Wondering when is hunting season in Ohio? The 2026–27 season is already underway — squirrel and dove opened September 1, deer archery started September 26, and the big gun seasons land in late November. Here’s a complete overview of Ohio’s hunting seasons so you can plan your fall and winter around the right dates.
When Is Hunting Season in Ohio for Deer?
Deer is Ohio’s marquee game animal, and the state offers one of the longest whitetail seasons in the country:
- Archery: September 26, 2026 – February 7, 2027
- Youth gun: November 21–22, 2026
- Gun season: November 30 – December 6, 2026, plus a bonus weekend December 19–20, 2026
- Muzzleloader: January 2–5, 2027
Ohio’s deer herd is among the healthiest in the nation, and the state regularly produces Boone and Crockett-class bucks. You’ll need a deer permit on top of your hunting license — buy both before you head out. For the full picture of when is hunting season in Ohio for deer — dates, bag limits, and permit costs broken down season by season — see our complete guide to deer season in Ohio.
Small Game Seasons
Small game fills the gaps between the big deer weekends and offers some of the most fun, low-pressure hunting in the state:
- Squirrel: September 1, 2026 – January 31, 2027 (daily limit 6)
- Cottontail rabbit: November 6, 2026 – February 28, 2027 (daily limit 4)
- Pheasant (roosters only): November 6, 2026 – January 10, 2027 (daily limit 2)
- Bobwhite quail: November 6–29, 2026 in select counties and wildlife areas
- Youth small game: October 24–25 and October 31 – November 1, 2026
Turkey, Waterfowl, and Migratory Birds
- Fall turkey: October 1–25, 2026 in 70 designated counties
- Mourning dove: September 1 – November 8, 2026, then December 12, 2026 – January 1, 2027 (daily limit 15)
- Woodcock: October 16 – November 29, 2026 (daily limit 3)
- Regular duck season: opened October 17, 2026 in all three waterfowl zones, with different split dates by zone
Heads-up for waterfowl hunters: Ohio redrew its waterfowl hunting zones for the 2026–27 season. Check the current zone map before you hunt — last year’s zone boundaries may no longer apply. You’ll also need an Ohio wetlands stamp and a federal duck stamp (plus HIP registration) for waterfowl.
Furbearer Hunting and Trapping
- Fox, raccoon, skunk, weasel, opossum: November 10, 2026 – January 31, 2027
- Mink and muskrat (trapping): November 10, 2026 – February 28, 2027
- Beaver and river otter (trapping): December 26, 2026 – February 28, 2027
What You Need Before You Go
Every Ohio hunter needs a valid hunting license, and deer and turkey require additional permits. First-time hunters should know about Ohio’s apprentice license, which lets you hunt under the supervision of a licensed adult before completing hunter education.
Season dates, bag limits, and zone boundaries can change, and the official regulations are the final word. Always confirm current dates with the Ohio Division of Wildlife before the season — and if you’re hunting public land, check the specific rules for that wildlife area, because some have their own date restrictions.
Ohio’s fall hunting calendar is packed from September through February. Whether you’re after a trophy buck, a limit of squirrels, or your first duck, there’s an open season waiting.
New and Returning Hunters: Where to Start
If you’re new to Ohio hunting, squirrel season (September 1 – January 31) is the friendliest entry point: long season, simple gear, abundant game. Deer archery season is the next step up — nearly four and a half months long, which means you can learn at your own pace instead of cramming into one gun weekend. And if you’ve never taken hunter education, Ohio’s apprentice license lets you hunt alongside a licensed adult mentor for up to three years while you learn the ropes.
