HUNTING LICENSES

A Hunting License is required in the state of Ohio to hunt any game animal. There are a variety of license types available depending on your age, residency status, and what type of game you plan to hunt. Some of the hunting license types in Ohio include:  

Adult Hunting Licenses

There are various types of adult hunting licenses for hunters who wish to take game within the state of Ohio, including resident and non-resident license types. Adult Hunting Licenses for residents of Ohio may be valid for 1-10 years depending on the type of license purchased. Lifetime Adult Hunting License types are also available.

Youth Hunting Licenses

There are various types of youth hunting licenses for young hunters who wish to take game within the state of Ohio, including resident and non-resident license types. Youth Hunting Licenses for residents of Ohio may be valid for 1-10 years depending on the type of license purchased.

Senior Hunting Licenses

There are various types of youth hunting licenses for young hunters who wish to take game within the state of Ohio, including resident and non-resident license types. Senior Hunting Licenses for residents of Ohio may be valid for 1-5 years depending on the type of license purchased. Lifetime Senior License types are also available. 

GAME SPECIES

Ohio offers a wide variety of game species for all types of hunters. The state’s varied landscape results in a variety of habitats and ecosystems which are home to big and small game, waterfowl, and a variety of furbearers. Some of the game species in Ohio include: 

• Big game including white-tailed deer and turkey.
• Small game including squirrel, grouse, rabbit, quail, and groundhog.
• Waterfowl and other migratory game birds including ducks, geese, and mourning dove.
• Furbearers including otter, beaver, mink, fox, raccoon, and opossum, among others.  

NON-GAME SPECIES

Nongame species within Ohio make up a significant number of the state’s wildlife populations and include mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates which typically may not be hunted, are considered a nuisance, or are protected, endangered, or at risk. There is, unfortunately, a lengthy list of endangered, protected, and threatened species within the state. For more information on nongame, and endangered species within the state visit The Nature Conservancy website. Nongame species within Ohio make up a significant number of the state’s wildlife populations and include mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates which typically may not be hunted, are considered a nuisance, or are protected, endangered, or at risk. There is, unfortunately, a lengthy list of endangered, protected, and threatened species within the state. For more information on nongame, and endangered species within the state visit The Nature Conservancy website.

INVASIVE SPECIES

Invasive animals and other pests have been introduced to the United States, including the State or Ohio, and have become a threat to native wildlife. These animals, plants, fish, and invertebrates typically have no natural predators which can result in rapid spread and population growth. This in turn can seriously harm the state’s lands and waters, and can be detrimental to the health and population numbers of a variety of the state’s native plants and animals. Some common invasive species in Ohio include the emerald ash borer and asian long horned beetle, among many others.. 

In order to protect Ohio’s native plants and animals, invasive species must be controlled and eradicated. Anyone who encounters or suspects that they have encountered an invasive species within the state is encouraged to report the sighting so that it can be monitored and controlled. For information on how to report various types of invasive species in Ohio visit the Ohio Forest Association Website.  

PRIVATE LAND

Much of the land in Ohio is privately owned. Hunters can typically freely take game animals hunted on their own private property, or may seek permission from a landowner to hunt on private property. Hunters who wish to take game on privately owned land must follow state hunting regulations as well as any regulations specified by the landowner. Hunters must ensure they respect the rights and property of the landowner at all times. 

PUBLIC LAND

Some of Ohio’s best hunting opportunities can be found on public lands within the state within numerous state Wildlife Areas. Hunters may also find opportunities within one of the states many state parks and forests. The purpose of the state-owned land is to provide management of wildlife and habitat and to provide hunting and trapping opportunities for hunters. 

State-managed lands may have specific rules and regulations in place that must be followed by all land users. State lands may also be used for other recreational purposes including horseback riding, snowmobiling, and bicycling.  

For more information on the rules and regulations that apply to hunters and other recreational users of state lands, visit the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website. 

Hunting in Ohio’s Wildlife Management Areas

Wildlife Areas (WMAs) in Ohio are designated as public lands that are state-owned and operated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.  There are more than 100 Wildlife Areas in the state of Ohio, encompassing hundreds of thousands of acres of forests, grasslands, and wetlands, and other natural areas. These spaces are open to hunting and other types of outdoor recreational activities. 

WMA Regulations

Additional rules, regulations and restrictions may apply when hunting in Wildlife Areas or using them for other recreational purposes. Regulations will typically be posted within the area, and may vary depending on the Wildlife Area you’re accessing. Some of these regulations may include:

• Firearm type restrictions and take method restrictions
• Restrictions on training dogs for hunting purposes
• Restrictions on motor vehicle access