasants may be killed.
The Division of Wildlife will release pheas-
ants for the youth small game weekends,
Oct. 19 and Oct. 26. Additional releases
will occur for Nov. 1, Nov. 9, and Nov. 28.
Releases will take place at Charlemont
Metro Park (Lorain County), and the fol-
lowing wildlife areas during pheasant
hunting season: Appalachian Hills, Berlin,
Caesar Creek, Camp Belden, Darke, Del-
aware, Fallsville, Grand River, Highland-
town, Indian Creek, Oxbow Lake, Resthav-
en, Rush Run, Spencer, Spring Valley, Tiffin
River, Tri-Valley, West Branch, Wyandot,
and Zepernick. Ringneck Ridge Wildlife
Area is by permit only and Killdeer Plains,
Pleasant Valley, and Salt Fork wildlife ar eas
have portions of permit-only access.
FOX, RACCOON, SKUNK,
OPOSSUM, AND WEASEL
No restrictions on hours. Hunters must pur-
chase a hunting license and a fur taker per-
mit to hunt these species.
SQUIRREL HUNTING
Red, gray, black, and fox squirrels are legal
game. Hours are 30 minutes before sun-
rise to sunset.
RABBIT HUNTING
Hours are sunrise to sunset.
COYOTE HUNTING AND TRAPPING
If hunted during the deer gun season,
hours and legal hunting devices are the
same as for deer gun season.
Rifles and night vision scopes are legal for
coyote hunting, except for hunting coy-
otes during any deer gun or deer muzzle-
loader season, then the hours and legal
hunting devices are the same as for the
deer season.
FERAL SWINE WILD BOAR
Feral swine are a non-native, invasive spe-
cies. Feral swine are also known as wild
boar, feral hogs, and feral pigs. Hunters
are encouraged to report all sightings to
the Division of Wildlife at wildohio.gov/re-
portwildlife.
2024-25 OHIO HUNTING & TRAPPING REGULATIONS
SMALL GAME & FURBEARER HUNTING
SMALL GAME HUNTING
2024-25
HuntFish OH
20
SMALL GAME HUNTING
Counties open for quail hunting
on private land only
2024 BOBWHITE QUAIL
OPEN COUNTIES MAP
LEGAL SMALL GAME & FURBEARER HUNTING EQUIPMENT
Longbow or Bow: includes compound and recurve Handgun: Any caliber
Crossbow Rifle: Any caliber
Shotgun: 10 gauge or smaller Airgun
You must possess a valid hunting license
to hunt feral swine. Rifles and night vision
scopes are legal for feral swine hunting,
except for hunting feral swine during any
deer gun or deer muzzleloader season,
then the hours and legal hunting devices
are the same as for the deer season.
It is illegal to transport a trapped feral
swine in Ohio. It is legal to live trap feral
swine at any time, provided the feral swine
are immediately euthanized at the trap lo-
cation. It is illegal to use a foothold trap or
snare for feral swine.
QUAIL HUNTING
Hours are sunrise to sunset on private land
in open counties, Tri-Valley Wildlife Area,
and Crown City Wildlife Area (Crown City
offers controlled hunts only). Quail hunting
is closed on all other public hunting areas.
GROUSE HUNTING
Hours are sunrise to sunset in select coun-
ties open to grouse hunting. The daily lim-
it is 1.
YOUTH SMALL GAME SEASON
Youth hunting is open for rabbit, pheasant,
and all other legal game which is in season.
█ Quail may be taken only in those coun-
ties and wildlife areas which are open to
quail hunting.
█ Pheasant releases will occur for youth
hunts on the following wildlife areas:
Appalachian Hills, Berlin, Caesar Creek,
Camp Belden, Darke, Delaware, Falls-
ville, Grand River, Killdeer Plains, Ox-
bow Lake, Resthaven, Ringneck Ridge
(by permit only, find additional infor-
mation at sanduskycountyparks.com),
Rush Run, Spencer, Spring Valley, Tiffin
River, Tri-Valley, and Charlemont Met-
ro Park (Lorain County). Daily bag lim-
its are the same as during the regular
hunting season.
2024-25
Counties open for
grouse hunting
2024 RUFFED GROUSE
OPEN COUNTIES MAP
HuntFish OH
21
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sets the frameworks for waterfowl and other migratory
game birds. Migratory bird hunting is governed by both state and federal regulations. Wa
-
terfowl hunting is permitted when seasons are open during the youth deer gun season,
the deer gun season, and the deer muzzleloader season. The possession limit for wa
-
terfowl and migratory birds after the second day is three times the daily bag limit.
OPENING DAY OF A SEASON
No person on the opening day of the season
shall possess any freshly killed migratory
game birds in excess of the daily bag limit, or
aggregate daily bag limit, whichever applies.
MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING
To hunt migratory birds in Ohio, you must
have the following:
█ A valid Ohio hunting license.
█ Harvest Information Program (HIP)
certification.
In addition to the requirements above, to
hunt waterfowl in Ohio, you must also have
the following:
█ An Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp en-
dorsement is required of all persons 18
or older.
█ A signed federal Migratory Bird Hunting
Stamp (Duck Stamp), or federal Elec-
tronic Duck Stamp (E-stamp) is required
of all persons age 16 and older.
WATERFOWL & MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING
2024-25 OHIO HUNTING & TRAPPING REGULATIONS
WATERFOWL & MIGRATORY
BIRD HUNTING
SEASONS OPENING DATE CLOSING DATE DAILY LIMIT
Dove (Mourning and Eurasian collared)
Sept. 1, 2024 Nov. 3, 2024
15
Dec. 7, 2024 Jan. 1, 2025
EARLY: Canada Goose Sept. 7, 2024 Sept. 15, 2024 5
EARLY: Teal
(Blue-winged, Green-winged, & Cinnamon)
Sept. 7, 2024 Sept. 22, 2024 6
Rail (Virginia, Sora) Sept. 1, 2024 Nov. 9, 2024 25
Gallinules Sept. 1, 2024 Nov. 9, 2024 15
Wilson's Snipe
Sept. 1, 2024 Nov. 20, 2024
8
Dec. 7, 2024 Jan. 1, 2025
American Woodcock Oct. 12, 2024 Nov. 25, 2024 3
Hunting hours are sunrise to sunset, unless posted.
OHIO WETLANDS HABITAT STAMP
The Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp will not
be issued at the time of purchase. A li-
cense will be issued stating Ohio Wetlands
Stamp. The stamp will be mailed later in
the year. The stamp does not need to be
carried while hunting.
MILITARY WATERFOWL HUNTING
Active duty military and veterans may hunt
waterfowl on Sept. 28 and Sept. 29, 2024.
Bag limits are the same as the regular sea-
son.
Active duty military and veterans and
youth may hunt waterfowl together during
this special season.
The hunter must be a veteran or a member
of the armed forces on active duty.
2024-25
HuntFish OH
22
WATERFOWL SEASONS OPENING DATE CLOSING DATE DAILY LIMIT
Youth Waterfowl Season Sept. 28, 2024 Sept. 29, 2024 Same as the regular season
Military Waterfowl Season Sept. 28, 2024 Sept. 29, 2024 Same as the regular season
LAKE ERIE MARSH ZONE:
Geese
Oct. 12, 2024 Oct. 27, 2024
GEESE
5 combined: Canada goose,
white-fronted goose, and no
more than 1 brant.
10 combined: snow goose, blue
goose, Ross's goose.
DUCKS
The daily bag limit is 6 ducks,
which may include no more
than 4 mallards (only 2 hens),
3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2
canvasbacks, 1 pintail, 2 black
ducks, or 1 mottled duck. One
scaup during the rst 15 days of
the season; two scaup during the
next 45 days.
MERGANSERS & COOTS
5 mergansers (only 2 hooded),
and 15 coots.
Nov. 16, 2024 Feb. 3, 2025
LAKE ERIE MARSH ZONE:
Ducks, Coots, & Mergansers
Oct. 12, 2024 Oct. 27, 2024
Nov. 9, 2024 Dec. 22, 2024
NORTH ZONE:
Geese
Oct. 19, 2024 Oct. 27, 2024
Nov. 9, 2024 Feb. 3, 2025
NORTH ZONE:
Ducks, Coots, & Mergansers
Oct. 19, 2024 Oct. 27, 2024
Nov. 16, 2024 Jan. 5, 2025
SOUTH ZONE:
Geese
Oct. 19, 2024 Oct. 27, 2024
Nov. 16, 2024 Feb. 10, 2025
SOUTH ZONE:
Ducks, Coots, & Mergansers
Oct. 19, 2024 Oct. 27, 2024
Dec. 7, 2024 Jan. 26, 2025
Hunting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset during the regular waterfowl season, unless posted.
WATERFOWL & MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING
FEDERAL REGULATIONS AND
FEDERAL MIGRATORY BIRD
HUNTING STAMP DUCK STAMP
Federal regulations relating to migratory
game birds are located in Title 50, Code of
Federal Regulations, Part 20.
For additional information on federal regu-
lations, go to fws.gov or ecfr.gov
Hunters should know:
█ Federal Duck Stamps are valid from
July 1 through the following June 30.
█ You must sign the front of your Duck
Stamp in order for it to be valid. Remem-
ber: only you may use your Federal Duck
Stamp.
█
The e-stamp available through duck-
stamp.com is valid immediately and for
the entire length of the season with the
receipt of the e-stamp purchase. If you
bought an e-stamp, you must carry your
receipt with you at all times while hunt-
ing. Your purchase/credit card receipt is
not valid as a duck stamp. Physical duck
stamps are mailed to e-stamp purchasers
after the season.
█ Hunters 16 years of age and older are
required to purchase this stamp to hunt
waterfowl. These stamps are available
at many U.S. post office branches, usps.
com, or duckstamp.com.
