Hunting & Trapping Regulations 2018-2019 - DIVISION OF WILDLIFE - ODNR Division of Wildlife
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Hunting & Trapping
Regulations 2018-2019
Effective SEPTEMBER 1, 2018
to AUGUST 31, 2019
OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF WILDLIFE
w i l d o h i o. g ov
OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
2018-2019
DIVISION OF WILDLIFE
district offices CHANGES
White-tailed deer hunting on public
PLEASE CONTACT A land has new regulations. See page 7.
DISTRICT OFFICE TO REACH
Duck bag limits have changed for
A WILDLIFE OFFICER some species. See page 22.
Fall wild turkey hunting has expanded
in three new counties. See page 14.
A permit is required to shoot at Class B
and Class C firearm target ranges. See
page 40.
TO REPORT POACHING
1-800-POACHER
( 1 - 8 0 0 - 76 2 - 2 4 37 )
OHIO GAME CHECK
OHIOGAMECHECK.COM
1-877-TAG-IT-OH
( 1 - 87 7 - 8 2 4 - 4 8 6 4 )
WILDLIFE HEADQUARTERS HIP CERTIFICATION
2045 Morse Road
Columbus, OH 43229‑6693
1-877-HIP-OHIO
( 1 - 87 7 - 4 4 7 - 6 4 4 6 )
(614) 265‑6300 (Voice)
1-800-750-0750 (Ohio Relay-TTY) VISIT US ON THE WEB
WILDLIFE DISTRICT ONE WILDOHIO.GOV
1500 Dublin Road
FOR GENERAL INFORMATION
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 644‑3925 1-800-WILDLIFE
( 1 - 8 0 0 - 94 5 - 3 5 4 3 )
WILDLIFE DISTRICT TWO
952 Lima Avenue
Findlay, OH 45840
(419) 424‑5000
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
WILDLIFE DISTRICT THREE Like us on Facebook
912 Portage Lakes Drive facebook.com/ohiodivisionofwildlife
Akron, OH 44319
Follow us on Twitter
(330) 644‑2293 twitter.com/OhioDivWildlife
WILDLIFE DISTRICT FOUR The ODNR Division of Wildlife is funded by annual hunting,
360 E. State Street trapping, and fishing license sales. It is the authority on Ohio’s
Athens, OH 45701 fish and wildlife resources, and uses no state or federal tax-
payer dollars to fulfill its mission. Additional funds come in
(740) 589-9930 the form of federal aid reimbursement from an excise tax on
hunting and fishing equipment.
WILDLIFE DISTRICT FIVE Money generated allows the ODNR Division of Wildlife to
1076 Old Springfield Pike promote the conservation efforts of game and non-game
animals. Examples of these efforts include endangered and
Xenia, OH 45385 threatened species restoration, fish hatcheries, hunter and an-
(937) 372‑9261 gler education, and law enforcement.
2018-2019 OHIO HUNTING
& TRAPPING REGULATIONS
THIS SUMMARY is intended for the convenience of hunters and trappers and IS
NOT INTENDED to cover all laws and regulations. THIS SUMMARY is not intended
for use as evidence or as a defense in a criminal or civil case. Because of possible
changes, this summary may not be an accurate reflection of the Ohio Revised Code
and Ohio Administrative Code, which contains the details of these regulations. Cop‑
ies of the actual laws are available for review at each ODNR Division of Wildlife
district office and online at wildohio.gov.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SEASONS AND DATES 4
WHITE-TAILED DEER HUNTING 6
WILD TURKEY HUNTING 14
YOUTH HUNTING 16
GAME TAG AND CHECK 18
SMALL GAME & FURBEARER HUNTING 20
WATERFOWL & MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING 22
FURBEARER TRAPPING 29
SUNRISE AND SUNSET TABLES 32
LICENSES AND PERMITS 34
GENERAL INFORMATION 38
LEGAL DEFINITIONS 42
ON THE COVER: JAMES • KILLDEER PLAINS WILDLIFE AREA YOUTH HUNT
PHOTO BY DENNIS KLINGMAN
OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF WILDLIFE
The ODNR Division of Wildlife’s mission is to conserve and improve fish and
wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
The ODNR Division of Wildlife offers equal opportunity
regardless of race, color, national origin, age, disability or
sex (in education programs). If you believe you have been
discriminated against in any program, activity or facility, you
should contact:
The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Diversity & Civil Rights Programs-External Programs,
4040 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 130, Arlington, VA 22203
Ohio Department of Natural Resources, EEO Office PUBLICATION 5085 (R0618)
2045 Morse Road, Bldg. D, Columbus, OH 43229-6695. Total Printed: 625,000 Unit Cost: $0.143 Pub Date: 08/18
2018-2019 OHIO HUNTING & TRAPPING REGULATIONS
seasons & dates
S E A SO NS & D AT E S
SEASON OPENING DATE CLOSING DATE PAGE
Deer Archery Sept. 29, 2018 Feb. 3 2019 6
Deer Youth Gun Nov. 17, 2018 Nov. 18, 2018 6
White-tailed
Deer Nov. 26, 2018 Dec. 2, 2018
HUNTING Deer Gun 6
Dec. 15, 2018 Dec. 16, 2018
Deer Muzzleloader Jan. 5, 2019 Jan. 8, 2019 6
Fall Turkey: Select counties Oct. 13, 2018 Nov. 25, 2018 14
Youth Spring Turkey April 13, 2019 April 14, 2019 14
Wild Turkey
HUNTING Spring Turkey: South Zone
April 22, 2019 May 19, 2019 14
(except for Lake La Su An)
Spring Turkey: Northeast Zone April 29, 2019 May 26, 2019 14
American Crow
June 1, 2018 March 2, 2019 20
(Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only)
Squirrel (red, gray, black, and fox) Sept. 1, 2018 Jan. 31, 2019 20
Ruffed Grouse Oct. 13, 2018 Jan. 31, 2019 20
Cottontail Rabbit Nov. 2, 2018 Feb. 28, 2019 20
Ring-necked Pheasant Nov. 2, 2018 Jan. 13, 2019 20
Chukar Nov. 2, 2018 Jan. 13, 2019 20
Small Game
& Furbearer Bobwhite Quail: Select counties Nov. 2, 2018 Nov. 25, 2018 20
HUNTING Fox (red and gray), Raccoon,
Nov. 10, 2018 Jan. 31, 2019 20
Skunk, Opossum, and Weasel
Coyote No closed season 20
Feral Swine (wild boar) No closed season 20
Groundhog Closed during deer gun season only 20
Oct. 20, 2018 Oct. 21, 2018
Youth Small Game 20
Oct. 27, 2018 Oct. 28, 2018
Fox (red and gray), Raccoon,
Nov. 10, 2018 Jan. 31, 2019 29
Skunk, Opossum, and Weasel
Mink, Muskrat Nov. 10, 2018 Feb. 28, 2019 29
Furbearer Mink, Muskrat, Raccoon, Opossum,
TRAPPING Nov. 10, 2018 March 15, 2019 29
Skunk, Weasel: Select counties
Beaver Dec. 26, 2018 Feb. 28, 2019 29
River Otter Dec. 26, 2018 Feb. 28, 2019 29
Hunting any wild animal (except waterfowl) from 30 minutes before
sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset during the youth deer gun season,
deer gun season, and the deer muzzleloader season is unlawful un-
less the hunter is visibly wearing a vest, coat, jacket, or coveralls that
are either solid hunter orange or camouflage hunter orange.
