Ohio is a state that boasts a rich diversity of wildlife, and deer are among the most abundant game species in the state. Each year, the Ohio Division of Wildlife sets the dates for the upcoming deer hunting season, with the goal of balancing the needs of hunters with the needs of conservation efforts. As we look forward to the 2023-2024 deer hunting season, let’s take a closer look at the proposed season dates and what they mean for hunters in Ohio.
Related: Conceal Carry Is Legal During Deer Season. Get your Permit Here
| Early Archery (Disease Surveillance Area) | 9/9/2023 | 2/4/2024 |
| Archery | 9/30/2023 | 2/4/2024 |
| Early Gun (Disease Surveillance Area) | 10/7/2023 | 10/9/2023 |
| Youth Gun | 11/18/2023 | 11/19/2023 |
| Gun (All Ages) | 11/27/2023 | 12/3/2023 |
| Gun Bonus (All Ages) | 12/16/2023 | 12/17/2023 |
| Muzzle Loader | 1/6/2024 | 1/9/2024 |
Ohio Deer Season Dates 2023-2024
Statewide Ohio Archery Deer Season Opens September 30, 2023 and Closes February 4, 2024. Archery season in Ohio typically opens the last Saturday of September and closes the first Sunday of February.
Disease Surveillance Area Early Season
Because Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was discovered in a few counties, an early season has been established for more testing in Marion, Wyandot, and Hardin Counties. This is no change from the previous season.
Early Season Dates for Disease Surveillance Areas
Early Archery Season will open on September 9, 2023 and remain open until the statewide season ends.
Early Gun Season will be open October 7-9, 2023 for the established surveillance areas
The rest of the statewide seasons apply to these counties.
Related: What is the bag limit for deer in Ohio?
Archery Season
For Ohio, archery means longbow, recurve, crossbow, or compound as long as the minimum draw weights are met. Crossbows require a 75lb draw weight while longbows, recurves, and compounds require a minimum of a 40lb draw weight. Youths and adults are held to the same minimum draw weights.
Related: How Much Does it Cost to Deer Hunt in Ohio
Youth Gun Season (17 and younger)
Youth gun season for Ohio is November 18-19 for 2023. It is typically the weekend prior to Thanksgiving. The youth gun season has the same weapons restrictions as adults. Guns that can be used are straight wall rifle cartridges such as .350 Legend, 450 Bushmaster, and .444 Marlin. Shotguns with slugs only as well as muzzleloading rifles that are .38 caliber or larger are allowed. Pistols are also an option as long as the barrel is a minimum of 5 inches in length with a caliber of .357 or larger. Archery is allowed but wearing orange is a requirement.
Gun Season (All Ages)
The gun season for Ohio is November 27th – December 3rd for 2023. Historically, the gun season starts the Monday after Thanksgiving and runs to the following Sunday. The same rules for weapons apply for the gun season as they do youth gun season. Archery is allowed but wearing orange is a requirement.
Bonus Gun Weekend (All Ages)
The bonus gun season for Ohio is December 16th-17th for 2023. This two-day season usually happens on the third weekend of December. This is typically two weeks after the regular gun season ends. The same rules for weapons apply for this bonus season like all other gun seasons. Archery is allowed but wearing orange is a requirement.
Muzzle Loader Season (All Ages)
The muzzleloader season for Ohio is January 6th-19th 2024. This is the last opportunity to hunt deer with any kind of gun for the 2023-2024 Season. This season usually takes the place the first weekend of January and runs Saturday through Tuesday. Muzzleloading rifles that are .38 caliber or larger can be used. Archery is allowed during this season but orange must be worn.
Now that you know when the seasons open, head on over here to price out your Ohio Hunting License and Deer tag from Ohio’s New HuntFishOhio App
Can You Hunt on Sundays in Ohio?
Yes, Sunday hunting is permitted on both private and public land. Prior to 2002, Sunday hunting was prohibited.