HIP SURVEY
All hunters, including landowners, who
plan to hunt migratory game birds, includ-
ing mourning doves, ducks, geese, wood-
cock, rails, coots, and snipe must have a
Harvest Information Program (HIP) certi-
fication number on their hunting license.
To complete the HIP certification require-
ment, call 1-877-HIP-OHIO (1-877-447-
6446) or go to wildohio.gov and answer
the survey questions. After the survey you
will be given a certification number. Write
the certification number on your annual
hunting license in the space provided.
Multiyear license and lifetime license hold-
ers are required to complete the HIP cer-
tification requirement annually. The certi-
fication number is required to be carried
while hunting.
2024-25
HuntFish OH
23
WATERFOWL & MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING
YOUTH WATERFOWL HUNTING
Hunters 17 years old or younger may hunt
waterfowl statewide (on public and pri-
vate lands) on Sept. 28 and Sept. 29, 2024.
Ducks, geese, and coots may be taken un-
der bag limits established for the regular
season. Hunting hours are 30 minutes be-
fore sunrise to sunset.
NONTOXIC SHOT
No person may take ducks, geese (including
brant), rail, snipe, gallinules, or coots while
possessing shot (either in shotshells or as
loose shot for muzzleloading) other than ap-
proved nontoxic shot. For a list of approved
nontoxic shot, see fws.gov.
DOVE HUNTING
Hours for dove are sunrise to sunset. Doves
may be hunted with lead shot. Dove field
maps are available at wildohio.gov.
Doves may be hunted on areas that have
been manipulated (for example, mowed
or bush-hogged) for wildlife management
purposes, in addition to areas that have
been planted or harvested in a normal ag-
ricultural manner. Neither waterfowl nor
doves may be hunted on areas where grain
or other feed has been distributed once it
has been removed from or stored on the
field where grown. Contact a Division of
Wildlife district office or a state wildlife of-
ficer for clarification on baiting regulations
before you hunt.
Harvest Information Program (HIP) certi-
fication is required to dove hunt. To com-
plete the HIP certification requirement, call
1-877-HIP-OHIO (1-877-447-6446) or go to
wildohio.gov and answer the survey ques-
tions. After the survey you will be given a
certification number. Write the certification
number on your annual hunting license in
the space provided.
Multiyear license and lifetime license hold-
ers are required to complete the HIP certifi-
cation requirement annually. The certifica-
tion number is required to be carried while
hunting.
23
36
71
62
Marion
Wapakoneta
Celina
Van Wert
VAN WERT
Wooster
Canton
MERCER
HARDIN
LOGAN
UNION
MORROW
KNOX
HOLMES
ASHLAND
WAYNE
STARK
COLUMBIANA
30
MARION
68
42
Kenton
Bellefontaine
Marysville
Fredericktown
Mt.
Vernon
Massilon
Salem
Calcutta
77
30
62
75
385
117
739
31
95
95
13
226
754
39/
60
514
241
60
3
703
AUGLAIZE
71
273
30
30
TAGGING REQUIREMENT
No person shall put or leave any migratory
game birds at any place (other than at his
personal abode), or in the custody of another
person for picking, cleaning, processing,
shipping, transportation, or storage (includ-
ing temporary storage), or for the purpose
of having taxidermy services performed,
unless such birds have a tag attached,
signed by the hunter, stating their address,
the total number and species of birds, and
the date such birds were killed. Migratory
game birds being transported in any vehicle
as the personal baggage of the possessor
shall not be considered as being in storage
or temporary storage.
202425 WATERFOWL HUNTING
ZONES MAP
Lake Erie Marsh Zone
North Zone
South Zone
SOUTH ZONE
2024-25
HuntFish OH
24
WATERFOWL & MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING
23
36
71
62
Marion
Wapakoneta
Celina
Van Wert
VAN WERT
Wooster
Canton
MERCER
HARDIN
LOGAN
UNION
MORROW
KNOX
HOLMES
ASHLAND
WAYNE
STARK
COLUMBIANA
30
MARION
68
42
Kenton
Bellefontaine
Marysville
Fredericktown
Mt.
Vernon
Massilon
Salem
Calcutta
77
30
62
75
385
117
739
31
95
95
13
226
754
39/
60
514
241
60
3
703
AUGLAIZE
71
273
30
30
23
75
6
80
90
75
280
2
295
20
2
2
25
18
64
20
64
199
582
105
420
590
579
163
163
105
20
53
19
13
57
82
61
58
20
510
250
101
113
301
101
412
6
4
269
2
2
60
75
90
80
90
80
90
80
90
80
Sylvania
Toledo
Oregon
Northwood
Maumee
Whitehouse
Perrysburg
Bowling
Green
Waterville
North
Baltimore
Woodville
Gibsonburg
Fremont
Clyde
Bellevue
Genoa
Oak
Harbor
Port
Clinton
Pickerel
Creek
Sandusky
Huron
Graon
Oberlin
Elyria
Avon
Lorain
Sheeld
Kelleys
Island
Middle Bass
Island
North Bass
Island
South Bass
Island
U.S. / Canada Border
Ohio / Michigan Border
LORAIN
ERIE
SANDUSKY
WOOD
LUCAS
OTTAWA
LAKE ERIE
LAKE ERIE
MARSH ZONE
NORTH ZONE
ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS
It is legal to take migratory game birds including waterfowl and coots on or
over the following lands or areas that are not otherwise baited areas:
█
Standing crops or flooded standing crops
(including aquatics);
█
Standing, flooded, or manipulated natural
vegetation; flooded harvested croplands;
or lands or areas where seeds or grains
have been scattered solely as the result of
a normal agricultural planting, harvesting,
post-harvest manipulation, or normal soil
stabilization practice;
█
From a blind or other place of concealment
camouflaged with natural vegetation;
█ From a blind or other place of conceal-
ment camouflaged with vegetation from
agricultural crops, as long as such cam-
ouflaging does not result in the exposing,
depositing, distributing, or scattering of
grain or other feed; or
█
Standing or flooded standing agricultural
crops where grain is inadvertently scat-
tered solely as a result of a hunter entering
or exiting a hunting area, placing decoys,
or retrieving downed birds.
2024-25
THIS QR CODE WILL TAKE
YOU TO INTERACTIVE
MAPS FEATURED IN THIS
PUBLICATION
HuntFish OH
25
WATERFOWL & MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING
ILLEGAL HUNTING METHODS
NO PERSONS SHALL TAKE MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS:
1. With a crossbow, trap, snare, net, rifle,
pistol, swivel gun, shotgun larger than 10
gauge, punt gun, battery gun, machine-
gun, fish hook, poison, drug, explosive,
or stupefying substance;
2. From or by means, aid, or use of a sinkbox
or any other type of low-floating device,
having a depression affording the hunter
a means of concealment beneath the
surface of the water;
3. From or by means, aid, or use of any motor
vehicle, motor-driven land conveyance,
or aircraft of any kind;
4. From or by means of any motorboat or
other craft having a motor attached, or
any sailboat, unless the motor has been
completely shut off and/or the sails furled,
and its progress therefrom has ceased;
5. By the use or aid of live birds as decoys;
although not limited to, it shall be a vio-
lation of this paragraph for any person
LEGAL WATERFOWL & MIGRATORY
BIRD HUNTING EQUIPMENT
Shotgun: 10 gauge or smaller shotgun using nontoxic shot, includes muzzle-
loading shotguns. In order to hunt migratory game birds, your shotgun cannot
be capable of holding more than three shells, unless it is plugged with a one-
piece filler incapable of removal without disassembling the gun.
Only nontoxic shot may be used to take waterfowl, rail, snipe, and common
gallinule. Dove and woodcock may be taken with lead shot.
Longbow: This includes compound bows and recurve bows.
2024-25
to take migratory waterfowl on an area
where tame or captive live ducks or geese
are present unless such birds are and have
been for a period of 10 consecutive days
prior to such taking, confined within an
enclosure which substantially reduces
the audibility of their calls and totally
conceals such birds from the sight of wild
migratory waterfowl;
6. By the aid of baiting or on or over any
baited area;
7. With any device that emits recorded or
electrically amplified bird calls or sounds,
or recorded or electrically amplified imi-
tations of bird calls or sounds. It is illegal
to possess such devices while hunting
waterfowl in Ohio;
8. By means or aid of any motor driven land,
water, or air conveyance, or any sailboat
used for the purpose of or resulting in the
concentrating, driving, rallying, or stirring
up of any migratory bird.
SCAN THIS QR
CODE FOR MAPS
OF OHIO’S PUBLIC
HUNTING AND
WILDLIFE AREAS
HuntFish OH
26
CANADA GEESE
creating ohio wetland
awareness and support
for OVER 40 years.
The ltering
process of
wetlands improves
water quality.
The H2Ohio Fund will help ensure safe and clean water across Ohio by providing the
resources necessary to plan, develop, and implement targeted long-term water solutions.
H2.OHIO.GOV
Along with a collectible stamp,
license sales fund wetland
habitat restoration and provide
recreational opportunities.
Go to wildohio.gov to purchase your
Ohio WETLANDS HABITAT STAMP.
Audubon Society volunteers across
Ohio will be conducting their annual
Christmas Bird Count.
For more information, visit audubon.org
AUDUBON CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
Saturday, December 14, 2024
through
Sunday, January 5, 2025
SEASON OPENING DATE CLOSING DATE BAG LIMIT
Fox, Raccoon, Opossum, Skunk, Weasel Nov. 10, 2024 Jan. 31, 2025 No limit
Mink, Muskrat Nov. 10, 2024 Feb. 28, 2025 No limit
Mink, Muskrat, Raccoon, Opossum, Skunk,
Weasel:
Lucas County east of the Maumee
river, Ottawa, Sandusky, and Erie Counties
Nov. 10, 2024 March 15, 2025 No limit
Beaver Dec. 26, 2024 Feb. 28, 2025 No limit
River Otter Dec. 26, 2024 Feb. 28, 2025 See page 29
TRAPPING REGULATIONS
█ Except for river otters, there are no re-
strictions on bag limits.
