Ohio · Deer · 2026–27 Edition
Ohio Deer Season 2026–27: Dates, Zones & Bag Limits
Sep 26 — mark it
Mark it.
2026–27 Edition
01 — Seasons by method
| Method | Zones | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Statewide | Sep 26 – Feb 7 |
| Youth gun | Statewide | Nov 21 – Nov 22 |
| Gun | Statewide | Nov 30 – Dec 6 |
| Gun (bonus) | Statewide | Dec 19 – Dec 20 |
| Muzzleloader | Statewide | Jan 2 – Jan 5 |
| Early archery | CWD surveillance area | Sep 12 – Feb 7 |
| Early gun | CWD surveillance area | Oct 10 – Oct 12 |
02 — Bag limits
| Statewide | 1 antlered deer max (any method or location) |
|---|---|
| By county | Antlerless/total limits vary — e.g. 3 (Defiance, Paulding, Warren); 2 (Athens, Meigs, Washington); 6 (CWD surveillance area). See agency. |
03 — Shooting hours
Legal light on opening day (September 26, 2026) 06:52 — 19:50
Rule: 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Sunrise/sunset shift daily — the times above are computed for opening day; use your local Ohio sun times for any other date.
04 — License
A Ohio hunting license and deer permit are required. A dedicated Ohio license page — costs, age rules and where to buy — is coming; for now, buy and read the rules straight from the agency.
05 — FAQ
When does deer season start in Ohio?
The earliest 2026–27 opener is September 26, 2026 (archery). Gun and muzzleloader dates differ — see the table above.
When does deer season end in Ohio?
The latest 2026–27 closing date is February 7, 2027. Individual methods and zones close on their own dates.
Verified · Ohio Division of Wildlife · Last verified 2026-08-01
Publisher's note. Statewide dates as approved by the Ohio Wildlife Council (April 29, 2026). Confirm county bag limits and disease-surveillance-area rules in the current Ohio hunting regulations before hunting.