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Compound Bow Hunting in Ohio — Top 5 Whitetail State Every Season

Whitetail DeerWild TurkeyBlack Bear (growing)

📅 2026 Season & License Info

Archery Season Open

October 2

Archery Season Close

February 2

Min Draw Weight

40 lbs

Resident License

$19/yr

Non-Resident License

$125/yr

Top Species

Whitetail Deer, Wild Turkey, Black Bear (growing)

📍 Top Public Hunting Spots

Wayne National Forest

244,000 acres

Whitetail Deer, Turkey

Southeastern Ohio. Appalachian foothills. Quality public land hunting with mature timber.

Muskingum Watershed

55,000 acres

Whitetail Deer, Turkey

East-central Ohio. Excellent late-season food source hunting near agricultural areas.

Tar Hollow State Forest

16,000 acres

Whitetail Deer, Turkey

Ross County. Less crowded than Wayne NF. Interior ridges hold mature bucks.

⚖️ Ohio Archery Regulations

  • •Minimum draw weight: 40 lbs
  • •Ohio has NO minimum antler restrictions statewide — any buck is legal
  • •Sunday hunting allowed since 2022
  • •Part B license required for deer — inexpensive add-on

💡 Expert Tips for Ohio

  • →Ohio consistently produces Boone & Crockett entries despite high hunting pressure
  • →The rut in central Ohio peaks November 5–15 with some of the most visible chasing in the Midwest
  • →Public land in Wayne National Forest receives less pressure than private land — use it
  • →Counties along the Ohio River (Lawrence, Gallia, Meigs) consistently produce trophy bucks
⚠️ Regulation Disclaimer: Hunting regulations change annually. Always verify current season dates, bag limits, and equipment requirements with the Ohio state wildlife agency before hunting. This information is for planning purposes only.

Ohio Bowhunting FAQ

Ohio combines rich agricultural land (corn, soybeans, alfalfa), mature hardwood timber, relatively low antler restrictions, and diverse habitat types. The state has a large deer population with excellent genetics, particularly in the eastern and southern counties where Appalachian terrain creates natural sanctuaries for deer to reach old age. Ohio ranks in the top 5 nationally for B&C entries most years.