█ All traps and snares must be checked
and all animals removed once every cal-
endar day.
█
All foothold or foot-encapsulating traps
set on land must have at least two swiv-
eling points.
█
Foothold traps set on land must be
covered.
█
Foothold traps that are submerged may
not have an inside jaw spread greater
than 8¼ inches.
█ Deadfalls are illegal.
█
Foothold traps set on land may not have
an inside jaw spread greater than 5/
inches, except foothold traps greater
than 5/ inches but 6 inches or less may
be utilized provided they have a mini-
mum of three swiveling points and the
gripping surface is /-inch or greater.
█
Except for cage traps, no traps or snares
may be set within 150 feet of another
person’s occupied residence without
advising the resident.
█ Body-gripping traps set on land, or in
a tile, den, or burrow on land may not
have an inside diameter jaw spread
greater than 5 inches in diameter.
█ Body-gripping traps with an inside di-
ameter jaw spread greater than 5 inch-
es, but less than or equal to 7 inches
must be set in a natural body of water.
█ Body-gripping traps with an inside jaw
spread greater than 7 inches must be
completely submerged in water and
may only be utilized during the beaver
or river otter season.
█ All furbearers are required to be killed
immediately and reduced to the per-
son’s possession, or released immedi-
ately at the capture site.
█ No person may disturb a legally set trap
or snare or remove a furbearing animal
from a trap or snare of another person
without permission.
█ All flesh baits must be totally covered.
█ Traps with teeth in the gripping surface
are prohibited.
HOW TO MEASURE JAW SPREAD
2024-25 OHIO HUNTING & TRAPPING REGULATIONS
FURBEARER TRAPPING
A fur taker permit is required to hunt or trap furbearing animals (except coyote) in Ohio.
Body-gripping trap
Foothold trap
TRAPPING REGULATIONS
2024-25
HuntFish OH
28
FIRSTTIME TRAPPERS
All first-time trappers, except apprentice
license buyers, must successfully complete
a hunter and a trapper education course
offered through the Division of Wildlife be-
fore purchasing a hunting license and fur
taker permit to trap furbearers.
RIVER OTTER BAG LIMITS
The bag limit for rivers otters is three per sea-
son, of which no more than one river otter
may be taken in river otter Zone B.
A
B
OTTER TRAPPING TOTAL SEASON BAG LIMIT – 3
ZONE B – 1 ZONE A – 3
202425 RIVER OTTER TRAPPING
OPEN COUNTIES MAP
RIVER OTTER CHECKING
AND TAGGING REQUIREMENTS
The pelt of each harvested river otter is re-
quired to be checked in and tagged within
five business days of take. The pelt may be
checked and tagged by a wildlife officer (by
appointment), at a designated otter check
station (by appointment, go to wildohio.
gov for locations), or at a district office (by
appointment, call 1-800-WILDLIFE (800-
945-3543) to schedule). All state offices are
closed on holidays.
Each trapper must personally present their
own river otter, and may not present a riv-
er otter taken by another person. Trappers
must also provide a copy of their fur taker
permit at the time of checking, and provide
information about the date and location in
which the river otter was trapped.
AVOIDANCE TECHNIQUES
Trappers who have reached the river otter
bag limit are encouraged to implement riv-
er otter avoidance techniques while beaver
trapping.
If you catch an otter in excess of your sea-
son bag limit and it is still alive, carefully
release it without causing injury to yourself
or the animal. If the otter is dead, leave it
in the trap and contact the wildlife officer
assigned to that county.
BEAVER AND OTTER TRAPPING
ON PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS
Beaver and river otter trapping is prohibit-
ed on state managed areas, including state
wildlife areas, state parks, and state forests
without a special beaver and/or river otter
trapping permit from the Division of Wildlife.
RIVER OTTER AND GRAY FOX
CARCASS COLLECTION
The Division of Wildlife is partnering with
The Ohio State University to research and
monitor population trends in river otters
and gray foxes in Ohio. Harvested or roadkill
carcasses are requested to be turned in to
aid in this research. Carcasses also provide
valuable information on age and reproduc-
tive patterns, disease prevalence, diet, and
other factors. Contact 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-
800-945-3543) for more information.
TRAPPING REGULATIONS
2024-25
HuntFish OH
29
GEAUGA COUNTY
1. Pursue, hunt, trap, or snare furbearing
animals between sunset and sunrise
without use of a continuous white light
visible for at least 1/4-mile. However,
persons hunting fox, coyote, or raccoon
with a call from a stationary position
may use a continuous single beam of
light of any color. When two or more
people are hunting or trapping togeth-
er for these animals only one light is re-
quired and may be carried by any mem-
ber of the party.
2. Use or possess climbers or any other de-
vice, except climbing tree stands, that
may be used for climbing trees while
hunting, trapping, or pursuing furbear-
ing animals.
3. Erect, post, or place any stake, flagging,
or any other type of marker for the pur-
pose of identifying a potential trap set
location on any area designated as a
public hunting area, unless authorized
by the chief of the Division of Wildlife.
4. Set, use, or maintain a trap or snare in
or upon any path or road ordinarily used
by domestic animals or humans.
5. Set, use, or maintain a trap or snare to
take a wild animal, unless that trap or
snare has attached to it a durable, wa-
terproof tag bearing the name and
mailing address or the unique Division
of Wildlife Customer ID Number of the
user in English that is legible at all times,
or which has the name and mailing
address or the unique Division of Wild-
life Customer ID Number of the user
stamped into the trap in English that is
legible at all times.
6. Attach a snare to a drag. Snares must be
staked or otherwise attached to an im-
movable object.
7. Set traps on state public hunting areas,
including state parks and state forests,
for beaver or river otter without a per-
mit (See Beaver and Otter Trapping on
Public Hunting Areas).
8. Set, use, or maintain a snare on public
hunting areas, except for beaver and riv-
er otter (See Beaver and Otter Trapping
on Public Hunting Areas).
9. Use any snare constructed of any mate-
rial other than multi-strand steel cable.
10. Set a snare with a loop diameter of
more than 15 inches.
11. Have attached to a snare any
spring-loaded or mechanical device to
assist the snare in closing.
12. Set, use, or maintain any snare that
does not comply with the require-
ments listed above.
13. Set, use, or maintain a foot-encapsu-
lating trap that has an opening greater
than 2 inches in diameter or 2 inches
along one side.
14. Game birds and game quadrupeds (ex-
cept feral swine) may not be taken by
trapping.
TRAPPERS MAY DO THE FOLLOWING:
1. Set, use, and maintain snares for the
purpose of taking furbearing animals.
All snares must have a relaxing lock and
a stop to prevent the opening of the
snare from closing to less than 2½ inch-
es in diameter, or a relaxing lock system
with a breaking point of not greater
than 350 pounds.
2. Attach a drag to a foothold trap.
3. Trap coyotes without a fur taker permit.
However, anyone hunting, trapping, or
snaring coyotes must have a valid hunt-
ing license.
TRAPPERS MAY NOT DO THE FOLLOWING:
TRAPPING REGULATIONS
2024-25
HuntFish OH
30
MUSKRAT
OHIO RESIDENCY STATUS
An Ohio resident is a person who has re-
sided in the state of Ohio for the past six
consecutive months. All others are consid-
ered nonresidents and must purchase a
nonresident license. Nonresident students
who are actively enrolled full-time in an
Ohio college or university qualify for a res-
ident license if they live in Ohio at the time
of purchase.
HUNTING LICENSES
Ohio’s annual hunting licenses are valid
from March 1 to the last day in February.
Multiyear licenses are valid from the date
of purchase to the same date in three, five,
or ten years, whichever applies. All costs in-
clude a writing fee. A transaction fee may
apply for online and in-app purchases. All
sales are final. No refunds.
All hunters, regardless of age, must carry a
valid hunting license to hunt or trap game
in Ohio. Hunting deer, turkey, waterfowl,
or hunting or trapping of furbearers re-
quires the hunter to possess an additional
game-specific permit.
Licenses and permits purchased at retail
outlets or at home will be printed on plain
white paper. The paper may be trimmed
and folded down. It is highly recommend-
ed to protect your licenses and permits
from the elements. Customers must be
present to purchase a license or permit.
DUPLICATE LICENSES & PERMITS
Lost, stolen, or destroyed licenses and per-
mits may be re-issued at any license sales lo-
cation or at wildohio.gov. Reprints are free at
wildohio.gov and cost $4 at a license agent.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
A permanent customer identification num-
ber will be assigned to all applicants of
hunting or fishing licenses.
Every customer who applies for a license
or permit is required to provide their Social
Security Number (SSN). Federal Statute 42
requires the SSN of any individual to whom
the state issues a recreational hunting or
fishing license. Applicants who do not have
an active SSN must affirm their status at the
time of application. Applicants must also
declare their residency and provide their
full name, date of birth, gender, mailing
address, height, weight, hair color, and eye
color. Once provided and recorded in the
licensing system, applicants will only be re-
quired to update their information on file
if it changes.
PURCHASE A HUNTING LICENSE
Visit an authorized agent, the HuntFish OH
mobile app, or wildohio.gov to purchase
a license or permit. Authorized agents are
located in every county in Ohio. Visit wildo-
hio.gov or call 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-
3543) to find an agent.