This requirement applies statewide on both public and private land.
4
2018-2019 OHIO HUNTING & TRAPPING REGULATIONS
seasons & dates
S E AS ON S & DAT E S
SEASON OPENING DATE CLOSING DATE PAGE
Early Canada Geese Sept. 1, 2018 Sept. 9, 2018 23
Waterfowl Teal (Blue-winged, Green-winged,
HUNTING Sept. 1, 2018 Sept. 16, 2018 23
and Cinnamon)
Youth Waterfowl Youth season Oct. 6, 2018 Oct. 7, 2018 22
HUNTING
Oct. 13, 2018 Oct. 28, 2018
Geese (Canada, White-fronted,
Lake Erie Nov. 10, 2018 Dec. 23, 2018 22
Snow, Blue, Ross's), Brant
Marsh Zone Jan. 5, 2019 Feb. 9, 2019
Waterfowl
HUNTING Oct. 13, 2018 Oct. 28, 2018
Ducks, Coots, and Mergansers 22
Nov. 10, 2018 Dec. 23, 2018
Oct. 20, 2018 Nov. 4, 2018
Geese (Canada, White-fronted,
Nov. 17, 2018 Dec. 30, 2018 22
North Zone Snow, Blue, Ross's), Brant
Waterfowl Jan. 5, 2019 Feb. 9, 2019
HUNTING Oct. 20, 2018 Nov. 4, 2018
Ducks, Coots, and Mergansers 22
Nov. 17, 2018 Dec. 30, 2018
Geese (Canada, White-fronted, Oct. 20, 2018 Nov. 4, 2018
South Zone 22
Waterfowl Snow, Blue, Ross's), Brant Nov. 22, 2018 Feb. 9, 2019
HUNTING Oct. 20, 2018 Nov. 4, 2018
Ducks, Coots, and Mergansers 22
Dec. 15, 2018 Jan. 27, 2019
Dove Sept. 1, 2018 Nov. 4, 2018
23
(Mourning and Eurasian-collared) Dec. 15, 2018 Jan. 8, 2019
Rail (Virginia, Sora) Sept. 1, 2018 Nov. 9, 2018 23
Migratory Bird Common Moorhen (Gallinule) Sept. 1, 2018 Nov. 9, 2018 23
HUNTING
Sept. 1, 2018 Nov. 25, 2018
Common Snipe 23
Dec. 15, 2018 Jan. 4, 2019
American Woodcock Oct. 12, 2018 Nov. 25, 2018 23
Miami County
5
2018-2019 OHIO HUNTING & TRAPPING REGULATIONS
white-tailed deer hunting
W H I T E -TA I L E D DE E R HU N T IN G
SEASON OPENING DATE CLOSING DATE BAG LIMIT
Archery Sept. 29, 2018 Feb. 3, 2019 The statewide bag
Youth Gun Nov. 17, 2018 Nov. 18, 2018 limit is six deer.
Nov. 26, 2018 Dec. 2, 2018 Only one may be antlered.
Gun
Dec. 15, 2018 Dec. 16, 2018 You cannot exceed an
Muzzleloader Jan. 5, 2019 Jan. 8, 2019 individual county bag limit.
2018-2019 COUNTY BAG LIMIT MAP
Only one may be antlered.
Additional restrictions apply when hunting deer on public land. See page 7 for more information.
TWO DEER THREE DEER THREE DEER FOUR DEER
COUNTY COUNTY COUNTY COUNTY
A hunter may kill A hunter may kill A hunter may kill A hunter may kill
no more than two no more than three no more than three no more than four
deer in a two deer deer in a three deer deer in a three deer deer in a four deer
county during the county during the county during the county during the
2018-2019 season. 2018-2019 season. 2018-2019 season. 2018-2019 season.
Up to two either-sex Up to three either-
Up to two Up to three
permits and one sex permits and one
either-sex permits. either-sex permits.
antlerless permit. antlerless permit.
- OR - - OR -
Antlerless permits Antlerless permits Up to three Up to four
are NOT valid. are NOT valid. either-sex permits. either-sex permits.
6DEER BAG LIMITS DEER HUNTING HOURS
WHIT E - TAI L E D DE E R H U NT I NG
A hunter may kill no more than one ant- Hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30
lered deer during the 2018-2019 season minutes after sunset.
regardless of where or how it is taken.
TWO DEER COUNTIES DEER HUNTING
No more than two deer may be taken from ON PUBLIC LAND
a two deer county during the 2018-2019 No more than one antlerless deer may
deer hunting season. be taken from all public hunting areas
Both deer need to be tagged with an ei- per license year. Authorized ODNR Di-
ther-sex permit. The antlerless permit is not vision of Wildlife controlled hunts and
valid in a two deer county. some Ohio State Parks listed at wildo-
hio.gov are exempt.
THREE DEER COUNTIES From Sept. 29, 2018 through Dec. 2,
No more than three deer may be taken 2018, antlered or antlerless deer may be
from a three deer county during the 2018- taken from public hunting areas in Ohio.
2019 deer hunting season. From Dec. 3, 2018, through Feb. 3, 2019,
The antlerless permit is not valid in most only antlered deer may be taken from
three deer counties. Check the antlerless specific public hunting areas in Ohio.
permit map on page 8 to determine if the
antlerless permit is valid in the county CONTROLLED DEER HUNTS
where you hunt. The ODNR Division of Wildlife conducts an-
One deer may be tagged with an antlerless nual controlled hunts on a number of man-
permit in specific three deer counties, and aged areas that are not normally open to
two deer may be tagged with either-sex hunting. The dates and locations of these
permits. The antlerless permit is not valid hunts vary from year to year. For more spe-
in specific counties after Nov. 25, 2018. cific information about controlled hunts,
visit wildohio.gov or call 1-800-WILDLIFE
Three deer may be tagged with either-sex (1-800-945-3543).
permits if the antlerless permit is not valid
or not used. Participation is determined by computer-
generated random drawings. The appli-
FOUR DEER COUNTIES cation period is June 1 through July 31,
No more than four deer may be taken from 2018. Hunters may apply at wildohio.gov,
a four deer county during the 2018-2019 or by calling 1-866-703-1928 with a con-
deer hunting season. venience fee.
One deer may be tagged with an antlerless Other controlled deer hunts are held at
permit and three deer may be tagged with various locations around Ohio, including
an either-sex permit. The antlerless permit specific state parks and metro parks. The
is not valid in specific counties after Nov. ODNR Division of Wildlife is not involved
25, 2018. in the management or administration of
these hunts. Antlerless deer permits MAY
Four deer may be tagged with either-sex be used in these controlled hunts through-
permits if the antlerless permit is not used. out the season if they meet requirements
Mahoning County set by the ODNR Division of Wildlife and
the entity holding the hunt has received
authorization from the chief of the ODNR
Division of Wildlife. It is the hunter’s re-
sponsibility to check with the agency hold-
ing the hunt to see if it qualifies.
The ODNR Division of Wildlife conducts
several controlled deer hunts for young
hunters. See pages 16-17 for more details
and other youth hunting opportunities.
