Ohio Bow Hunting: Season Dates & Public Land
📅 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
Whitetail Deer, Turkey
Southeastern Ohio. Appalachian foothills. Quality public land hunting with mature timber.
Muskingum Watershed
Whitetail Deer, Turkey
East-central Ohio. Excellent late-season food source hunting near agricultural areas.
Tar Hollow State Forest
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
🏛️ Official Wildlife Agency & Sources
Hunting seasons, tag quotas, and bag limits are established by state wildlife agencies and change annually. For official regulations, proclamations, and license purchases, consult:
Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR)
Official State Wildlife Agency
Status: 2026 Season Guide
Ohio Bowhunting FAQ
Why does Ohio produce so many trophy whitetails?
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.