ELECTRONIC LICENSES
Licenses and permits may also be pur-
chased on a mobile device or through the
Division of Wildlife's mobile application,
HuntFish OH. Hunters must carry their li-
censes and permits at all times while hunt-
ing, and must present their license upon
request. Licenses and permits may be dis-
played on a mobile device.
2024-25 OHIO HUNTING & TRAPPING REGULATIONS
LICENSES AND PERMITS
CATEGORIES
Youth For anyone 17 years old and younger.
Resident Adult For Ohio residents age 18-65.
Nonresident Adult For all nonresidents 18 years old and older.
Apprentice For residents and nonresidents accompanied by a licensed hunter.
Resident Senior For Ohio residents age 66 and older born on or after January 1, 1938.
Resident Free Senior For Ohio residents born on or before December 31, 1937.
LICENSES AND PERMITS
2024-25
HuntFish OH
31
LICENSES
COST
LICENSES AND PERMITS
2024-25
Youth
LICENSES
Resident & Nonresident Youth 1-Year Hunting License $10.00
Resident & Nonresident Youth 1-Year Apprentice License $10.00
Resident Youth 3-Year Hunting License $27.04
Resident Youth 5-Year Hunting License $45.07
Resident Youth 10-Year Hunting License $90.14
Resident Youth Lifetime Hunting License $430.56
Adult
LICENSES
Resident 1-Year Hunting License $19.00
Resident 1-Year Apprentice License $19.00
Resident 3-Year Hunting License $54.08
Resident 5-Year Hunting License $90.14
Resident 10-Year Hunting License $180.27
Resident Lifetime Hunting License $449.28
Nonresident 1-Year Hunting License $180.96
Nonresident (Tourist) 3-Day Hunting License
$40.56
Nonresident 3-day license not valid for deer, turkey, or furbearers
Nonresident 1-Year Apprentice Hunting License $180.96
Senior
LICENSES
RESIDENTS
ONLY
Resident Senior 1-Year Hunting License $10.00
Resident Senior 1-Year Apprentice License $10.00
Resident Senior 3-Year Hunting License $27.04
Resident Senior 5-Year Hunting License $45.07
Resident Senior Lifetime Hunting License $84.24
Resident Free Senior Hunting License Free
ORDER ONLINE TO GET SIX ISSUES FOR ONLY $5
Go to wildohio.gov to sign up online,
or visit any store that sells hunting
licenses and sign up to have the
magazine mailed to you.
A transaction fee may apply for online and in-app license and permit sales.
PERMITS & STAMPS
COST
Either-Sex
DEER PERMITS
Adult Permit: Resident
$31.20
Adult Permit: Nonresident
$76.96
Youth Permit: Resident & Nonresident
$16.00
Senior Permit: Resident Only
$12.00
Free Senior Permit: Resident Only FREE
Deer
Management
PERMITS
Adult and Youth Permit: Resident & Nonresident $15.00
Senior Permit: Resident Only
$15.00
Free Senior Permit: Resident Only FREE
Fall Turkey
PERMITS
Adult Permit: Resident
$31.20
Adult Permit: Nonresident
$38.48
Youth Permit: Resident & Nonresident
$16.00
Senior Permit: Resident Only
$12.00
Free Senior Permit: Resident Only FREE
Spring Turkey
PERMITS
Adult Permit: Resident
$31.20
Adult Permit: Nonresident
$38.48
Youth Permit: Resident & Nonresident
$16.00
Senior Permit: Resident Only
$12.00
Free Senior Permit: Resident Only FREE
Migratory Bird
& Waterfowl
STAMPS
Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp $25.00
Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp:
Resident & Nonresident
$15.00
Free Senior Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp: Resident Only
FREE
Fur Taker
PERMITS
Adult Permit: Resident & Nonresident $15.00
Youth Permit: Resident & Nonresident $8.00
Senior Permit: Resident Only
$8.00
Free Senior Permit: Resident Only FREE
Apprentice Adult Permit: Resident & Nonresident $15.00
Apprentice Senior Permit: Resident & Nonresident $8.00
Apprentice Youth Permit: Resident & Nonresident $8.00
Shooting Range
PERMITS
One-Year Permit: Resident & Nonresident $24.00
One-Day Permit: Resident & Nonresident $5.00
Annual Permit & Hunting License Combo: Resident
Valid until Feb. 28, 2025
$29.12
Annual Permit & Apprentice Hunting License Combo: Resident
Valid until Feb. 28, 2025
$29.12
LICENSES AND PERMITS
2024-25
ORDER ONLINE TO GET SIX ISSUES FOR ONLY $5
HuntFish OH
33
LICENSES AND PERMITS
2024-25
THE OHIO CONSERVATION CARD
The Ohio Conservation Card is available
with the purchase of a lifetime or mul-
tiyear license. Lifetime licenses are only
sold at Division of Wildlife oces, online at
wildohio.gov, and through a mailed appli-
cation. Multiyear licenses are available for
purchase at license agents.
INTERSTATE WILDLIFE
VIOLATOR COMPACT
Ohio is a member of the agreement be-
tween states that if a person loses their
hunting, trapping, or fishing privileges in
one of those states, they may lose those
privileges in all of the member states. If you
lose your right to hunt, trap, or fish in Ohio, it
is your responsibility to check with any other
state before you hunt, trap, or fish there to
ensure you have not lost your privileges in
that state as well.
HUNTER AND TRAPPER EDUCATION
All first-time hunting license buyers, except
apprentice license buyers, must success
-
fully complete a hunter education course
before purchasing a hunting license. The
hunting course is designed to instill a code
of ethics and responsibility, as well as pro
-
vide instruction on guns and how they
work, types of ammunition, gun handling,
field care of game, wildlife identification,
wildlife management, hunting regulations,
and other topics. Statistics show that hunter
education has helped reduce the number
of hunting related injuries and incidents.
Anyone applying for a hunting license is
required to successfully complete a hunter
education course. Applicants must do one
of the following:
█ Present a previously held hunting
license.
█ Present evidence of having successfully
completed a hunter education course
(from any state).
█ Attest they are 21 years of age or older
and previously held a legal hunting li-
cense (from any state).
█ Obtain an apprentice license.
The trapper education course, taken af-
ter successful completion of a hunter ed-
ucation course, covers trap set making,
trapping equipment, pelt preparation,
furbearer life history, identification, and
management. These courses provide an
opportunity for adults to introduce anoth-
er person to hunting and trapping and to
share the excitement that goes with it. To
obtain a fur taker permit for trapping, ap-
plicants must do one of the following:
█ Present a previously held trapping li-
cense (from any state).
█ Present evidence of having successfully
completed a trapper education course.
█ Attest they are 21 years of age or older
and previously held a legal trapping li-
cense (from any state).
█ Obtain an apprentice permit.
APPRENTICE LICENSE PROGRAM
Ohio residents and nonresidents may pur-
chase an apprentice hunting license or ap-
prentice fur taker permit without having
taken a hunter or trapper education course.
Apprentice hunting licenses and appren-
tice fur taker permits allow new hunters
and trappers, both adults and youth, to
sample the experience of hunting and
trapping under the mentorship of a li-
censed adult prior to completing a hunter
or trapper education course.
To hunt or trap, apprentice license and
permit holders must be accompanied by a
licensed hunter or trapper 21 years old or
older. The licensed hunter may not accom-
pany more than two apprentice license
holders at the same time.
Accompany means to go along with anoth-
er person while staying within a distance
from the person that enables uninterrupt
-
ed, unaided visual and auditory communi-
cations.
Having previously held an apprentice li
-
cense does not qualify the holder to pur-
chase a regular hunting license or fur taker
permit. To obtain a regular hunting license,
a hunter education course must be suc
-
cessfully completed. To obtain a regular fur
taker permit, a hunter education course and
trapper education course must be success
-
fully completed. Apprentice licenses and fur
taker permits are available to both Ohio res
-
idents and nonresidents, youth and adults.
HuntFish OH
34
LICENSE EXEMPTIONS
Certain categories of persons are exempted
from buying licenses, permits, and stamps.
1. Ohio resident landowners, spouses, and
their children are not required to have
a hunting license, fur taker permit, ei-
ther-sex deer permit, deer management
permit, spring or fall turkey permit, or
Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp when
hunting or trapping on land they own.
2.
A nonresident landowner and the spouse
and children living with them may hunt
on the property they own in Ohio with
-
out a hunting license, fur taker permit, ei-
ther-sex deer permit, deer management
permit, spring or fall turkey permit, or
Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp, provided
their home state allows Ohio residents
the same exemptions on property Ohio
residents own in that state.
3. A member of a limited liability company
or partnership is a landowner provided
the member is an Ohio resident and
the limited liability company or limited
liability partnership consists of three or
fewer individual members or partners,
or the beneficiary or trustee of a trust
that has three or fewer trustees and
beneficiaries.
4. Tenants and their children on land on
which they reside, pay rent, and from
which they derive the majority (more
than 50 percent) of their income from
agricultural production on that land are
not required to have a hunting license,
fur taker permit, either-sex deer permit,
deer management permit, spring or fall
turkey permit, or Ohio Wetlands Habitat
Stamp when they are hunting or trap-
ping on land where they reside.
5.
Ohio resident landowners’ grandchil-
dren who are under 18 years of age are
not required to have a hunting license or
an Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp while
hunting on their grandparents’ land. All
other licenses and permits are required.
6. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces on
active duty while on leave or furlough
are not required to purchase a hunting
license, Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp,
or fur taker permit. All other licenses
and permits are required.
Members of the U.S. Armed Forces
on active duty stationed in Ohio, but
NOT on leave or furlough are required
to purchase a resident Ohio hunting
license and other applicable permits
before hunting deer, turkey, or hunting
and trapping furbearers, and an Ohio
Wetlands Habitat Stamp for hunting
waterfowl.
