Ohio Deer Season 2026-27
Ohio deer season dates start with Sep 12, 2026-Feb 7, 2027. The table below keeps every listed deer row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
Ohio's listed 2026-27 firearm deer season runs Nov 30-Dec 6, 2026.
Archery White-tailed Deer opens Sep 12, 2026 and closes Feb 7, 2027.
Archery White-tailed Deer opens Sep 26, 2026 and closes Feb 7, 2027.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Ohio DNR.
Deer
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Zone: Disease Surveillance Area
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Early Firearm
Zone: Disease Surveillance Area
White-tailed Deer
Youth Gun
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Regular Firearm
Two separate firearm periods: Nov. 30-Dec. 6 and Dec. 19-Dec. 20
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Regular Firearm
Second firearm period
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader
Zone: Statewide
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Nearby deer seasons
Ohio Deer Season FAQ
When does deer season open in Ohio?
September 12, 2026 is the earliest listed deer opener in Ohio — archery white-tailed deer runs Sep 12, 2026-Feb 7, 2027. Confirm zone and permit details with Ohio DNR.
What are the 2026-27 deer season dates in Ohio?
Ohio lists 7 deer season windows: Archery White-tailed Deer (Sep 12, 2026-Feb 7, 2027); Archery White-tailed Deer (Sep 26, 2026-Feb 7, 2027); Early Firearm White-tailed Deer (Oct 10-12, 2026); Youth Gun White-tailed Deer (Nov 21-22, 2026); Regular Firearm White-tailed Deer (Nov 30-Dec 6, 2026); Regular Firearm White-tailed Deer (Dec 19-20, 2026); Muzzleloader White-tailed Deer (Jan 2-5, 2027). Always verify against Ohio DNR before hunting.
Are there different deer seasons in Ohio?
Yes — Ohio lists separate deer seasons for Archery White-tailed Deer, Early Firearm White-tailed Deer, Youth Gun White-tailed Deer, Regular Firearm White-tailed Deer, Muzzleloader White-tailed Deer. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and Ohio DNR.
Do I need a license to hunt deer in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and deer hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with Ohio DNR.