7DEER TAG AND CHECK OPEN COUNTIES FOR
W H I T E -TA I L E D DE E R HU N T IN G
Hunters who kill a deer ANTLERLESS DEER PERMIT
must immediately: An antlerless deer permit is valid from Sept.
Complete a game tag with the hunter’s 29- Nov. 25, 2018 in these counties: Cuyahoga,
name, date, time, and county of kill. Delaware, Franklin, Hamilton, Lake, Lorain,
Lucas, Portage, Stark, and Summit.
Attach the completed game tag to the
deer at the place where it fell.
Fill in the deer permit with date, time, 2018 ANTLERLESS DEER PERMIT
and county of kill. OPEN COUNTIES MAP
A person cannot leave Ohio with a deer
taken by hunting that has not been
game checked with the confirmation
number permanently attached.
The hunter must complete the game
check and tagging process by 12 p.m.
(noon) the day after the kill. If the deer
is killed on the last day of a season, then
it must be checked in by 11:30 p.m. on
the day of the kill.
See Game Tag and Check, page 18.
DEER HUNTING PERMITS
In addition to your Ohio annual hunting
license, you must purchase an either-sex
deer permit or an antlerless deer permit to
hunt deer in Ohio, unless exempted. Deer Counties open for antlerless permit
permits go on sale June 1, 2018.
The antlerless deer permit is valid EITHER-SEX DEER PERMIT
Sept. 29 through Nov. 25, 2018. The either-sex deer permit is good for an
The either-sex deer permit is valid antlered or antlerless deer and is valid
Sept. 29, 2018 through Feb. 3, 2019. statewide. This permit may be used dur-
ing any of the deer hunting seasons and
ANTLERLESS DEER PERMIT controlled hunts. This permit may be pur-
The antlerless deer permit is valid in select chased individually throughout the entire
counties (see map, page 8) from Sept. 29 - deer season. No more than one deer may
Nov. 25, 2018. The antlerless deer permit be antlered during the 2018-2019 season.
may be used to take antlerless deer only.
This permit is valid during the youth deer CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE
season and at ODNR Division of Wildlife au- Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been de-
thorized controlled hunts (see page 7). The tected at captive deer facilities in Ohio. The
antlerless deer permit will not be sold after ODNR Division of Wildlife has established a
Nov. 25, 2018. Disease Surveillance Area (DSA). DSAs are
Hunters are not required to buy an either-sex mapped and regulations are posted at wil-
deer permit before purchasing an antlerless dohio.gov and available at district offices.
deer permit. A DSA designation will remain in effect
for a minimum of three years and the fol-
WHAT IS AN ANTLERLESS DEER? lowing regulations apply: requires hunt-
Antlerless deer include deer without ant- ers to bring deer harvested within the DSA
lers, and deer with antlers less than 3 inch- boundaries to an ODNR Division of Wildlife
es in length. inspection station for sampling during the
Antlered deer are deer with at least one deer-gun and deer muzzleloader seasons
8 antler 3 inches or longer in length. (check wildohio.gov or any district officeDEER CARCASS REGULATIONS
WHIT E - TAI L E D DE E R H U NT I NG
Harrison County
To minimize risk of spreading CWD, pos-
sessing or removing high-risk carcass parts
from Cervids (deer, moose, elk, and cari-
bou) harvested in areas listed at wildohio.
gov is prohibited.
Only the following parts may be pos-
sessed from any Cervid removed from
these locations: de-boned meat; meat that
is cut and securely wrapped either com-
mercially or privately with no part of the
spinal column or head attached; quarters
for locations and specific details); prohibits or other portions of meat with no part of
the placement of or use of bait (salt, min- the spinal column or head attached; ant-
erals, or any food) to attract or feed deer lers; antlers attached to a skull cap from
within the DSA boundaries; prohibits hunt- which all soft tissue has been removed; up-
ing of deer by the aid of bait within the DSA per canine teeth from which all soft tissue
boundaries; and prohibits the removal of a has been removed; hides and capes with-
2018 Ohio Hunting Regulation
deer killed by a motor vehicle within the
DSA boundaries unless the carcass com-
out any part of the head or lymph nodes
attached; finished taxidermy mounts; and
plies with deer carcass regulations. soft body tissue wrapped and packaged for
use by a diagnostic research laboratory.
Normal agricultural activities, including
feeding of domestic animals; as well as Out of state hunters traveling through
hunting deer over food plots, naturally oc- Ohio may possess any Cervidae carcass (or
curring or cultivated plants, and agricul- part of a carcass), provided the carcass or
ture crops are not prohibited. parts are not off-loaded from the vehicle.
9A DEER HUNTER CAN 9. A person possessing a valid concealed
W H I T E -TA I L E D DE E R HU N T IN G
handgun license may carry a concealed
DO THE FOLLOWING: handgun while hunting, but it may not
1. A successful deer hunter can aid or assist be used to shoot, shoot at, or kill any
another hunter who is hunting deer if the wild animal. For more information go
deer permit has been filled in, he or she to ohioattorneygeneral.gov.
does not carry any hunting implement
commonly used to kill wild animals, and 10. Deer archery hunt during all deer gun
has a valid hunting license. Those per- seasons. Archery hunters must comply
sons exempted from having a hunting li- with the hunter orange requirement
cense and deer permits for deer hunting and follow all regulations specific to
on their property are required to have a the deer gun season.
hunting license and deer permit to aid
another hunter off of their property or
hunt deer off of their property. A DEER HUNTER CANNOT
DO THE FOLLOWING:
2. Take more than one deer per day as long 1. Hunt or pursue deer with a shotgun or
as each deer has been tagged with a specific straight-walled cartridge rifle
game tag and a deer permit has been loaded with more than three shells in
filled in before hunting for the next deer. the chamber and magazine combined.
3. Possess a communication device as 2. Hunt with any rifle or possess rifle am-
long as you do not use the device to aid munition during the deer muzzleloader
a person in pursuing or taking of deer. season, other than a muzzleloading rifle
4. Leave a deer or deer parts with a taxi- .38 caliber or larger.
dermist, fur buyer, cold storage, locker 3. Hunt or take a deer with a gun or pos-
plant, or meat processing plant as long sess a loaded firearm while going to
as the confirmation number is attached and from deer hunting during the deer
to the animal and all of its separate gun season, the youth deer gun sea-
parts. Persons receiving a deer from an- son, and the deer muzzleloader season
other person must keep the confirma- at any time other than 30 minutes be-
tion number with the animal and all of fore sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
its separate parts. Muzzleloading firearms are considered
5. Hunt deer over bait, except on public unloaded when the cap is removed or
land and in the Disease Surveillance priming powder is removed from the
Area (restrictions apply, see pages 8, 39, pan, or when the battery is removed on
and 42). electronic systems.
6. Hunt coyote and feral swine (wild boar) 4. Use a muzzleloading handgun to hunt
during the deer gun season, the youth deer.
deer gun season, and the deer muzzle- 5. Carry a handgun while hunting deer
loader season with a hunting license during the deer muzzleloader season
and a valid deer permit, using firearms and the archery season; have more than
legal for deer hunting while visibly one firearm while hunting deer; carry a
wearing a vest, coat, jacket, or coveralls
handgun being used during hunting in
colored solid hunter orange or camou-
a concealed manner. Except as noted in
flage hunter orange.