FREE HUNTING LICENSE ELIGIBILITY
Free licenses may be obtained from a li-
cense agent and must be carried while
hunting. License applications are available
at wildohio.gov or by calling 1-800-WILD-
LIFE (1-800-945-3543).
1. Ohio residents born on or before Dec. 31,
1937 will receive a free fishing license,
hunting license, either-sex deer permit,
deer management permit, spring and
fall turkey permits, Ohio Wetlands Hab-
itat Stamp, and fur taker permit. Ohio
residents age 66 and older who were
born on or after Jan. 1, 1938 are eligible
for reduced-cost licenses and permits.
2. Ohio residents who are holders of a vet-
eran’s license plate displaying the inter-
national wheelchair symbol must apply
in writing for a free hunting license, fur
taker permit, either-sex deer permit,
spring or fall turkey permit, and an Ohio
Wetlands Habitat Stamp endorsement.
Applications must be certified by the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
3.
Permanently and totally disabled veter-
ans who receive pension or compensa-
tion due to their service-related injuries
and who are Ohio residents must apply
in writing for a free hunting license, fur
taker permit, either-sex deer permit, tur
-
key permit, and Ohio Wetlands Habitat
Stamp. Applications must be certified by
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
4.
Ohio residents who are former prison-
ers of war must apply in writing for a
free hunting license, fur taker permit,
and Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp. All
other licenses and permits are required
to be purchased. Applications must be
certified by the U.S. Department of Vet
-
erans Affairs.
LICENSES AND PERMITS
2024-25
HuntFish OH
35
CONTROLLED HUNTING & TRAPPING
2024-25 OHIO HUNTING & TRAPPING REGULATIONS
CONTROLLED HUNTING &
TRAPPING OPPORTUNITIES
Controlled access lotteries offer a unique opportunities for you to pursue several differ-
ent species across the state on areas not normally open to hunting and trapping. Suc-
cessful applicants will receive a permit, rules, and a hunting area map. Permits are offered
for dove, quail, waterfowl, white-tailed deer, ring-necked pheasant, small game, and tur-
key hunting and furbearer trapping. Controlled access permits may not be bought, sold,
bartered, traded or exchanged.
TYPE SPECIES APPLICATION METHOD APPLICATION PERIOD
Hunting
Turkey online/phone March 1 - March 31
Deer, Small Game,
Dove, Waterfowl, and
Waterfowl Blind
online/phone July 1 - July 31
Trapping
Beaver, Otter,
and Furbearer
in-person October 5, 2024 (1 day)
2024-25
CONTROLLED HUNTING
Controlled hunting permits are selected
through a computer-generated random
lottery system. Hunters may apply at wil-
dohio.gov, on the HuntFish OH app, or by
calling 1-866-703-1928 with a convenience
fee. A non-refundable $3 application fee
applies to each hunt. Customers may apply
for more than one hunt but can only apply
for each hunt once per year.
All applicants, youth and adult, are re-
quired to possess a valid Ohio hunting li-
cense and meet age requirements. Youth
hunters must be under 18 at the time of
the hunt to participate. Adults must be 18
or older at the time of the application.
CONTROLLED DEER HUNTS
Those wishing to apply for controlled deer
hunts are required to have a valid deer per-
mit, along with a valid hunting license, at
the time of applying. Participants may use
a deer management permit during con-
trolled deer hunts. Deer management per-
mits may also be used in controlled hunts
not administered by the Division of Wildlife
if the entity holding the hunt has received
authorization from the chief of the Division
of Wildlife. It is the hunter’s responsibility
to check with the agency administering
the hunt to see if deer management per-
mits may be used. A deer harvested during
a controlled hunt does not count toward a
county and statewide bag limit. Up to six
total additional deer may be taken during
controlled hunts. Only one antlered deer
maybe be taken per season across all regu-
lar season dates and controlled hunts.
DEER ARCHERY HUNTS
Deer archery huntswill be open to all ap-
plicants, except the Deer Creek SP and
Steinen WA youth archery hunts which will
be open for youth applicants only, andthe
Buck Creek SP veterans archery hunt which
will be open to veterans only. Permittee
and one hunting partner will be allowed
to hunt. The hunting partner must remain
the same for the duration of the permit.
Permits will be issued for 2-week periods
throughout the season generally starting
on a Sunday and ending on a Saturday.
This may vary at the beginning and end of
the season. If permitted, refer to the dates
listed on the permit.
DEER FIREARM HUNTS
Hunts will be offered for adults, youth, mo-
bility impaired, and mentor/mentees.Per-
mittee and one hunting partner will be
allowed to hunt. Permits will be issued for
one day, on a Saturday or Sunday.If permit-
ted, refer to the datelisted on the permit.
HuntFish OH
36
CONTROLLED HUNTING & TRAPPING
2024-25
TURKEY
Turkey hunts are open to all applicants.
Permittee and one hunting partner will be
allowed except for youth hunts. For youth
turkey hunts only the permitted youth
may hunt and must be accompanied by
a non-hunting adult. Youth permits will
be issued for one day during the youth
weekend. Throughout the regular season,
permits will be issued for three-day peri-
ods: Thursday-Friday-Saturday for mentor
hunts and Sunday-Monday-Tuesday for
regular hunts.
WATERFOWL HUNTS
Waterfowl hunts will be open to all ap-
plicants. Youth hunts will be offered for
the youth waterfowl weekend. Permittee
and two hunting partners will be allowed
to hunt. Youth hunts allow the permit-
tee, one youth hunting partner, and one
non-hunting adult. Permits will be issued
for Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout the
season. Permits will be offered online on
Wednesdays starting at 10 a.m. on a first-
come, first-served basis for Thursday hunts
at select locations.
WATERFOWL BLIND LOTTERIES
Waterfowl blind lotteries will be open to all
applicants. Permits will be issued for Au-
gust 17, 2024. Permittees are responsible
for arriving at the address listed on the per-
mit at 8 a.m. on August 17, 2024to make
their blind selection.
SMALL GAME
Pheasant, squirrel, and quail hunts will be
available at select locations. Refer to the
Controlled Hunting Access Lotteries web-
page at wildohio.gov for more information.
MOURNING DOVE HUNTS
Dove hunts will be open to all applicants.
Youth and mentor hunts will be offered
at select locations. Permittee and one
hunting partner will be allowed to hunt.
One-day permits will be issued for either
September 1 or September 2.
CONTROLLED TRAPPING
Controlled trapping permits are issued via
in-person lotteries held annually on the
first Saturday in October at each Division
of Wildlife district office. Trappers will be
randomly drawn from submitted applica-
tions and successful applicants will be an-
nounced at that time.
Each permittee may select one partner to
accompany them for the duration of the
season. Beaver and river otter trapping lot-
teries are grouped by region; trappers may
apply in only one district (central, north-
east, northwest, southeast, southwest).
Beaver and river otter trapping permits are
valid from Dec. 26, 2024, to Feb. 28, 2025.
HOW TO APPLY
You must be fully licensed and per-
mitted to hunt the species for which
you are applying. Hunters may apply
for each hunt once annually. Apply
online inMarch for turkey hunts, Octo-
ber for trapping, and July for all other
species. Each application is $3 and is
non-refundable. Applications can also
be taken over the phone at 1-866-703-
1928 for a service fee of $5.50.
HOW WILL I KNOW IF I’M DRAWN?
Lotteries will be drawn the week af-
ter the application period ends. Ap-
plicants will receive an email with
their results once the lotteries are
drawn.Hunters are required to have a
printed or digital copy of their permit
on the day of the hunt.
WHAT DO I DO AFTER BEING
SUCCESSFULLY DRAWN?
Each permit includes the name of the
hunt, the date, and the unit for which
you are permitted. Hunt rules and
maps are providedalong with the per
-
mit. It is your responsibility to know
and follow the rules of the hunt and
to study the map and knowto which
unit you are assigned. Failure to follow
controlled hunt rules and conditions
could result in dismissal from the hunt,
permits being revoked, and enforce
-
ment action being taken without fur-
ther notice.
HuntFish OH
37
ACCOMPANY means to go along with
another person while staying within a dis-
tance from the person that enables unin-
terrupted, unaided visual and auditory
communications.
ACTIVE DUTY means full-time duty in
the Armed Forces (U.S. Army, Navy, Marine
Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard, includ-
ing the reserve components thereof), oth-
er than active duty for training; Service as a
cadet at the U.S. Military, Air Force, or Coast
Guard Academy, or as a midshipman at the
U.S. Naval Academy.
BAG LIMIT means the number, measure-
ment, or weight of any kind of crayfish,
aquatic insects, fish, frogs, turtles, wild
birds, and wild quadrupeds permitted to
be taken.
BAITED AREA means any area where
shelled or unshelled, shucked, or un
-
shucked corn, wheat or other grain, salt, or
other feed whatsoever capable of luring, at
-
tracting, or enticing game animals or birds
is directly or indirectly placed, exposed, de
-
posited, distributed, or scattered. Such area
is considered a baited area for 10 days fol
-
lowing complete removal of all such corn,
wheat or other grain, salt, or other feed.
BAITING means the placing, exposing,
depositing, distributing, or scattering of
shelled or unshelled corn, wheat, or other
grain, salt, or other feed so as to constitute
for wild turkeys, mourning doves, migratory
birds, or other game animals a lure, attrac
-
tion, or enticement to, on, or over any area
where hunters are attempting to take them.
CROSSBOW means a device for propelling
an arrow by means of limbs and a string,
with a shoulder-mounted stock, and having
a working safety.
