What’s New for 2023-2024 Ohio Hunting Season

The 2023-2024 Hunting season is right around the corner and there are some updates for this years hunting season. At least for the Ohio hunting season. While the changes are small; they are notable. The Ohio Wildlife Council approved this years proposed hunting and trapping dates. There are some changes including deer bag limits in seven counties. Has your county been affected? Make sure to check in with Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife regularly to keep up with these changes. Or Subscribe to our page and get updates as each season rolls in.

Deer hunting

This season, 2023-2024, have similar dates to last year.

The deer hunting season dates for 2023-24 include:

• Deer archery: Sept. 30, 2023-Feb. 4, 2024
• Youth deer gun: Nov. 18-19, 2023
• Deer gun: Nov. 27-Dec. 3, 2023; Dec. 16-17, 2023
• Deer muzzleloader: Jan. 6-9, 2024

Bag limits will increase to three (3) deer in Belmont, Gallia, Geauga, Harrison, Jefferson and Monroe counties.

Bag limits will decrease to two (2) in Butler County.

As in years past, only one (1) antlered deer may be harvested, regardless of where or how it is taken.

The chronic wasting disease surveillance area in Hardin, Marion, and Wyandot counties will allow additional hunting opportunities to slow the spread of CWD.

In addition to the statewide hunting seasons, hunters in Hardin, Marion, and Wyandot counties will have opportunities to participate in disease surveillance area seasons:

• Deer archery season: Sept. 9, 2023-Feb. 4, 2024
• Early gun season: Oct. 7-9, 2023

Turkey Hunting Season

Turkey hunting will be available in 70 counties this fall from Oct. 14 to Nov. 12 2023. The season bag limit is one bird of either sex.

Spring 2024 wild turkey hunting season dates will be determined in the fall.

Ohio Hunting Season

The Ohio Wildlife Council voted to approve proposed season dates similar to last hunting season for waterfowl and migratory birds.

The council received a proposal to reduce the ruffed grouse hunting season dates and open counties because of long-term trends in declining grouse numbers. Proposed season dates are from Nov. 3 to Nov. 26 with a daily limit of one bird. Season dates would be aligned for public and private land. The proposal would allow grouse hunting in Adams, Athens, Belmont, Gallia, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Pike, Ross, Scioto, Vinton and Washington counties.

Final Thoughts

While the changes are subtle they are changes and everyone should know what’s happening here in Ohio. Always stay up to date with your local regulations. Download the ODNR App, visit the website regularly, or pick up a rules and regulations booklet at your local hunting/fishing store. Or if you are like us, you’ll do all three. One can never be too safe when keeping up with the rules and regulations.

Get Out and Go Hunt Ohio!

Interested in reading more about this hunting season. Stop by my section on hunting and keep on reading. Hunting Ohio