Ohio
750,000
Est. Whitetail Population
289,000
No. Licenses Sold Annually
$50 and Up
Resident hunting license and deer permit
$257 and Up
Non-resident hunting license and deer permit
201 1/8"
Taken by Bradley S. Jerman in Warren County in 2004. It ranks No. 15 of all time.
Record B&C Typical Stat
771
Total B&C Typical Entries
328 2/8"
The top-scoring nontypical was picked up in Portage County in 1940. It is the second-highest scoring nontypical of all time.
Record B&C Non-Typical Stat
521
Record B&C Non-Typical Entries
Check out the latest info for Ohio. Image by Steve Jamsa
Season Dates (2024):
Bow season is Sept. 28 to Feb. 2. Youth weekend is Nov. 16 and 17. Gun season is Dec. 2-8, and Dec. 21-22. Muzzleloader season is Jan. 4-7. Please check the OHIO DNR WEBSITE to confirm.
The Grade: A
As Antler Nation grading criteria goes, Ohio is arguably the best state in the country. It has solid deer densities and consistently big bucks. OTC licenses are inexpensive, and public land is abundant. As midwestern states go, it receives low hunting pressure. That said, finding a place to hunt isn’t quite as simple as it once was, and we expect that trend to continue as more hunters discover the Buckeye State. But that doesn’t deter us from giving it the coveted A for yet another deer season.
Antler Nation Knowledge:
The entire state enjoys good genetics, habitat, and soil. Ohio cranks out Booner bucks like few other places. Still, looking solely at data from the past decade, there are several winners. Adams, Butler, Coshocton, Franklin, Highland, Licking, Muskingum, and Summit take most of the top spots. You also can’t go wrong with other counties in the southern half of the state.
In recent years, Ohio put into effect public-land restrictions meant to increase the buck age structure. Some national forests, natural areas, preserves, state parks and other areas are OPEN TO HUNTING. The state has many large tracts of ground that are open to the public. Some of these require a permit, though. Check specific regulations for individual hunt areas. Hunters should also consider applying for controlled hunt opportunities. These hunts are held on Ohio Division of Wildlife properties, parks and watercraft areas, natural areas, and some preserves.
If you decide to hunt public land, just know this can be unforgiving terrain. Most of this country is rugged and hilly, and it takes endurance and sweat to reach some of the best spots on public ground. But it’s worth it. There are giants living in the hills of Ohio, and they aren’t in short supply.
