COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio’s hunting enthusiasts have much to look forward to as the fall hunting seasons kick off this September, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
Squirrel hunting for fox, red, and gray squirrels, along with dove, rail (Virginia and sora), snipe, and gallinule hunting, opens on Sunday, September 1. Early Canada goose hunting will take place from September 7 to September 15, while early teal hunting for blue-winged and green-winged teal runs from September 7 to September 22. The highly anticipated deer archery season will commence on Saturday, September 28.
Squirrel Hunting: With squirrels plentiful across the state, hunters can expect a successful season. Fox squirrels are more commonly found in western Ohio, while gray squirrels are abundant in the eastern regions. Squirrel hunting, which continues through January 31, 2025, is best in forests and woodlands rich in beech, oak, and hickory trees.
Dove Hunting: Popular since its introduction in Ohio in 1995, dove hunting begins on September 1 and runs through November 3. A second season will open from December 7 to January 1, 2025. Doves are plentiful in agricultural areas and open fields at the start of the season.
Waterfowl Hunting: Canada geese, along with blue-winged and green-winged teal, are some of the earliest migratory waterfowl to arrive in Ohio’s wetlands. Early waterfowl hunting is optimal in agricultural fields, along wetlands or ponds, or from boats. Hunters are advised to review waterfowl identification guides to ensure compliance with legal species, as similar species may be protected.
Deer Archery Season: Starting on September 28, the statewide deer archery season allows hunters to pursue white-tailed deer. In the disease surveillance area, which includes Hardin, Marion, and Wyandot counties, as well as Auglaize and Jackson townships in Allen County, archery hunting begins earlier on September 14. Deer management permits for antlerless deer are available and valid through December 22, the final day of the bonus deer gun hunting season.
Landowner-Hunter Access Partnership Program: This program facilitates hunter access to private lands and offers incentives to landowners. New properties have been added for the 2024-25 season. Hunters can obtain a free daily permit to access these properties. More details and registration information are available at wildohio.gov.
The free HuntFish OH app offers an easy way to purchase hunting and fishing licenses, check game, view wildlife area maps, and more. Available for both iOS and Android devices, the app also allows users to track deer and wild turkey harvests offline.
Hunters are encouraged to review the latest regulations and season dates to ensure compliance. A summary of the 2024-25 hunting and trapping regulations can be found on the ODNR website, the HuntFish OH app, or at licensed vendors.