No. 9 under A Deer Hunter Can Do the
7. Deer archery hunt during the youth Following.
deer gun season, if the archery hunter is
not accompanying a hunter participat- 6. Carry a firearm while deer hunting with
ing in the youth deer gun season and is a longbow or crossbow. Except as noted
wearing hunter orange (See Youth Deer in No. 9 under A Deer Hunter Can Do the
Gun Season, pages 17). Following.
8. Use a leashed dog to recover a wound- 7. Have attached to a longbow or cross-
ed deer. bow any mechanical, electrical, or elec-
tronic device capable of projecting a
beam of light.
10WHIT E - TAI L E D DE E R H U NT I NG
8. Use dogs to hunt deer. Leashed dogs on private property without first get-
may be used to track wounded deer. ting the permission of the landowner
9. Possess shotshells containing shot dur- or the landowner’s authorized agent.
ing the deer gun season, Nov. 26 - Dec. 15. Check a deer as a landowner if the
2, 2018, unless waterfowl hunting when hunter is a tenant of the property, un-
the season is open. less the tenant is an individual who
10. Carry the deer permit of another person. resides on land for which he or she
pays rent and whose annual income is
11. Hunt coyote or feral swine (wild boar) primarily derived from agricultural pro-
between 30 minutes after sunset and 30 duction conducted on that land.
minutes before sunrise during the deer
gun season, the youth deer gun season, 16. Receive or possess a deer or parts of a
and the deer muzzleloader season. deer unless such deer or deer part is
tagged as required, or unless the deer
12. Use any device capable of transmitting or part of a deer has a statement show-
or receiving a person’s voice to aid in ing when and where legally taken,
the hunting or taking of deer. the date received, and from whom re-
13. Pursue wounded deer or other wild ceived; or an ODNR Division of Wildlife
animals or recover dead deer or other tag, seal, or certificate or other proof of
wild animals from private property ownership which shows the deer was
without the written permission of the killed by a motor vehicle in Ohio; or an
landowner. official tag or seal and valid nonresi-
dent license issued by another state if
14. Construct, place, or use a permanent- taken from outside Ohio; or certificate
type tree stand, or place spikes, nails, of ownership or receipt issued by a law
wires, or other metal objects into a tree enforcement officer. Shed antlers do
to act as steps or to hold a tree stand on not require a certificate of ownership
public hunting lands. It is also unlawful or receipt by a wildlife officer.
to make any of these changes to trees
11W H I T E -TA I L E D DE E R HU N T IN G
HUNTING OTHER GAME DURING DEER SEASONS
2. Hunt coyote and feral swine (wild boar).
Hunters must possess a valid hunting
license and a valid deer permit.
3. Hunt furbearers, except coyote and feral
swine (wild boar), from 30 minutes after
sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.
4. Hunt with archery equipment.
A HUNTER CANNOT:
1. Hunt coyote or feral swine from 30 min-
utes after sunset to 30 minutes before
Delaware County sunrise.
2. Possess shells with shot (except wa-
YOUTH DEER GUN SEASON terfowl hunters) or rifle ammunition.
NOVEMBER 17-18, 2018 However, hunters using a .38 caliber
AND DEER GUN SEASON muzzleloading rifle or larger, or hunters
DECEMBER 15-16, 2018 using legal straight-walled cartridge
All persons (except waterfowl hunters) rifle calibers may possess ammunition
hunting during the youth deer gun season for that rifle.
and gun season on Dec. 15-16 are required
to wear hunter orange. This includes ar-
chery hunters. DEER MUZZLELOADER SEASON
JANUARY 5-8, 2019
A HUNTER CAN: All persons (except waterfowl hunters)
1. Hunt legal game and furbearers, includ- hunting during the deer muzzleloader
ing coyote and feral swine (wild boar). season are required to wear hunter or-
2. Hunt other legal game (excluding deer, ange. This includes archery hunters.
feral swine, and coyote) with shotguns A HUNTER CAN:
using shot No. 4 or smaller. 1. Hunt deer, feral swine (wild boar), or coy-
3. Hunt waterfowl with any size shot. ote with a legal muzzleloader or archery
equipment. Hunters must possess a valid
4. Hunt furbearers, except coyote and feral hunting license and a valid deer permit.
swine (wild boar), from 30 minutes after
sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. 2. Hunt other legal game (excluding deer,
feral swine, and coyote) with shotguns
5. Hunt with archery equipment. using shot No. 4 or smaller.
A HUNTER CANNOT: 3. Hunt waterfowl with any size shot.
1. Possess or use slugs and rifle ammuni- 4. Hunt furbearers, except coyote and fe-
tion, unless the hunter is pursuing deer. ral swine, from 30 minutes after sunset
2. Hunt coyote or feral swine (wild boar) to 30 minutes before sunrise if the sea-
between 30 minutes after sunset to 30 son is open.
minutes before sunrise.
A HUNTER CANNOT:
1. Hunt deer, feral swine (wild boar), or
DEER GUN SEASON coyote with anything other than a .38
NOVEMBER 26 - DECEMBER 2, 2018 caliber muzzleloading rifle or larger, or
All persons (except waterfowl hunters) archery equipment.
hunting during the deer gun season are 2. Possess shotgun slugs or rifle cartridg-
required to wear hunter orange. This in- es while hunting.
cludes archery hunters.
3. Hunt deer, coyote, or feral swine (wild
A HUNTER CAN: boar) from 30 minutes after sunset to
1. Hunt waterfowl with any size shot. 30 minutes before sunrise.
12STRAIGHT-WALLED CARTRIDGE
WHIT E - TAI L E D DE E R H U NT I NG
CARTRIDGE WITH SHOULDER
ILLEGAL LEGAL
LEGAL DEER HUNTING EQUIPMENT
SEASON EQUIPMENT
Longbow or Bow: The minimum draw weight is 40 pounds. This includes
compound bows and recurve bows. The arrow tip needs a minimum of two
cutting edges, which may be exposed or unexposed and a minimum 3/4-inch
ARCHERY width. Expandable and mechanical broadheads are legal.
SEASON
Crossbow: The minimum draw weight is 75 pounds. The arrow tip needs a
minimum of two cutting edges, which may be exposed or unexposed and a
minimum 3/4-inch width. Expandable and mechanical broadheads are legal.
Shotgun: 10 gauge or smaller shotgun using one ball or one rifled slug per barrel
(rifled shotgun barrels are permitted when using shotgun slug ammunition).
Straight-walled cartridge rifles: All straight-walled cartridge calibers from a
minimum of .357 to a maximum of .50.
GUN
SEASON Shotguns and straight-walled cartridge rifles can be loaded with no
more than three shells in the chamber and magazine combined.
AND
YOUTH GUN Archery equipment: See Archery Season, above.
SEASON Muzzleloading rifle: .38 caliber or larger.
Muzzleloading shotgun: 10 gauge or smaller using one ball per barrel.
Handgun: With a 5-inch minimum length barrel, using straight-walled cartridges
.357 caliber or larger. The barrel is measured from the front of the cylinder or
chamber to the end of the barrel.
Muzzleloading rifle: .38 caliber or larger.
