As deer hunting season approaches in Ohio, hunters need to be well-informed about various regulations and procedures to ensure a safe and responsible hunting experience.
Firstly, it's crucial to know the designated hunting hours for deer. In Ohio, hunters are permitted to hunt deer from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.
After successfully harvesting a white-tailed deer, hunters in the state are required to complete a game check process. This process must be completed, and a confirmation code obtained by noon on the day following the kill. Compliance with this requirement helps track deer populations and enforce hunting regulations.
To legally hunt in Ohio, hunters need the appropriate hunting license and permit. Ohio offers a range of hunting license categories, including youth, resident adult, nonresident adult, apprentice, resident senior, and resident free senior. Each category has specific requirements, so hunters should ensure they obtain the correct license. Applicants must provide their Social Security Number when applying for a hunting license or permit. Those without an SSN must affirm their status during the application process. Other necessary information, such as residency status, full name, and date of birth, will also be recorded in the licensing system. Licenses can be conveniently purchased through authorized agents, the HuntFish OH mobile app, or the wildohio.gov website.
Additionally, Ohio's deer hunting safety regulations mandate the use of "hunter orange" clothing. Hunters pursuing wild animals in Ohio, except during waterfowl hunting, must wear either solid hunter orange or camouflage hunter orange vests, coats, jackets, or coveralls. Any other colors on the garment are not permitted. This safety measure applies statewide, encompassing both public and private lands.
For further information or inquiries regarding hunting season, Ohio residents can visit wildohio.gov or contact 1-800-WILDLIFE for general assistance. To report wildlife poachers, a 24-hour hotline, 1-800-POACHER, is available to ensure responsible hunting practices and conservation efforts.
Read the guide to Ohio’s Hunting and Trapping Regulations for 2023-24 HERE.
