The Ohio archery season offers hunters excellent opportunities for game like deer, pheasant, and turkey. The best hunting in Ohio is in Coshocton County, the largest hunting hub in the “Buckeye State.” Hunters from across the Midwest visit Coshocton for the start of the season.
Ohio (OH) Archery Season, 2022-2023
Woodbury Wildlife Area is the most popular hunting ground, located 10 miles west of Coshocton. Access is available on state routes OH-16, OH-60, and OH-36. Woodbury is the biggest public area at 19,050 acres. Plan your trip and enjoy your time in Ohio’s public and private hunting grounds.
When does Archery Season Start in OH?
Ohio Deer Seasons
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Archery September 24-February 5
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Youth Hunt November 19-20
Ohio counties have bag limits. Counties may have two, three, or four deer bag limits.
Ohio Wild Turkey Seasons
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Fall General Season October 8-November 13
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Spring Youth Hunt April 15-16
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Northeast Zone April 29-May 28
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South Zone April 21-May 21
Fall turkey hunting is legal in some areas.
Ohio Small Game Seasons
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Crow June 3-March 5
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Squirrel September 1-January 31
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Ruffed Grouse
Public Land October 8-November 27
Private Land October 8-January 1
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Cottontail Rabbit November 4-February 28
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Ring-necked Pheasant November 4-January 8
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Chukar November 5-January 9
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Bobwhite Quail November 4-November 27
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Raccoon November 10-January 31
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Skunk November 10-January 31
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Opossum November 10-January 31
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Weasel November 10-January 31
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Fox November 10-January 31
Quail hunting is legal in some regions of Ohio.
What are the Legal Hunting Hours in Ohio?
Legal shooting hours are 30-minutes before sunrise to 30-minutes after sunset. Hunters must use the game-check-in process after harvesting deer.
Hunting Licenses and Permits in OH
Youth hunt days for archery are available, and some continuously open seasons. Ohio provides a lottery system for controlled hunts. Selected individuals receive two hunting licenses for shared or personal use. Hunters can check in harvests online. Visit the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website for more details about residency requirements.
Ohio Residents
An Ohio resident has lived in the state for at least six months. All residents aged 18 or older must have a hunting license.
Non-Residents
Non-residents aged 18 or older must have a hunting license.
Youth Hunting Licenses
Ohio residents and non-residents need a hunter education certificate to hunt. Residents and non-residents aged 17 or younger must purchase a reduced-fee Youth License.
Senior Hunting Licenses
Ohio residents born on or before December 31, 1937, can buy the reduced-fee Senior Hunting License or Senior Combination Angler and Hunter Licenses. Ohio residents aged 66 or older born on or after January 1, 1938, are eligible for a reduced-fee hunting License.
Disability Licenses
Ohio doesn’t offer disabled hunting licenses.
Veteran and Military Licenses
Active-duty military personnel stationed in Ohio can buy a resident hunting license. Additionally, active-duty military personnel that is Ohio residents but stationed in other states don’t need to buy a hunting license while on leave. Disabled resident veterans may be eligible for the Permanent DAV Hunting and Fishing License.
Migratory Waterfowl Requirements
Hunters aged 16 or older must buy an Ohio Migratory Bird Permit and Federal Duck Stamp when hunting migratory waterfowl. The permit is proof of participation in the Harvest Information Program (HIP).
License Expiration
Hunting licenses are valid from March 1 to the last day of February each year.
Check out our guide 30+ Hunting Rules to Keep You Safe while bowhunting in the wild.