MUZZLELOADER
Muzzleloading shotgun: 10 gauge or smaller using one ball per barrel.
SEASON
Archery equipment: See Archery Season, above.
You can carry only one HUNTING implement while hunting deer.
(See Concealed Handgun License on page 39)
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132018-2019 OHIO HUNTING & TRAPPING REGULATIONS
wild turkey hunting
W I L D T U R K E Y HU N T IN G
SEASON OPENING DATE CLOSING DATE BAG LIMIT
Fall Wild Turkey: Select counties Oct. 13, 2018 Nov. 25, 2018 1 (either sex)
Youth Spring Wild Turkey April 13, 2019 April 14, 2019
2 birds total
Spring Wild Turkey: South Zone
April 22, 2019 May 19, 2019 Bearded only
(except for Lake La Su An Wildlife Area)
1 per day
Spring Wild Turkey: Northeast Zone April 29, 2019 May 26, 2019
FALL AND SPRING FALL WILD TURKEY SEASON
WILD TURKEY HUNTING A valid Ohio hunting license and fall
It is unlawful to hunt or take wild turkeys turkey permit are required, unless ex-
with the aid or use of bait. An area is con- empted.
sidered baited for 10 days after the com-
A wild turkey of either sex may be hunt-
plete removal of any bait.
ed during the fall season. The bag limit
It is unlawful to use a live decoy while hunt- is one turkey of either sex.
ing wild turkeys.
Fall wild turkey hunting hours are 30
It is unlawful to possess or use an electronic minutes before sunrise to sunset.
calling device while hunting wild turkeys.
A harvested wild turkey must be
It is unlawful to take or attempt to take a checked by 11:30 p.m. on the day of kill.
wild turkey while it is in a tree.
New this year, three additional coun-
It is unlawful to possess more than one hunt- ties are open to fall hunting. Check the
ing implement while turkey hunting. See fall map for open counties.
Concealed Handgun License on page 39.
It is legal to use dogs to assist in taking
A successful wild turkey hunter can aid or
wild turkeys during the fall season only.
assist another hunter who is hunting wild
turkeys if the turkey permit has been filled
in, he or she does not carry any hunting
implement commonly used to kill wild ani- 2018 FALL WILD TURKEY
mals, and has a valid hunting license. Those OPEN COUNTIES MAP
persons exempted from having a hunting
license and wild turkey permits for turkey
hunting on their property are required to
have a hunting license and turkey permit
to aid another hunter off of their property
or hunt turkey off of their property.
TURKEY TAGGING AND CHECKING
Hunters who kill a turkey must immediately:
Make a game tag with the hunter’s
name, date, time, and county of kill.
Attach the completed game tag to the
wild turkey at the place where it fell.
Fill in the wild turkey permit with the
date, time, and county of kill.
The hunter must complete the game New counties open for fall hunting
check and tagging process by 11:30 Counties open for fall hunting
p.m. on the day of the kill. See Game Tag
and Check on page 18.
14WILD T U RK E Y H U NT I NG
SPRING WILD TURKEY SEASON 2019 SPRING WILD TURKEY
A valid Ohio hunting license and spring ZONE MAP
turkey permit are required, unless ex-
empted.
The bag limit is two bearded turkeys.
Only one bearded wild turkey may be
taken per day. Persons wishing to take
a second wild turkey during the spring
season must purchase a second spring
turkey permit.
The Northeast Zone is Ashtabula,
Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Trum-
bull counties. The South Zone is the
remainder of the state.
Northeast Zone wild turkey hunting
hours from April 29-May 5, 2019 are 30
minutes before sunrise to noon.
Northeast Zone wild turkey hunting South Zone
hours from May 6-26, 2019 are 30 min-
utes before sunrise to sunset. Northeast Zone
South Zone wild turkey hunting hours
from April 22-28, 2019 are 30 minutes YOUTH WILD TURKEY SEASON
before sunrise to noon. A valid hunting license and wild turkey
South Zone wild turkey hunting hours permit are required, unless exempted.
from April 29-May 19, 2019 are 30 min- Youth hunters can harvest up to two wild
utes before sunrise to sunset. turkeys during the youth season (one per
Lake La Su An Wildlife Area is open day). Checking two wild turkeys fills the
only to youth wild turkey controlled per- youth hunter's bag limit for the remain-
mit holders during the spring season. ing 2019 spring wild turkey season.
A harvested wild turkey must be Special youth wild turkey hunts are
checked by 11:30 p.m. on the day of kill. held on selected areas. See Youth Hunt-
ing on pages 16-17 for details.
It is legal to use a leashed dog to recov-
er wounded wild turkeys in the spring Hunting hours for youth turkey season
turkey season. are 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.
LEGAL WILD TURKEY HUNTING EQUIPMENT
SEASON EQUIPMENT
Shotgun: 10 gauge or smaller shotgun using shot,
includes muzzleloading shotguns.
FALL AND Longbow or Bow: The minimum draw weight is 40 pounds. This includes com-
SPRING pound bows and recurve bows. The arrow tip needs to have a minimum of two
WILD TURKEY cutting edges which may be exposed or unexposed, and a minimum 3/4-inch
HUNTING width. Expandable and mechanical broadheads are legal.
SEASONS
Crossbow: The minimum draw weight is 75 pounds. The arrow tip needs to have
a minimum of two cutting edges which may be exposed or unexposed, and a
minimum 3/4-inch width. Expandable and mechanical broadheads are legal.
152018-2019 OHIO HUNTING & TRAPPING REGULATIONS
youth hunting
Y O U T H HU N T IN G
SEASON OPENING DATE CLOSING DATE
October 20, 2018 October 21, 2018
Youth Small Game Season
October 27, 2018 October 28, 2018
Youth Deer Gun Season November 17, 2018 November 18, 2018
Youth Spring Wild Turkey Season April 13, 2019 April 14, 2019
April 22, 2019 May 19, 2019
Youth Spring Wild Turkey Hunts: Specific Areas Only
April 29, 2019 May 26, 2019
Youth Waterfowl Hunting Season October 6, 2018 October 7, 2018
Youth Waterfowl Opening Day Hunts Selected areas only on waterfowl opening day
Youth Controlled Deer Hunts: Application Only The application period for these hunts is
Youth Controlled Waterfowl Hunts: Application Only June 1 through July 31, 2018
All youth hunting opportunities (except YOUTH CONTROLLED DEER HUNTS
the youth waterfowl hunting season) are The ODNR Division of Wildlife conducts
available to any hunter who possesses several controlled deer hunts for young
a valid youth hunting license. All young hunters. The dates and locations of the
hunters participating in youth hunts, re- hunts vary from year to year. The appli-
gardless of age, must be accompanied by cation period for these hunts is June 1
a nonhunting adult. A nonhunting adult through July 31, 2018. Hunters may apply
is any person (a hunting license is not re- online at wildohio.gov or by calling 1-866-
quired) age 18 or older who accompanies 703-1928 with a convenience fee.
the young hunter to and from the field and
is present with the young hunter while the YOUTH WATERFOWL HUNTING
young hunter is engaged in hunting. The Federal regulations allow hunters 17 years
nonhunting adult may not possess any old or younger to hunt waterfowl state-
hunting implements. wide (on public and private lands) on
Accompany means to go along with anoth- Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 6-7, 2018. All
er person while staying within a distance hunters 17 years old and younger must be
from the person that enables uninterrupt- accompanied by a nonhunting adult 18
ed, unaided visual and auditory communi- years or older (no more than two youths
cations. Young hunters must be accompa- per adult). Ducks, geese, and coots can be
nied at all times by a nonhunting adult. No taken under bag limits established for the
more than two youths per adult. regular season.
