When is deer season in Ohio? For the 2026–2027 season, Ohio deer hunting opens with archery on September 26, 2026 and runs through February 7, 2027 — but the exact dates depend on which weapon you’re hunting with. Gun, muzzleloader, and youth seasons each have their own short windows inside that span. Here are the official dates from the Ohio Division of Wildlife, plus what you need to know about licenses and bag limits.
When Is Deer Season in Ohio? Start Dates for 2026–2027
The most common version of this question — when does deer season start in Ohio — has a simple answer: September 26, 2026, when the statewide archery season opens. That’s the first legal opportunity to hunt deer each fall. If you hunt with firearms, your season starts later: the youth gun weekend opens November 21, and the main gun season opens November 30.
2026–2027 Ohio Deer Season Dates
All dates below were approved by the Ohio Wildlife Council on April 29, 2026:
- Archery: September 26, 2026 – February 7, 2027
- Youth gun: November 21–22, 2026
- Gun season: November 30 – December 6, 2026
- Bonus gun weekend: December 19–20, 2026
- Muzzleloader: January 2–5, 2027
Hunting hours for every deer season run from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
Gun Season: The Main Event
Ohio’s gun season — the week after Thanksgiving — is when the woods are busiest. The main gun week runs Monday, November 30 through Sunday, December 6, 2026, followed by a bonus gun weekend December 19–20. If you’re visiting Ohio to hunt, this is the week most out-of-state hunters target and public land gets crowded — arrive early, know your zone, and wear blaze orange.
Archery Season: The Long Game
At more than four months, Ohio’s archery season is one of the longest in the country, running September 26, 2026 through February 7, 2027. Early archery (late September through October) brings ideal weather and pre-rut movement; the November rut — when bucks move most during daylight — falls squarely inside archery season, which is why many trophy hunters prefer the bow. It’s no surprise that when people ask “when is deer season in Ohio,” the archery opener is usually the date they want.
Muzzleloader and Youth Seasons
The muzzleloader season (January 2–5, 2027) is a short four-day late season — cold, quiet, and a favorite of hunters who like having the woods to themselves. The youth gun season (November 21–22, 2026) gives hunters 17 and younger their own weekend ahead of the main gun season: a low-pressure introduction for the next generation. Wondering when is deer season in Ohio after the holidays? The January muzzleloader season is your last chance.
Ohio Deer Hunting Licenses and Permits
To hunt deer in Ohio you need two things: a valid Ohio hunting license and a deer permit — unless you’re exempt (Ohio landowners hunting their own land, for example). Key rules to know:
- One antlered deer per hunter for the entire season — statewide, regardless of method or location.
- Deer management permits allow taking antlerless deer and are valid throughout the season on both private land and public hunting areas.
- County bag limits vary — check the current year’s regulations for the county you’ll hunt before you go.
- License and permit fees are updated periodically; confirm current prices on the ODNR Division of Wildlife website before buying.
Planning Your Ohio Deer Hunt
Ohio’s combination of a long archery season, extensive public land including Wayne National Forest, and a reputation for producing trophy bucks makes it a top destination for deer hunters nationwide. If you’re coming from out of state, book lodging early for the gun season weeks and buy your licenses online well before opening day. No matter when is deer season in Ohio for your weapon of choice, a little preparation goes a long way.
When is deer season in Ohio? Mark September 26, 2026 for the archery opener — and if you’re a gun hunter, November 30. The dates above cover every weapon and every season; all that’s left is to pick your week, check your gear, and head to the woods.
