OHIO — Ohio's deer archery season kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 28 and runs through Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources said. 

What You Need To Know

  • During this season, hunters may use crossbows, compound bows, recurve bows and longbows

  • The extensive deer archery season is among the most popular hunting seasons in Ohio

  • ODNR said October and November are popular for deer hunting because of increase deer activity, since it's their breeding season

During this season, hunters may use crossbows, compound bows, recurve bows and longbows. 

The extensive deer archery season is among the most popular hunting seasons in Ohio. During the 2023-2024 season, there were a record 100,951 taken by hunters. More than 213,000 were checked. 

ODNR said October and November are popular for deer hunting because of increase deer activity, since it's their breeding season. More than two-thirds of all deer harvested last year were checked in these two months, ODNR said. 

In addition to archery season, there will also be a two-day youth gun season on Nov. 16 and Nov. 17. The seven-day gun season starts Dec. 2 and runs through Dec. 8. There's also a two-day gun season for all hunters on Dec. 21 and Dec. 22, ODNR said. 

Hunters must have a valid license and deer permit. To learn more, click here.

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