Huron County Young hunters (17 years old or younger)
may apply for controlled youth waterfowl
hunts. Go to wildohio.gov or call your near-
est district office for youth waterfowl hunt-
ing opportunities.
This application period is June 1 through
July 31, 2018. Hunters may apply at wil-
dohio.gov, or by calling 1-800-703-1928
with a convenience fee.
Attend an in-person waterfowl drawing
in August, which includes permits for
the youth season.
Report to the wildlife area and register
in-person the day of the hunt.
16YOUTH DEER GUN SEASON
YOU T H HU NT I NG
Young hunters 17 years old and younger at
the time they purchase their youth hunting
license and a deer permit, and who are ac-
companied by a nonhunting adult may hunt.
Deer taken by young hunters during the
youth deer gun season count toward
the county and statewide bag limits.
All youths and nonhunting adults must
wear hunter orange.
YOUTH SMALL GAME SEASON
Guernsey County Any hunters possessing a valid youth hunt-
ing license may hunt the following week-
YOUTH SPRING ends: Oct. 20-21 and Oct. 27-28 for rabbit,
WILD TURKEY HUNTING pheasant, and all other legal game which
Two opportunities exist for young hunt-
is in season.
ers to participate in the spring wild turkey
hunting season. A youth wild turkey sea- Quail may be taken only in those coun-
son will be offered Saturday and Sunday, ties which are open to quail hunting
April 13 and 14, 2019 prior to the regular (see map, page 21).
wild turkey season. The season is open Pheasant releases will occur for youth
statewide EXCEPT for Lake La Su An which hunts on the following wildlife areas: Ber-
conducts a controlled youth hunt; contact lin, Caesar Creek, Camp Belden, Darke,
the District Two (Findlay) office at (419) Delaware, Fallsville, Grand River, Killdeer
424-5000 for details. Plains, Oxbow Lake, Resthaven, Ringneck
Special youth wild turkey hunts will be Ridge Wildlife Area (by permit only, find
held at Lake La Su An, Killbuck Marsh, additional information at sanduskycoun-
and Mosquito Creek wildlife areas dur- typarks.com), Rush Run, Spencer, Spring
ing the regular spring wild turkey season. Valley, Tiffin River, Tri-Valley, and Char-
Any person interested in participating in lemont Metro Park (Lorain County). Daily
these hunts should contact the District bag limits are the same as during the
Two (Findlay) office at (419) 424-5000 for regular hunting season.
the La Su An hunts; and the District Three
(Akron) at (330) 644-2293 for the Killbuck
and Mosquito Creek hunts during March ohio hunter
2019. Please note that you must possess a
controlled hunting permit acquired during
the March drawing to hunt at any of these
education
special youth wild turkey hunts. The ODNR Division of Wildlife offers three
types of hunter certification courses:
When participating in the special youth or
regular spring wild turkey season the fol- Instructor-led training.
lowing requirements must be met: Home-study courses for
Youth hunters may take two bearded
Ohio residents.
turkeys during the youth season (one Online testing for Ohio
per day). Checking two wild turkeys fills residents 12 and older.
the youth hunter’s bag limit for the re- While hunter education is a vital part
maining 2019 spring wild turkey season. of becoming an Ohio hunter, new
All rules and regulations for spring wild
hunters also have the option of hunt-
ing with an apprentice license before
turkey season apply during the youth taking a hunter education course.
season.
Call 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543)
Hunting hours for youth turkey season or visit wildohio.gov for information
are 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.
17
on courses in your area.2018-2019 OHIO HUNTING & TRAPPING REGULATIONS
game tag and check
G A ME TA G A N D C HE C K
TAGGING PROCESS GAME CHECK PROCESS
All hunters who harvest a deer or turkey are Hunters are encouraged to complete the
required to create their own game tag. See game check in a sheltered area.
page 44 for a sample game tag. Hunters must have their permit in hand to
We strongly recommend that hunt- complete the game check process.
ers protect their deer and/or turkey Hunters can complete the game check pro-
permits and game tags from the el- cess in one of three ways:
ements by placing them in a plastic
bag or protective pouch before and Call 1-877-TAG-IT-OH (1-877-824-4864).
after they are attached to the animal.
Exempt landowners call 1-866-703-1928
STEP 1: Every person who kills a deer or for operator-assisted landowner game
wild turkey must immediately: check. Fees apply.
Make a game tag with the hunter’s Visit ohiogamecheck.com using a
name, date, time, and county of kill. smartphone or computer, then select
COMPLETE GAME CHECK.
Attach the completed game tag to
the deer or wild turkey at the place Visit any authorized license sales agent.
where it fell. A list of sales agents can be found at wil-
dohio.gov. Hunters do not need to take
Fill in the deer or wild turkey permit their deer or turkey to the agent for the
with the date, time, and county of kill. game check. Authorized license sales
(Exempt landowners do not need to agents will be available for game check
complete this step.) during normal business hours.
Once finished with Step 1, the hunter le- Regardless of game check method, the
gally possesses the deer or wild turkey and hunter must provide the 10-digit permit
is free to transport it. number, which is printed in large numbers
on every permit. Exempt landowners do
STEP 2: For deer, the hunter must com- not need to complete this step.
plete the game check and tagging process
by noon the day after the kill. If the deer is The hunter must answer a series of questions.
killed on the last day of a season, it must The hunter will be issued an 18-digit confir-
be checked in by 11:30 p.m. on the day of mation number at the end of the process.
kill. For wild turkey, the hunter must com- The 18-digit confirmation number must be
plete the game check and tagging process written on the corresponding deer or wild
by 11:30 p.m. on the same day the turkey turkey permit. The confirmation number
was killed. must also be attached to the animal. When
STEP 3: The confirmation number must a hunter has checked their deer or wild
remain with the animal and its parts. The turkey by web or agent, they will receive a
number may be written on the back or bot- game check receipt with their 18-digit con-
tom of a mount. firmation number printed on it. Hunters
using the telephone game check method
LANDOWNERS will receive the 18 digits of the confirma-
Exempt landowners hunting on their own tion number over the phone.
lands: The confirmation number may be written
Are not required to obtain a hunting on the game tag. The completed tag must
license or permit. then be attached to the deer or wild turkey.
Are required to create a game tag and
A game check receipt may be printed by
attach it to the harvested game. accessing Ohio's Wildlife Licensing System
at ohiogamecheck.com after the game
Can use the operator-assisted game check process is complete.
check (fees apply).
A deer or turkey must be game-checked
Are required to place the 18-digit con- prior to butchering or processing the car-
firmation number on the game. cass. This does not include field dressing.
