COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio hunters reported checking a total of 87,192 white-tailed deer during the state’s weeklong deer gun season, which concluded on Sunday, Dec. 8, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. This marks the highest deer harvest total since 2011, when hunters checked 90,282 deer.
The 2024 total represents a significant increase from 2023, when hunters reported 70,103 deer during the seven-day season, and well exceeds the three-year average of 70,806 deer.
During the gun season, hunters took a combination of antlered and antlerless deer, with 28,606 antlered deer (33% of the total) and 58,586 antlerless deer (67%) being reported. Antlerless deer include both does and button bucks.
Top 10 Counties for Deer Harvest
The counties with the highest deer harvest numbers were:
- Coshocton – 2,954 deer (leading the state for the second consecutive year; 2023 harvest: 2,440 deer)
- Tuscarawas – 2,673 deer
- Knox – 2,525 deer
- Muskingum – 2,515 deer
- Carroll – 2,399 deer
- Ashtabula – 2,281 deer
- Guernsey – 2,201 deer
- Washington – 1,970 deer
- Ashland – 1,893 deer
- Licking – 1,860 deer
Hunting Equipment Breakdown
Hunters used a variety of legal hunting implements during the gun season. The breakdown of deer taken by equipment was as follows:
- Straight-walled cartridge rifle – 64% (55,611 deer)
- Shotgun – 30% (26,486 deer)
- Muzzleloader – 4% (3,271 deer)
- Archery equipment – 2% (1,357 deer)
- Handgun – less than 1% (467 deer)
Straight-walled cartridge rifles have been legal for deer hunting since 2014, and they continue to be a popular choice for hunters.
Total Deer Harvest for 2024
Through Dec. 8, Ohio hunters have checked 188,931 deer across all hunting seasons, including archery and firearms.
There is still another opportunity for hunters to harvest deer with firearms during the additional gun weekend on Dec. 21-22, followed by the muzzleloader season from Jan. 4-7, 2025. The archery season remains open until Feb. 2, 2025.
Deer Permits and Nonresident Hunters
As of Dec. 8, a total of 404,331 deer permits have been issued, including both deer management and either-sex permits. Deer management permits remain valid through Dec. 22, while either-sex permits are valid until the close of the archery season on Feb. 2, 2025.
Nonresidents continue to flock to Ohio for its prime deer hunting opportunities. A total of 39,055 nonresident licenses have been purchased, with the top states represented by hunters including:
- Pennsylvania – 6,167 licenses
- Michigan – 4,536 licenses
- North Carolina – 2,821 licenses
- West Virginia – 2,785 licenses
- New York – 2,672 licenses
Hunter Resources and Reporting
Hunters can check their deer harvests using the HuntFish OH mobile app, which is available for free on Android and Apple devices. The app also allows hunters to explore public hunting areas, purchase licenses, and view county bag limits. Deer can also be checked through the Ohio Game Check system at ohiogamecheck.com, by phone, or in person at authorized license sales agents.
Weekly deer harvest reports are available on the ODNR website at wildohio.gov. The Division of Wildlife will continue posting updates throughout the hunting season, with a final report released after the close of the archery season.
Celebrating 75 Years of Conservation
In 2024, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) celebrates 75 years of protecting Ohio’s natural resources. The Division of Wildlife continues its mission to conserve and enhance fish and wildlife resources for sustainable use and enjoyment by all.
For more information on hunting seasons, regulations, and permit sales, visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
