COLUMBUS, Ohio – Hunters in Ohio kicked off the state’s weeklong gun season with an impressive opening day harvest, checking 26,667 white-tailed deer on Monday, December 2, 2024. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife, this marks the highest opening day total since 2012, when 29,297 deer were harvested.
The opening day totals included 9,602 antlered deer and 17,065 antlerless deer, showcasing a substantial increase from 2023’s opening day total of 19,363 deer. Over the past three years, hunters averaged 19,439 deer on opening day.
Top Counties for Deer Harvest
The top 10 counties with the highest harvest numbers on December 2 were:
- Coshocton: 1,053
- Tuscarawas: 954
- Knox: 881
- Muskingum: 852
- Carroll: 804
- Guernsey: 750
- Ashtabula: 686
- Harrison: 671
- Ashland: 653
- Columbiana: 592
Ohio’s Deer Hunting Opportunities
Ohio offers robust deer hunting traditions, attracting both residents and nonresidents. So far this season, hunters have harvested a total of 128,408 deer through Monday, including 10,449 taken during the youth hunting season.
This year, hunters purchased 360,800 deer permits, with significant interest from nonresidents, particularly from Pennsylvania (6,079 licenses), Michigan (4,477), and West Virginia (2,777).
Extended Hunting Seasons and Resources
Ohio’s deer gun season runs through Sunday, December 8, with an additional weekend set for December 21-22. Hunters can also participate in muzzleloader season from January 4-7, 2025, and continue hunting with bows through February 2, 2025.
For those successful in their hunts, ODNR encourages using the HuntFish OH app to game-check harvests, explore public hunting areas, and purchase permits.
A Legacy of Conservation
ODNR continues its mission to balance the use and protection of Ohio’s natural resources. The agency is celebrating 75 years of stewardship in 2024.
For more details on hunting regulations, licenses, and resources, visit wildohio.gov.