182018-2019 OHIO HUNTING & TRAPPING REGULATIONS
small game & furbearer hunting
S MA L L G A ME HU N T IN G
SPECIES OPENING DATE CLOSING DATE DAILY LIMIT
Squirrel (red, gray, fox, black) Sept. 1, 2018 Jan. 31, 2019 6
Ruffed Grouse Oct. 13, 2018 Jan. 31, 2019 2
Cottontail Rabbit Nov. 2, 2018 Feb. 28, 2019 4
Ring-necked Pheasant Nov. 2, 2018 Jan. 13, 2019 2 (males only)
Chukar Nov. 2, 2018 Jan. 13, 2019 2
Bobwhite Quail: Select counties Nov. 2, 2018 Nov. 25, 2018 4
Fox, Raccoon, Skunk, Opossum, Weasel Nov. 10, 2018 Jan. 31, 2019 No Limit
Crow: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday Only June 1, 2018 March 2, 2019 No Limit
Coyote No closed season No Limit
Feral Swine (wild boar) No closed season No Limit
Groundhog Closed for deer gun season only No Limit
Oct. 20, 2018 Oct. 21, 2018 Same as the
Youth Small Game
Oct. 27, 2018 Oct. 28, 2018 regular season
HUNTING OTHER GAME SQUIRREL HUNTING
DURING THE DEER SEASONS Red, gray, fox, and black squirrels are legal
It is unlawful to hunt any wild animal ex- game. Hours are 30 minutes before sunrise
cept deer, coyote, waterfowl, or feral swine to sunset. Closed during the seven-day deer
(wild boar) during the seven-day deer gun gun season, Nov. 26 - Dec. 2, 2018.
season, Nov. 26 - Dec. 2, 2018, between 30
minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after PHEASANT HUNTING
sunset. However, you cannot hunt coyote Hours are sunrise to sunset. Only male
or feral swine (wild boar) between 30 min- pheasants may be killed. Closed during the
utes after sunset and 30 minutes before seven-day deer gun season, Nov. 26 - Dec.
sunrise during any of the deer gun and 2, 2018.
deer muzzleloader seasons.
The ODNR Division of Wildlife will release
Refer to page 12 under Hunting Other pheasants for the youth small game week-
Game during Deer Seasons. ends, Oct. 20 and Oct. 27. Additional releas-
es will occur for Nov. 2, Nov. 9, and Nov. 22.
COYOTE HUNTING AND TRAPPING The number of pheasants released will de-
If hunted during the deer gun season, pend upon numbers available.
hours and legal hunting devices are the
Releases will take place at the Ringneck
same as for deer gun season.
Ridge Wildlife Area (by permit only, find
Rifles and night vision scopes are legal for additional information at sanduskycoun-
coyote hunting; however, rifles and night typarks.com), Charlemont Metro Park (Lo-
hunting between 30 minutes after sunset rain County), and the following wildlife
and 30 minutes before sunrise are prohib- areas during pheasant hunting season:
ited during any deer gun and deer muzzle- Berlin, Caesar Creek, Camp Belden, Darke,
loader seasons. Delaware, Fallsville, Grand River, Highland-
town, Indian Creek, Killdeer Plains, Oxbow
GROUNDHOG HUNTING Lake, Pleasant Valley, Resthaven, Rush Run,
No restriction on hours. Closed only during Salt Fork, Spencer, Spring Valley, Tiffin Riv-
the seven-day deer gun season, Nov. 26 - er, Tri-Valley, West Branch, Wyandot, and
Dec. 2, 2018. Zepernick.
20FOX, RACCOON, SKUNK,
S MALL GA ME H U NT I NG
OPOSSUM, AND WEASEL
No restrictions on hours except during the
seven-day deer gun season, Nov. 26 - Dec.
2, 2018. These species may not be hunted
between 30 minutes before sunrise to 30
minutes after sunset during the seven-day
deer gun season. Hunters must purchase
a hunting license and a fur taker permit to
hunt these species.
Greene County
RABBIT HUNTING
Hours are sunrise to sunset. Closed during GROUSE HUNTING
the seven-day deer gun season, Nov. 26 Hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to
- Dec. 2, 2018. Snowshoe hares are a pro- sunset. Closed during the seven-day deer
tected species and not legal game. gun season, Nov. 26 - Dec. 2, 2018.
FERAL SWINE (WILD BOAR) QUAIL HUNTING
Feral swine are a non-native, invasive spe- Hours are sunrise to sunset in open coun-
cies. Feral swine are also known as wild ties (see map).
boar, feral hogs, and feral pigs. Hunters are
encouraged to report all sightings to the 2018 BOBWHITE QUAIL
ODNR Division of Wildlife at wildohio.gov/ OPEN COUNTIES MAP
reportwildlife.
You must possess a valid hunting license
to hunt feral swine. If hunted during the
deer gun season, hours and legal hunting
devices are the same as for deer gun sea-
son. Rifles and night vision scopes are legal
for feral swine hunting; however, rifles and
night hunting between 30 minutes after
sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise are
prohibited during any deer gun and deer
muzzleloader seasons.
It is illegal to transport a trapped feral
swine in Ohio. It is legal to live trap feral
swine at any time, provided the feral swine
are immediately euthanized at the trap lo-
cation. It is illegal to use a foothold trap or
snare for feral swine. Counties open for quail hunting
LEGAL SMALL GAME & FURBEARER HUNTING EQUIPMENT
SEASON EQUIPMENT
SQUIRREL, GROUSE, Longbow or Bow: This includes compound bows and recurve bows.
RABBIT, PHEASANT, Crossbow
CHUKAR, QUAIL, FOX,
RACCOON, SKUNK, Handgun: Any caliber.
OPOSSUM, WEASEL,
Rifle: Any caliber.
CROW, COYOTE,
FERAL SWINE, Shotgun: 10 gauge or smaller.
GROUNDHOG
Airgun
212018-2019 OHIO HUNTING & TRAPPING REGULATIONS
waterfowl & migratory
WATE R F O W L & MI G R AT O RY B I R D HU N T IN G
bird hunting
WATERFOWL SEASONS OPENING DATE CLOSING DATE DAILY LIMIT
Hunting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset during the regular waterfowl season, unless posted.
Youth Waterfowl Season Oct. 6, 2018 Oct. 7, 2018 Same as the regular season
Oct. 13, 2018 Oct. 28, 2018 GEESE
Lake Erie Marsh Zone: 3 combined: Canada goose,
Nov. 10, 2018 Dec. 23, 2018
Geese white-fronted goose, brant.
Jan. 5, 2019 Feb. 9, 2019 10 combined: snow goose,
Lake Erie Marsh Zone: Oct. 13, 2018 Oct. 28, 2018 blue goose, Ross's goose.
Ducks, Coots, & Mergansers Nov. 10, 2018 Dec. 23, 2018
DUCKS
Oct. 20, 2018 Nov. 4, 2018 The daily bag limit is six
North Zone: ducks, which may include
Nov. 17, 2018 Dec. 30, 2018
Geese no more than four mallards
Jan. 5, 2019 Feb. 9, 2019 (only two hens), three wood
Oct. 20, 2018 Nov. 4, 2018 ducks, three scaup, two
North Zone:
Ducks, Coots, & Mergansers redheads, two canvasbacks,
Nov. 17, 2018 Dec. 30, 2018 two pintails, two black
South Zone: Oct. 20, 2018 Nov. 4, 2018 ducks, or one mottled duck.
