Ohio’s 2026–27 Hunting and Trapping Seasons Proposed by Wildlife Council
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Proposed hunting and trapping seasons for Ohio’s 2026–27 season beginning this fall were presented Wednesday to the Ohio Wildlife Council, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources ODNR Division of Wildlife.
The proposals include season dates for white-tailed deer, waterfowl, migratory birds, wild turkey, and small game across the state.
Officials say the proposed seasons are largely similar to last year’s framework but include several adjustments related to disease monitoring, deer management permits, and wildlife conservation measures.
A complete list of proposed rule changes is available at wildohio.gov, where the public can submit comments from March 2 through April 1, 2026.
A statewide public hearing on the proposed rules is scheduled for April 8, and if approved by the Wildlife Council, the rules will take effect June 30, 2026.
Proposed 2026–27 Deer Hunting Seasons
Under the proposal, only one antlered deer may be harvested statewide, regardless of the hunting method or location.
Legal hunting hours would remain 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
Proposed deer season dates include:
-
Deer Archery: Sept. 26, 2026 – Feb. 7, 2027
-
Youth Deer Gun: Nov. 21–22, 2026
-
Deer Gun: Nov. 30 – Dec. 6, 2026; Dec. 19–20, 2026
-
Deer Muzzleloader: Jan. 2–5, 2027
Officials also proposed expanded use of deer management permits, which allow hunters to harvest antlerless deer throughout the season.
Proposed Changes to Deer Bag Limits
Several counties could see adjustments to their deer harvest limits if the proposals are approved.
The Wildlife Council is considering:
-
Increasing the bag limit to three deer in Defiance, Paulding, and Warren counties
-
Reducing the bag limit to two deer in Athens, Meigs, and Washington counties
The reduction follows a 2025 outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) that significantly impacted deer populations in southeastern Ohio.
Additionally, officials proposed a six-deer seasonal bag limit within Ohio’s Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance area.
The surveillance zone could also expand to include:
-
All of Allen County
-
Van Buren Township in Hancock County
-
Holmes Township in Crawford County
Hunters inside the surveillance area could receive additional opportunities to harvest deer if the rules are approved:
-
Early Deer Archery: Sept. 12, 2026 – Feb. 7, 2027
-
Early Deer Gun: Oct. 10–12, 2026
Additional Hunting Season Proposals
The Wildlife Council also reviewed proposals affecting waterfowl, small game, migratory birds, and fall wild turkey seasons. Most dates remain similar to previous years.
Notable proposals include:
-
Ruffed grouse hunting would be limited to controlled hunts at four designated areas, with permit applications opening in July.
-
Fall wild turkey hunting would be restricted to shotguns using shotshells only, eliminating the use of archery equipment for the fall season.
Waterfowl seasons will continue under three geographic zones with updated boundaries, which were approved in 2025.
Proposed Changes to Ohio’s Endangered Species List
During Wednesday’s meeting, the council also reviewed recommended updates to Ohio’s threatened and endangered species list as part of a five-year scientific review.
Proposed changes include:
-
American barn owl: Downlisted from threatened to species of concern after genetic research suggested a larger Midwest population than previously believed.
-
Blackchin shiner: Proposed to move from extirpated to endangered following successful re-establishment in several Ohio lakes.
Scientists also recommended adding 33 species to the list, including:
-
17 bee species
-
16 aquatic invertebrates
The additions follow extensive biological surveys across the state.
Public Participation Encouraged
The eight-member Ohio Wildlife Council is responsible for approving all wildlife rule changes proposed by the Division of Wildlife.
Council meetings are open to the public. Individuals wishing to speak must register at least two days in advance by calling 614-265-6304, and comments are limited to three minutes per speaker.
According to the ODNR Division of Wildlife, the agency’s mission is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all Ohioans.
More information about the proposed hunting seasons and wildlife rule changes can be found at wildohio.gov.