HUNTING means pursuing, shooting, kill
-
ing, following after or on the trail of, lying in
wait for, shooting at, or wounding wild birds
or wild quadrupeds while employing any
device commonly used to kill or wound wild
birds or wild quadrupeds, whether such acts
result in such killing or wounding or not. It
includes every attempt to kill or wound and
every act of assistance to any other person
in killing or wounding or attempting to kill
or wound wild birds or wild quadrupeds.
LONGBOW or BOW means a device for pro
-
pelling an arrow by means of limbs, and a
string which is hand held, hand drawn, and
held in a drawn position by hand or a hand-
held mechanical release or by a mechanical
device with a working safety. This would in
-
clude compound bows and recurve bows.
MUZZLELOADING RIFLE AND
MUZZLELOADING SHOTGUN means a
primitive weapon that shoots a projectile
or projectiles loaded exclusively from the
muzzle and that is incapable of firing mod-
ern-day ammunition.
TENANT means an individual who resides
on land for which he or she pays rent and
whose annual income is primarily derived
from agricultural production conducted
on that land, as agricultural production is
defined in Section 929.01 of the Ohio Re-
vised Code.
TRAPPING means securing or attempting
to secure possession of a wild bird or wild
quadruped by means of setting, placing,
2024-25 OHIO HUNTING & TRAPPING REGULATIONS
LEGAL DEFINITIONS
As used in Chapters 1531 and 1533 of the Ohio Revised Code
and the Ohio Administrative Code.
LEGAL DEFINITIONS
2024-25
HuntFish OH
38
AMERICAN WOODCOCK
drawing, or using any device that is de-
signed to close upon, hold fast, confine, or
otherwise capture a wild bird or wild quad-
ruped whether such means result in such
capturing or not. It includes every act of
assistance to any other person in capturing
wild birds or wild quadrupeds by means of
such device whether such means result in
such capturing or not.
VETERAN means a person who served in
the active military, naval, or air service, and
who was discharged or released therefrom
under conditions other than dishonorable.
2923.15 ORC No person, while under the
influence of alcohol or any drug of abuse,
shall carry or use any firearm or dangerous
ordnance.
2923.16 and 1547.69 ORC No person
shall knowingly transport or have a firearm
in a motor vehicle unless it is unloaded,
and is carried in one of the following ways:
1. In a closed package, box, or case.
2. In a compartment which can be reached
only by leaving the vehicle.
3. In plain sight and secured in a rack or
holder made for the purpose.
4. If the firearm is at least 24 inches in over-
all length as measured from the muzzle
to the part of the stock farthest from the
muzzle, and if the barrel is at least 18
inches in length in plain sight with the
action open or the firearm stripped, or, if
the firearm is of a type which the action
will not stay open or which cannot easi-
ly be stripped, in plain sight.
A person may carry a concealed handgun
in compliance with motor vehicle transpor-
tation guidelines of the Ohio Revised Code.
As used in this section, unloaded means
with respect to a firearm employing a per-
cussion cap, flintlock, or other obsolete ig-
nition system, that the firearm is uncapped,
or that the priming charge is removed from
the pan.
The above sections also apply to watercraft,
except while lawfully engaged in hunting.
LEGAL DEFINITIONS
HUNTING/TRAPPING PERMISSION
DATE(S): ______ / ______ / ______ TO ______ / ______ / _______
_____________________________________ _________________
Sportsperson’s Signature Today’s Date
SPORTSPERSON’S ADDRESS: _________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
SPORTSPERSON’S TELEPHONE No: (_________) _____________________________________
VEHICLE LICENSE No: ___________________
MAKE & MODEL: _______________________
_____________________________________
Landowner or Agent’s Signature
PERMISSION FOR HUNTING OR TRAPPING ON PRIVATE LAND
Permission is hereby granted to the undersigned sportsperson for hunting/trapping on land
owned by the undersigned landowner or their agent for the date(s) listed.
In accepting this permit, I agree to assume and release the landowner from any or all liability
for personal injuries, property damage, or for the loss of life or property resulting from, or in
any way connected with the issuance of this permit.
CHECK ONE:
⎕
DAILY
⎕
SEASONAL
RESTRICTIONS: ________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
You may make photocopies of this form and carry it with you.
GENERAL INFORMATION
2024-25
█
Electronic callers may be used while
hunting, except while hunting migratory
game birds (waterfowl, rails, and shore
-
birds) and wild turkeys. It is lawful to use
electronic callers for crow hunting.
█ Spotlighting of wild animals from vehi-
cles, including illuminating with head-
lights, is prohibited. Spotlighting is il-
legal whether hunting implements are
carried in the vehicle or not.
█ Persons hunting, trapping, or pursuing
furbearing animals at night must carry
a continuous white light visible for at
least 1/4 mile. When two or more per-
sons are hunting or trapping together
for furbearing animals, only one light
is required and may be carried by any
member of the party. Persons hunting
foxes, coyotes, or raccoons with a call
from a stationary position may use a
single beam of light of any color.
█ All hunting from motor vehicles, except
boats and machinery being used in
farm operations, is prohibited. Hunting
small game and furbearers except mink,
muskrat, otter, and beaver is lawful from
a boat or powercraft if the motor has
been com pletely shut off and the pow-
ercraft has come to rest.
█ Aircraft or drones are prohibited in
hunting or the aid of hunting for all
game. Drones may be used to aid in the
recovery of a deer after the taking has
occurred as long as no one involved in
the recovery is employing a hunting im-
plement. In cases where a deer is found
to be still alive, the use of the drone
must be discontinued before hunting
can resume.
█ Poisoned or explosive arrows are unlaw-
ful. While hunting, it is unlawful to have
attached to a longbow or crossbow
any mechanical, electrical, or electronic
device capable of projecting a visible
beam of light. This does not include a
device such as a range finder that utiliz-
es nonvisible light.
█ It is unlawful to possess a hunting device
while training or working a dog pursu-
ing coyotes from sunset to sunrise.
█ All hunters younger than 16 years old
need to be accompanied by an adult. It
is unlawful for the responsible adult to
allow a person under 16 years of age to
hunt alone.
█ The holder of an all-purpose vehicle per-
mit may hunt wild quadrupeds or game
birds from a vehicle while on private
property. Go to wildohio.gov for more
information.
█ It is unlawful to shoot from, on, across,
or along a public road or highway, in-
cluding the berm, shoulder and road
right of way.
█ It is unlawful to receive or possess a
deer or parts of a deer unless such deer
or deer part is tagged as required, or
unless the deer or part of a deer has a
statement showing when and where le-
gally taken, the date received, and from
whom received; or a Division of Wildlife
tag, seal, or certificate or other proof of
ownership which shows the deer was
killed by a motor vehicle in Ohio; or an
official tag or seal and valid nonresi-
dent license issued by another state if
taken from outside Ohio; or certificate
of ownership or receipt issued by a law
enforcement officer. Shed antlers do not
require a certificate of ownership or re-
ceipt by a wildlife officer.
ON PUBLIC HUNTING LANDS
It is unlawful for any person to use a rifle,
pistol, revolver, shotgun, or other firearm
at any time on any land or water area con-
trolled or administered by the Division of
Wildlife except while lawfully trapping or
hunting wild animals, or target practicing
on a designated Division of Wildlife target
range. Fully automatic firearms, trigger as-
sisting devices that alter a firearm to shoot
like a fully automatic firearm, and tracer
ammunition are not permitted.
It is unlawful for any person to distribute,
place, or scatter salt, grain, or other feed ca-
pable of luring, enticing, or attracting wild
birds or deer on lands owned, controlled,
or maintained by the Division of Wildlife,
2024-25 OHIO HUNTING & TRAPPING REGULATIONS
GENERAL INFORMATION
HuntFish OH
40
GENERAL INFORMATION
2024-25
including lands managed by the division
by virtue of a lease or an agreement.
A tree stand on Division of Wildlife public
hunting areas is legal as long as it is por-
table and uses no nails, steps, or any other
device placed or inserted into a tree. The
tree stand may be installed from Sept. 1 to
the last day in February, annually.
ON ALL WILDLIFE AREAS
It is unlawful to operate or park any vehicle
on properties administered by the Division
of Wildlife, except on designated roads and
parking areas.
Portions of Deer Creek, Killdeer Plains, Res-
thaven, Lake La Su An, Berlin Lake, Big Is-
land, Delaware, Grand River, Brush Creek,
Waterloo, Cooper Hollow, East Fork, Wood
-
bury, Spring Valley, and Fallsville wildlife
areas will be open for persons with severe
mobility impairments to drive their cars,
trucks, or all-purpose vehicles to designated
interior areas for hunting. Disabled persons
are required to have an all-purpose vehicle
permit. Find more information or download
a permit application at wildohio.gov.
Camping is prohibited on state wildlife
areas, except within posted designated
camping areas at Appalachian Hills and
Woodbury wildlife areas. All campers at
Woodbury Wildlife Area must possess a
valid hunting license, fishing license, or fur
taker permit. Call 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-
945-3543) for more information.
All wildlife areas are closed to all activity
other than hunting, trapping, and fishing
from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sept. 1 through May
1, and from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. May 2 through
Aug. 31 of each year.
State parks have special hunting and trap-
ping regulations. Some are not open to
hunting or trapping. A permit is required
to build a duck blind on state park lakes.
HUNTING WITH PERMISSION
The landowner’s written permission is
required for hunting and trapping on pri-
vate land, regardless of whether the land
is posted. Permission slips are available
at all Division of Wildlife district offices, at
wildohio.gov, by calling
1-800-WILDLIFE
(1-800-945-3543),
and on page 39 of this
publication.
THE PENALTY FOR HUNTING
WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION
The maximum penalty for hunting without
written permission of the landowner for
a first offense is 60 days in jail and a $500
fine. The maximum penalty for a second of-
fense is 90 days in jail and a $750 fine.
