COLUMBUS, Ohio (Date) – Ohio’s wild turkey hunting season has proven fruitful, with hunters across the state checking in a total of 12,934 birds as of Sunday, May 5, according to data released by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
This year’s tally reflects the culmination of 16 days of hunting in the 83 counties constituting the south zone, along with nine days of hunting in the northeast zone. Additionally, the youth hunting weekend on April 13-14 saw the harvest of 1,785 turkeys.
Comparatively, during the spring 2023 season over the same period, hunters harvested 12,755 turkeys. The current figure surpasses the three-year average for wild turkeys checked by this point in the season, which stands at 11,294 birds from 2021 to 2023.
The top 10 counties for wild turkey harvest in the 2024 season thus far are Belmont (382), Monroe (385), Tuscarawas (381), Washington (358), Gallia (349), Muskingum (346), Meigs (331), Jefferson (329), Guernsey (323), and Harrison (314).
Hunting remains open in the south zone until Sunday, May 19, while the northeast zone, encompassing Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Trumbull counties, continues until Sunday, May 26.
To date, the Division of Wildlife has issued 49,755 spring turkey permits, valid throughout the spring hunting season. Turkey hunting is permitted statewide from 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset, with a season limit of one bearded turkey. Comprehensive information regarding hunting regulations can be found in Ohio’s 2023-24 hunting and trapping regulations booklet.
Hunters are reminded of the necessity of holding a valid hunting license, along with a spring turkey permit unless exempted. Furthermore, successful hunters must game-check their turkey by 11:30 p.m. on the day of harvest. Various avenues are available for game check, including the HuntFish OH app, Ohio Wildlife Licensing System, participating license agents, or by phone at 1-877-TAG-IT-OHIO (877-824-4864).
For additional details regarding Ohio’s wild turkey hunting, interested individuals are encouraged to visit wildohio.gov.
The Division of Wildlife’s mission is centered on the conservation and enhancement of fish and wildlife resources and their habitats, fostering sustainable utilization and appreciation for all. More information can be found at wildohio.gov.
ODNR is committed to maintaining a harmonious balance between the prudent use and preservation of natural resources for the collective benefit of Ohio’s residents. Further details are available on the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
In 2024, ODNR commemorates 75 years of safeguarding Ohio’s natural resources while providing exceptional recreational opportunities to the public.
