Anyone who deer hunts knows that it is not a cheap hobby to get into. We buy new guns, bows, clothes, scents etc… every season. That doesn’t include gas to and from, trail cameras, batteries, UTVs, meat processing, or taxidermy. Those all add up real fast but some of those costs are extras and can be avoided. The one cost that can’t be avoided is the price of a hunting license and deer permit.
In Ohio, a hunting license and one either-sex deer permit can cost you from $0 to $257.92. A landowner in Ohio can shoot deer on his/her property at no cost using a landowner license and permit. That is how it is possible to spend $0 for a license and permit. A non-resident hunter coming from out of state will spend $180.96 on a hunting license and $76.96 on one either-sex deer permit.
Your average Ohio resident that is not a landowner will spend $19 on a one-year hunting license and $31.20 on one either-sex deer permit. Seniors (aged 66 and older) can buy a one-year hunting license for $10 and one either-sex deer permit for $12. See the tables below for the different options and costs for hunting licenses and deer permits. (Source)
Related: What is the bag limit for deer in Ohio?
What License and Permit Options are There for Deer Hunting in Ohio?
| Ohio Youth Hunting Licenses | Length | Cost |
| Resident & Non-Resident Youth Hunting License | 1 Year | $10.00 |
| Resident & Non- Resident Apprentice License | 1 Year | $10.00 |
| Resident Youth 3-Year Hunting License | 3 Years | $27.04 |
| Resident Youth 5-Year Hunting License | 5 Years | $45.07 |
| Resident Youth 10-Year Hunting License | 10 Years | $90.14 |
| Resident Youth Lifetime Hunting License | LIFE | $430.56 |
| Ohio Adult Hunting Licenses | Length | Cost |
| Resident Hunting License | 1 Year | $19.00 |
| Resident Apprentice License | 1 Year | $19.00 |
| Resident 3-Year Hunting License | 3 Years | $54.08 |
| Resident 5-Year Hunting License | 5 Years | $90.14 |
| Resident 10-Year Hunting License | 10 Years | $180.27 |
| Resident Lifetime Hunting License | LIFE | $449.28 |
| Non-Resident Hunting License | 1 Year | $180.96 |
| Non-Resident Apprentice License | 1 Year | $180.96 |
| Ohio Senior Hunting Licenses (66+ Residents Only) | Length | Cost |
| Senior Resident Hunting License | 1 Year | $10.00 |
| Senior Resident Apprentice License | 1 Year | $10.00 |
| Senior Resident 3-Year Hunting License | 3 Years | $27.04 |
| Senior Resident 5-Year Hunting License | 5 Years | $45.07 |
| Senior Resident Lifetime Hunting License | LIFE | $84.24 |
| Either-Deer Permits | Cost (each) |
| Adult Resident | $31.20 |
| Adult Non-Resident | $76.96 |
| Youth Resident & Non-Resident | $16.00 |
| Senior (Resident Only) | $12.00 |
| Deer Management Permits | Cost (each) |
| Adult/Youth Resident & Non-Resident | $15.00 |
| Senior (Resident Only) | $15.00 |
Where Can I Buy an Ohio Hunting License or Deer Permit?
Many retail locations such as Walmart and other outdoor stores sell Ohio hunting licenses and deer permits over the counter. If you don’t feel like buying one in person, you can always purchase one on the ODNR website or use their HuntFishOH app. The app is a real game-changer in my opinion.
Related: Can you bait deer in Ohio?