A person must carry written permission
(see page 39) at all times while engaging
in hunting or trapping on private land and
exhibit it upon request to a state wildlife
officer, sheriff, deputy sheriff, police officer,
other law enforcement officer, owner of the
land, or the landowner’s authorized agent.
CONCEALED HANDGUN
A person legally allowed to possess a con-
cealed handgun may carry it while hunt-
ing. They may also hunt with their con-
cealed handgun as long as it meets all of
the requirements for the game that is be-
ing hunted.
FIREARM SUPPRESSOR
A person authorized through state and fed-
eral law to own a firearm noise suppressor
is permitted to use it to hunt legal game
animals. A valid hunting license is required
to hunt with a suppressor. A suppressor is
also called a silencer.
DOG TRAINING
The Division of Wildlife has established
designated dog training areas on some of
its wildlife areas. Dogs may not be trained
or exercised on state public hunting areas
from May 1 through Aug. 31 of each year,
except on these designated dog training
areas. A nonresident may not train, work, or
exercise a dog in Ohio at any time if Ohio
residents are not permitted to train, work,
or exercise dogs in the nonresident’s state.
Training dogs while pursuing furbearing an-
imals is permitted only from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Firearms may not be carried by persons
training or working dogs during the closed
season for furbearing animals.
Designated dog training areas are located
on portions of Appalachian Hills, Berlin,
Caesar Creek, Delaware, Fallsville, Indian
Creek, Killdeer Plains, Lake La Su An, Magee
Marsh, Oxbow Lake, Resthaven, Rush Run,
Salt Fork, Spencer, and Tri-Valley wildlife
areas.
HuntFish OH
41
GENERAL INFORMATION
2024-25
less the deer or part of a deer has a state-
ment showing when and where legally
taken, the date received, and from whom
received; or a Division of Wildlife tag, seal,
or certificate or other proof of ownership
which shows the deer was killed by a mo-
tor vehicle in Ohio; or an official tag or seal
and valid nonresident license issued by an-
other state if taken from outside Ohio; or
certificate of ownership or receipt issued
by a law enforcement officer. Shed antlers
do not require a certificate of ownership or
receipt by a wildlife officer.
YOUTH HUNTING
All youth hunting opportunities are avail-
able to anyone who is 17 years old or
younger during the season dates. All hunt-
ers are required to have the appropriate
licenses and permits. All youth hunters
participating in youth hunts, regardless
of age, must be accompanied by a non-
hunting adult. A nonhunting adult is any
person age 18 or older who accompanies
the youth hunter to and from the field and
is present with the youth hunter while the
youth hunter is engaged in hunting. The
nonhunting adult may not possess any
hunting implements and a hunting license
is not required.
GINSENG
It shall be unlawful to dig, harvest, cut, root
up, gather, or otherwise collect wild gin
-
seng from its natural habitat except during
the season of Sept. 1 through Dec. 31 of
each year without written authorization
from the chief of the Division of Wildlife. Full
details are available in section 1501:31-40.
POSSESSION
Live furbearing animals, amphibians, rep-
tiles, game quadrupeds, or game birds may
not be held in captivity or sold except by
propagation permit.
Hides of furbearing animals taken legal-
ly during the open season may be sold
during that open season or may be held for
sale until June 15 following the close of the
season.
Furbearers may not be taken alive during
open hunting and trapping seasons.
Those who buy green or dried fur must
have a fur dealer’s permit.
It is unlawful to buy, sell, or possess non-
game birds or their parts, dead or alive.
A hunter may not receive or possess a
deer or parts of a deer unless such deer
or deer part is tagged as required, or un-
Check us out online through
these social media outlets!
ST Y CONNECTED
facebook.com
/ohiodivisionofwildlife
instagram.com
/your_wild_ohio
twitter.com
/OhioDivWildlife
linkedin.com
/company/ohio-division-of-wildlife
NEW TO OHIO'S HUNTING COMMUNITY?
Let us provide you with the resources
and information you need to safely and
responsibly harvest your own local food.
VISIT US AT
OHIODNR.GOV/WOHC
FOR MORE
INFORMATION OR
SCAN THE QR CODE
2024-25 OHIO HUNTING & TRAPPING REGULATIONS
PUBLIC SHOOTING RANGES
PUBLIC SHOOTING RANGES
2024-25
The Ohio Division of Wildlife provides
public shooting ranges at state parks, fish
hatcheries, wildlife areas, and other loca-
tions across Ohio to get you ready for up-
coming hunting seasons.
Division of Wildlife shooting ranges are
categorized by class, which will help you
decide which range best fits your needs;
Class A are supervised rifle and pistol tar-
get ranges; Class B are unsupervised rifle
and pistol target ranges; Class C are unsu-
pervised clay target shotgun ranges; Class
D are unsupervised archery target ranges;
and Class O are other public ranges not
classified by the Division of Wildlife.
All Class A ranges have fully accessible
parking, shooting benches, and restroom
facilities and are staffed by knowledge-
able range attendants. Not all Class B, C,
or D ranges have a range attendant or re-
stroom facilities. Anyone age 18 and older
who is shooting on Class A, B, and C ranges
is required to purchase a shooting range
permit. You do not need a permit to visit
any of the Division of Wildlife’s public ar-
chery ranges. Range rules will be posted at
the front of the range or shared with you
during check-in at Class A, B, and C ranges.
Safety is a priority regardless of which im-
plement you are using. Basic safety rules
should be followed at all times when han-
dling firearms or archery equipment. Basic
firearm safety rules include:
█
Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
█
Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe
direction.
█
Keep your finger outside of the trigger
guard until you are ready to shoot.
BASIC ARCHERY SAFETY RULES INCLUDE
█
Only point the bow and arrow in a safe
direction.
█
Don’t nock an arrow until it is safe to
shoot.
█
Avoid dry firing a bow (releasing it with-
out a nocked arrow), which can cause
damage to the bow and injure the user.
Those new to gun ranges should consid-
er visiting a Class A range first as there
are staff available to assist you. At Class A
ranges, you will need to check in and show
your range permit. This is also a great time
to ask any questions! Choose a bench in
the appropriate area of the range. A range
attendant or range safety officer can help
you determine when to load and unload
your implement.
Understanding some basic range terminol-
ogy will help keep you and others safe. This
includes:
█
HOT - People are actively firing, do not
go down range.
█
COLD - Everyone is to put their imple-
ment’s safety on, unload their gun, leave
the action visibly open, keep the muz-
zle pointed down range, and safely put
their implement down.
█
CEASE FIRE - Everyone is to immedi-
ately stop what they are doing, make
their implement safe, and place it on the
shooting bench pointed down range.
Each year, the Ohio Division of Wildlife of-
fers a free range day which allows anyone
to try out Class A, B, and C ranges without
purchasing a range permit. On-site instruc-
tion by trained firearms staff is also avail-
able at select locations.
Scan the QR code
to learn more about
public shooting
ranges and permits
or vist wildohio.gov.
HuntFish OH
43
DELAWARE CLASS A RANGE
PUBLIC SHOOTING RANGES
RANGE CLASS DEFINITIONS
2024-25
DIVISION OF WILDLIFE RANGES
1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543)
PUBLIC AREA COUNTY
CLASS
Deer Creek Wildlife Area Fayette A C D
Delaware Wildlife Area Delaware A C D
Spring Valley Wildlife Area* Greene A C D
Woodbury Wildlife Area* Coshocton A C D
Grand River Wildlife Area
Closed for renovations until 2025
Indian Creek Wildlife Area Brown B C D
Wolf Creek Wildlife Area Morgan B C D
Monroe Lake Wildlife Area Monroe B
Tranquility Wildlife Area Adams B
Oxbow Lake Wildlife Area Deance C
Resthaven Wildlife Area Erie C
Rush Run Wildlife Area Preble C
Salt Fork Wildlife Area Guernsey C
Wyandot Wildlife Area Wyandot C
Berlin Lake Wildlife Area Portage D
Cooper Hollow Wildlife Area Jackson D
District Two Oce Hancock D
District Five Oce Greene D
Fallsville Wildlife Area Highland D
Hebron State Fish Hatchery Licking D
Spencer Lake Wildlife Area Medina D
St. Marys State Fish Hatchery Auglaize D
Tri-Valley Wildlife Area Muskingum D
(
*
) Supervised Trap & Skeet Range; Unsupervised Hand Trap Range (call for details)
2024-25 OHIO HUNTING & TRAPPING REGULATIONS
PUBLIC SHOOTING RANGES
A = Supervised Rifle & Pistol Target Range
B = Unsupervised Rifle & Pistol Target Range
C = Unsupervised Clay Target Shotgun Range
D = Unsupervised Archery Target Range
O = Other Public Ranges; not classified
by the Division of Wildlife
HuntFish OH
44
SUPERVISED HOURS OF OPERATION
Hours of operation vary and can be found
at wildohio.gov. All Class A ranges are open
Wednesday through Sunday. All Class A
ranges are closed on the following dates:
New Year’s Day, Easter, Juneteenth, Inde-
pendence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christ-
mas Day.
PUBLIC SHOOTING RANGES
CLASS A, B, AND C RANGES
All persons age 18 and older are required
to purchase a shooting range permit.
Those age 17 and younger are not required
to purchase a permit, but must be accom-
panied by an adult (age 18 and older) hold-
ing a valid range permit.
These permits can be purchased at wil-
dohio.gov, on the HuntFish OH app, at all
license agents, and at Division of Wildlife
district offices.
One-year and one-day range permits may
be printed or displayed on a mobile device.
Select ranges have handicap accessible
parking, shooting benches, and restrooms.
If interested, please contact the individual
location for details.
CLASS D SHOOTING RANGES
No permit is required to shoot at Class D
ranges.
