Whitetail Hunt Week #3

Big Game

Ohio’s primary big game species are White-tailed deer and Wild turkey. The permits are issued over the counter – there is no lottery for standard seasons. However, hunters must obtain species-specific permits in addition to a hunting license.

Deer: To hunt deer in Ohio, you need an Ohio hunting license and a deer permit. Ohio offers an Either-Sex Deer Permit (valid for one deer of either sex, typically used for taking an antlered buck) and a Deer Management Permit (antlerless-only, used in controlled areas or during certain portions of the season).

A hunter may purchase multiple permits, but there are county-specific bag limits and only one antlered deer may be taken per year statewide. Ohio has separate seasons (archery, gun week, muzzleloader, youth) but the same permits are used across seasons. After harvesting a deer, the hunter must immediately complete the tag and then game-check (report) the kill online or by phone.

Wild Turkey: Ohio requires a permit for hunting Turkeys. In the spring, the limit is one bearded turkey per permit (and hunters can usually buy up to 2 spring permits, but only one turkey may be taken per day). Fall turkey (either-sex) requires a fall turkey permit. These permits are also OTC with no lottery. Like deer, turkey harvests must be checked and tagged.

Small Game

Ohio’s small game includes species like Squirrel, Rabbit, Pheasant, Quail, Grouse (very limited), Dove, Waterfowl, and furbearers. To hunt small game, an Ohio hunting license is required. No additional permit is needed for most small game.

Waterfowl hunters need an Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp (state duck stamp) in addition to the federal Duck Stamp.

Migratory bird hunters (dove, ducks, geese, woodcock, snipe) must complete a free HIP certification when buying their license.

Also, trapping or hunting furbearers like coyotes, raccoons, etc. may require a Fur Taker Permit if one is trapping or hunting fur-bearers outside of regular hunting (though coyote and groundhog are open with just a hunting license).

Documents Needed

• Ohio Hunting License
• Deer / Turkey Permit
• Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp, Federal Duck Stamp, HIP Certification
• Fur Taker Permit
• Deer/Turkey Harvest Confirmation (Not a document you carry initially, but part of tagging procedure).
• Hunter Education Certificate

Minimum Hunter Age

Ohio does not have a minimum age to hunt, but young hunters have certain restrictions. All hunters under 18 must be accompanied by an adult when hunting in Ohio.

Hunters 12 years old and up can take hunter education. Ages 16–17 need a license and can hunt alone (after hunter ed), but for the youth-only hunts they still need an adult present.

Ohio offers Apprentice Licenses which allow newcomers of any age to hunt under supervision without hunter ed (up to three years).

More Information

• dam.assets.ohio.gov (Ohio DNR – Hunting Licenses & Permits)