COLUMBUS — Ohio’s hunters are eagerly anticipating the chance to take to the woods and fields in November, when gun seasons begin for white-tailed deer. Youth hunters younger than 18 have their own weekend to hunt Nov. 21-22. All hunters have the traditional gun season, from Nov. 30 to Dec. 6, and again during the bonus weekend Dec. 19-20.
“Ohio’s gun seasons add another level of excitement for our deer hunters,” said Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker. “This is a time to celebrate the tradition that has provided so much enjoyment for so many throughout the years. Good luck in the field, wear hunter orange, and have a safe and enjoyable deer season!”
In 2019, Ohio hunters harvested 63,567 deer during the week-long deer-gun season, as well as an additional 13,703 deer during the two-day bonus weekend. Young hunters harvested 6,249 deer during the two-day youth weekend.
Details
Check the 2020-2021 Ohio Hunting Regulations handbook for county-specific bag limits, updates on permits, hunting on public lands and precautions to take if you hunt out of state. Youth hunters are required to be accompanied by a non-hunting adult.
Legal hunting equipment for all deer-gun seasons includes specific shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, straight-walled cartridge rifles and archery equipment. More information is available at wildohio.gov.
Mobile app
The free HuntFish OH mobile app provides outdoor enthusiasts with resources while out in the field. HuntFish OH is available for Android and iOS users and can be found in the app store. Deer hunters can use the app to check in their harvest, even without a WiFi connection.
When a hunter checks game without a clear signal, harvest information is recorded and stored until the hunter moves to a location with better reception. Users can also purchase licenses and permits and view wildlife area maps through the app. Tech-savvy hunters are encouraged to help others use the app to check game and access other areas of content.
Questions
Hunters can contact the Division of Wildlife’s toll-free hotline at 800-945-3543 with questions about hunting. In addition to normal business hours, special call center hours include from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Nov. 30 to Dec. 4, for deer-gun season.
Challenge
The division of wildlife is encouraging hunters to invite a new hunter to join them this season. While hunting remains a popular pastime for many, the number of hunters in Ohio and nationwide is declining. Special hunting opportunities for mentors and those new to hunting are available at the Wild Ohio Harvest Community Page.
Poacher hotline
You can report any violations to the division’s Turn-In-a-Poacher hotline by calling 800-762-2437. All reports remain anonymous, and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