2024-25
OTHER STATE AGENCY RANGES
PUBLIC AREA COUNTY CLASS CONTACT
Fernwood State Forest Jeerson C O (330) 339-2205
Barkcamp State Park Belmont D (740) 484-4064
Beaver Creek State Park Columbiana D (330) 385-3091
Caesar Creek State Park Warren D (513) 897-3055
East Harbor State Park Ottawa D (419) 734-4424
Geneva State Park Ashtabula D (440) 466-8400
Hocking Hills State Park Hocking D (740) 385-6842
Hueston Woods State Park Butler, Preble D (513) 523-6347
Lake Hope State Park Vinton D (740) 596-4938
Lake Vesuvius/
Wayne National Forest
Lawrence D (740) 534-6500
Paint Creek State Park Highland, Ross D (937) 393-4284
Punderson State Park Geauga D (440) 564-2279
Salt Fork State Park Guernsey D (740) 439-3521
Shawnee State Park Scioto D (740) 858-6652
Veto Lake Washington D (740) 589-9930
Wingfoot Lake Portage D (330) 962-2048
Dillon Lake Licking, Muskingum O (740) 452-3529
Harrison State Forest Harrison O (419) 994-5125
Mohican State Park Ashland O (937) 393-4284
Zaleski State Forest Vinton O (740) 596-5781
HuntFish OH
45
OHIO
WILDLIFE DISTRICT ONE
1500 Dublin Road
Columbus, OH 43215
WILDLIFE DISTRICT TWO
952 Lima Avenue
Findlay, OH 45840
WILDLIFE DISTRICT THREE
912 Portage Lakes Drive
Akron, OH 44319
WILDLIFE DISTRICT FOUR
360 E. State Street
Athens, OH 45701
WILDLIFE DISTRICT FIVE
1076 Old Springfield Pike
Xenia, OH 45385
DIVISION
OF
WILDLIFE
DISTRICT OFFICES
The Ohio Division of Wildlife encourag-
es sportsmen and women to share the
bounty of their successful deer hunts
by donating deer to charitable orga-
nizations that help feed the hungry of
our state.
SHARE THE BOUNTY
FARMERS AND HUNTERS
FEEDING THE HUNGRY
Visit fhfh.org to find a participating pro-
cessor in your area. Donating venison is
of no cost to the hunter. Contact FHFH
to make a donation.
WHITE-TAILED DEER
SCAN THE QR
CODE FOR MORE
INFORMATION
374
274
309
427
370
390
316
165
158
509
438
271
148
457
807
135
353
138
331
208
51
181
538
352
304
191
146
151
410
430
94
61
52
160
219
69
186
330
295
136
108
307
175
155
451
159
177
156
243
135
225
222
59
31
52
97
82
140
76
78
244
292
526
749
424
177
131
116
321
159
299
419
147
98
135
205
194
543
226
108
144
134
139
190
160
193
136
122
4
5
1
5
5
4
4
3
3
0
1
1
1
10
2
4
0
5
6
4
10
2
9
16
6
16
6
8
6
12
7
0
1
2
4
6
6
6
10
6
2
2
2
8
13
3
5
4
5
13
15
7
3
4
0
2
4
8
3
2
9
1
10
2
1
1
3
3
11
1
2
3
9
3
10
2
1
4
6
2
6
3
2
5
8
15
5
2
The Buckeye Big Buck Club establishes
and maintains a record of Ohio's trophy
white-tailed deer. Since 1957, the not-for-
prot organization has annually honored
hunters who harvest mature bucks that
meet a minimum scoring threshold.
buckeyebigbuckclub.org
Hunters who wish to submit a record of
their trophy harvest can visit buckeyebig-
buckclub.org to nd information on scor-
ing and entry. The club recognizes deer
taken within Ohio by all legal methods of
hunting.
##
2023-24 Entries
###
Entries to Date
Get our free app! HuntFish OH
• Purchase hunting and shing licenses,
permits, and stamps, then display them
without connection.
• Submit game check even without a
connection and obtain conrmation
code once service is reestablished.
• Purchase Wild Ohio magazine, apply
for controlled hunts, and report wildlife
sightings.
• Interact with maps of Ohio’s public
lands, boat ramps, lakes, shooting
ranges, and license agents.
• Access hunting and shing digests,
calendar of events, and other popular
resources for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Check current weather conditions and
sunrise/sunset times before heading
out on the water or in the eld.
Official licensing app of the Ohio Division of Wildlife
ADAMS Gus Kiebel (937) 776-0688
ALLEN Craig Barr (419) 429-8379
ASHLAND Evan Huegel (330) 245-3044
ASHTABULA Joshua Quail (330) 802-9171
ATHENS Ryan Donnelly (740) 541-8266
AUGLAIZE Mark Schemmel (937) 728-4192
BELMONT Vacant (614) 563-1680
BROWN Micah Collier (513) 646-4014
BUTLER Andrew Dowdell (513) 403-6591
CARROLL Scott Cartwright (330) 802-9163
CHAMPAIGN Nick Oliver (614) 902-4209
CLARK Mathew Bourne (937) 206-9321
CLERMONT Chase McDonald (513) 673-1566
CLINTON Isaiah Gifford (937) 776-1850
COLUMBIANA
Jesse Janosik (330) 245-3039
COSHOCTON
Jerrod Allison (740) 502-4586
CRAWFORD Nathan Cass (419) 429-8380
CUYAHOGA Michael Greer (330) 245-3033
DARKE Jeff Wenning (937) 621-5779
DEFIANCE Austin Dickinson (419) 429-8381
DELAWARE Maurice Irish (614) 902-4221
ERIE Michele Butler (419) 429-8382
FAIRFIELD Jade Heizer (614) 902-4210
FAYETTE John Coffman (614) 565-2538
FRANKLIN Mark Williams (614) 902-4212
FULTON Adam Stachler (419) 429-8383
GALLIA Levi Boggs (614) 563-1843
GEAUGA Matthew Madgar (330) 245-3035
GREENE Alex Almeter (937) 545-6327
GUERNSEY Taylor Combs (614) 563-2355
HAMILTON Jacob Losekamp (513) 446-7028
HANCOCK Ryan Burke (419) 429-8384
HARDIN Ryan Kennedy (419) 429-8385
HARRISON Nick Turner (330) 245-3049
HENRY Matthew R. Smith (419) 429-8386
HIGHLAND Matt Roberts (937) 205-3020
HOCKING Chris Dodge (614) 257-7792
HOLMES Cory Burroughs (330) 245-3045
HURON Matthew D. Smith (419) 429-8387
JACKSON Ted Witham (614) 563-4138
JEFFERSON Craig Porter (330) 245-3050
KNOX Austin Levering (614) 400-0731
LAKE Ryan Pawlus (330) 245-3034
LAWRENCE Darin Abbott (614) 563-3946
LICKING Antoinette Freet (614) 902-4214
LOGAN Adam Smith (937) 441-5224
LORAIN Randy White (330) 802-9172
LUCAS Mike Ohlrich (419) 429-8388
MADISON Matt Teders (614) 309-3465
MAHONING Tom Frank (330) 245-3038
MARION Chad Grote (614) 902-4217
MEDINA Eric Moore (330) 245-3043
MEIGS Chris Gilkey (614) 563-4492
MERCER Brad Buening (419) 236-8787
MIAMI Jasmine Grossnickle (937) 470-1917
MONROE Jacob Parker (614) 563-5033
MONTGOMERY
Trent Weaver
(937) 545-6768
MORGAN Ben Smith (614) 563-5338
MORROW Tyler Eldred (614) 400-0756
MUSKINGUM
Jeffrey Berry (740) 447-0570
NOBLE Anthony Lemle (614) 563-7705
OTTAWA Reid Van Cleve (419) 429-8389
PAULDING Levi Farley (419) 429-8390
PERRY Mark Basinger (614) 565-0137
PICKAWAY Josh Elster (614) 203-3406
PIKE Matt Van Cleve (614) 565-0140
PORTAGE Marino Pellegrini (330) 245-3040
PREBLE Brad Turner (937) 510-1154
PUTNAM Jason Porinchok (419) 429-8391
RICHLAND Nathan Kaufmann (419) 429-8392
ROSS Bob Nelson (614) 565-9754
SANDUSKY Charles McMullen (419) 429-8393
SCIOTO Tyler Fields (614) 565-9064
SENECA Brock Williamson (419) 429-8394
SHELBY Logan Ambrister (937) 545-5849
STARK Scott Traver (330) 245-3041
SUMMIT Zach Hillman (330) 245-3042
TRUMBULL Marty Cisine (330) 245-3037
TUSCARAWAS
Michael Budd (614) 230-6347
UNION Brian Motsinger (614) 315-4999
VAN WERT Nathan Robinson (419) 429-8395
VINTON Cole Tilton (614) 565-0805
WARREN Jason Keller (513) 520-9896
WASHINGTON
Scot Gardner
(740) 412-9184
WAYNE Aaron Brown (330) 323-2554
WILLIAMS Ethan Bingham (419) 429-8396
WOOD Eric VonAlmen (419) 429-8397
WYANDOT Payton Phenicie (419) 429-8398
AT-LARGE
CENTRAL Brady Stevens (614) 698-9503
CENTRAL BreyerEhrneld (419)764-2121
NORTHEAST Kiri Williams (740) 602-8108
NORTHEAST Dan Shroyer (330) 802-9164
NORTHWEST Nolan Johnson (614) 602-7831
SOUTHEAST Lucas Wildman (740) 602-5509
To report a wildlife violation: 1-800-POACHER
(
1-800-762-2437
)
OHIO WILDLIFE OFFICERS
FOR GENERAL INFORMATION: 1-800-WILDLIFE
(
1-800-945-3543
)
