OHIO — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources announced hunting and fishing licenses are now available for the 2025-2026 seasons. 

There are a few ways to purchase them:

Ohio resident fishing licenses are $25 and are valid for one year from the date of purchase, ODNR said. They can also be purchase up to 30 days before the expiration date. These licenses are required to fish in any state public waters for those 16 and older. 

Hunting licenses are $19 for adults and $10 for youth. They are valid immediately after purchasing through Feb. 28, 2026. All hunters, no matter the age, must have a valid hunting license to hunt or trap in the Buckeye State.

There are also options for multiyear hunting and fishing licenses are also available, including three-year, five-year and 10-year licenses. 

ODNR said license sales benefit both the wildlife and the people. The Division of Wildlife helps maintain more than 2 million acres of water and 750,000 acres of public land, which have habitats that support popular hunting animals, including deer, turkey and walleye, as well as helps support butterfly and bald eagle populations.

Funds also go toward wildlife management and habitat conservation efforts. 

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