Geese Nov. 22, 2018 Feb. 9, 2019
MERGANSERS & COOTS
South Zone: Oct. 20, 2018 Nov. 4, 2018 Five mergansers (only two
Ducks, Coots, & Mergansers Dec. 15, 2018 Jan. 27, 2019 hooded), and 15 coots.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sets the Federal Duck Stamps are valid from July
frameworks for hunting ducks, geese, and 1 through the following June 30.
other migratory game birds. Waterfowl You must sign the front of your Duck
hunting is governed by both state and Stamp in order for it to be valid. Re-
federal regulations. member: only you can use your Federal
Waterfowl hunting is permitted when sea- Duck Stamp.
sons are open during the youth deer gun If you bought an E-Stamp, you must
season, the deer gun season, and the deer carry your 45-day receipt with you at all
muzzleloader season. times while hunting. Once the receipt
The possession limit for waterfowl and has expired, you must carry your current,
migratory birds after the second day is signed Federal Duck Stamp. If you pur-
three times the daily bag limit. chased your E-Stamp at a retail store, you
must carry the E-Stamp/45-day receipt.
Your purchase/credit card receipt from
FEDERAL REGULATIONS the store is not valid as a Duck Stamp.
Federal regulations relating to migratory
game birds are located in Title 50, Code of
Federal Regulations, Part 20. FEDERAL MIGRATORY BIRD
HUNTING STAMP (DUCK STAMP)
For additional information on federal regu- Hunters 16 years of age and older are re-
lations, go to fws.gov. quired to purchase this stamp to hunt
Hunters should know: waterfowl. These stamps are available at
many U.S. post office branches, usps.com,
If you hunt migratory waterfowl and you or duckstamp.com.
are 16 years of age or older, you need
to purchase and carry a current Federal The E-Stamp available through duckstamp.
Duck Stamp or E-Stamp. com is valid immediately for up to 45 days
22 with the receipt of the e-stamp purchase.WAT E RFOW L & MI G R AT O RY B I R D H U NTING
SEASONS OPENING DATE CLOSING DATE DAILY LIMIT
Hunting hours are sunrise to sunset, unless posted.
Sept. 1, 2018 Nov. 4, 2018
Dove (Mourning and Eurasian-collared) 15
Dec. 15, 2018 Jan. 8, 2019
Early: Canada Goose Sept. 1, 2018 Sept. 9, 2018 5
Early: Teal
Sept. 1, 2018 Sept. 16, 2018 6
(Blue-winged, Green-winged, & Cinnamon)
Rail (Virginia, Sora) Sept. 1, 2018 Nov. 9, 2018 25
Common Moorhen (Gallinule) Sept. 1, 2018 Nov. 9, 2018 15
Sept. 1, 2018 Nov. 25, 2018
Common Snipe 8
Dec. 15, 2018 Jan. 4, 2019
American Woodcock Oct. 12, 2018 Nov. 25, 2018 3
MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING
To hunt migratory birds in Ohio, you must
have the following:
A valid Ohio hunting license.
Harvest Information Program (HIP)
certification.
To hunt waterfowl in Ohio, you must also
have the following:
A printed Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp
endorsement is required of all persons
18 or older. Knox County
A signed federal Migratory Bird Hunting
Stamp (Duck Stamp) is required of all HIP SURVEY
persons age 16 and older. Federal Duck Hunters who plan to hunt migratory game
Stamps are available at most post offices,
birds, including mourning doves, ducks,
online at usps.com, or duckstamp.com.
geese, woodcock, rails, coots, and snipe
must have a harvest information program
OHIO WETLANDS HABITAT STAMP (HIP) certification number on their hunting
The Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp will not license. To complete the HIP certification
be issued at the time of purchase. A li- requirement, call 1-877-HIP-OHIO (1-877-
cense will be issued stating Ohio Wetlands 447-6446) or go to wildohio.gov and an-
Stamp. The stamp will be mailed later in swer the survey questions. After the survey
the year. The stamp does not need to be you will be given a certification number.
carried while hunting. Hunters under the Write the certification number on your
age of 18 are not required to obtain the hunting license in the space provided.
Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp.
YOUTH WATERFOWL HUNTING
Federal regulations allow hunters 17 years
old or younger to hunt waterfowl during
the youth waterfowl weekend.
Young hunters (17 or younger) are given pri-
ority on opening day controlled hunts. See
Youth Hunting on page 16-17 for details.
23WATE R F O W L & MI G R AT O RY B I R D HU N T IN G
2018-2019 WATERFOWL HUNTING into Lake Erie at a distance of 200 yards
ZONES MAP offshore, continuing parallel to the Lake
Erie shoreline north and west toward the
northernmost tip of Cedar Point National
Wildlife Refuge, then follows a direct line
toward the southernmost tip of Wood Tick
Peninsula in Michigan to a point that inter-
sects the Ohio-Michigan state line, then
follows the state line back to the point of
the beginning.
NORTH ZONE
From the Lake Erie Marsh Zone down to the
line extending east from the Indiana state
line along U.S. Highway 33 to State Route
127, south along SR 127 to SR 703, south
along SR 703, including all lands within the
Mercer Wildlife Area, to SR 219, east along
SR 219 to SR 364, north along SR 364, in-
Lake Erie Marsh Zone cluding all lands within the St. Marys Fish
North Zone South Zone Hatchery, to SR 703, east along SR 703 to SR
66, north along SR 66 to U.S. 33, east along
U.S. 33 to SR 385, east along SR 385 to SR
LAKE ERIE MARSH ZONE 117, south along SR 117 to SR 273, east
The Lake Erie Marsh Zone begins at the along SR 273 to SR 31, south along SR 31
intersection of Interstate 75 at the Ohio- to SR 739, east along SR 739 to SR 4, north
Michigan state line and continues south to along SR 4 to SR 95, east along SR 95 to SR
Interstate 280, then south on I-280 to the 13, southeast along SR 13 to SR 3, north-
Ohio Turnpike (I-80/I-90), then east on the east along SR 3 to SR 60, north along SR 60
Ohio Turnpike to the Erie-Lorain county to U.S. 30, east along U.S. 30 to SR 3, south
line, then north to Lake Erie. The zone along SR 3 to SR 226, south along SR 226 to
boundary follows the Lake Erie shoreline SR 514, southwest along SR 514 to SR 754,
at a distance of 200 yards offshore. The south along SR 754 to SR 39/60, east along
zone boundary follows the shoreline west SR 39/60 U.S. to SR 241, north along SR 241
toward and around the northern tip of Ce- to U.S. 30, east along U.S. 30 to SR 39, east
dar Point Amusement Park, then continues along SR 39 to the Pennsylvania state line.
from the westernmost point of Cedar Point
toward the southernmost tip of the sand SOUTH ZONE
bar at the mouth of Sandusky Bay and out Remainder of the state.
LEGAL WATERFOWL & MIGRATORY BIRD
HUNTING EQUIPMENT
SEASON EQUIPMENT
Shotgun: 10 gauge or smaller shotgun using nontoxic shot, includes
muzzleloading shotguns. In order to hunt migratory game birds, your
shotgun cannot be capable of holding more than three shells, unless it
WATERFOWL AND is plugged with a one-piece filler incapable of removal without disas-
MIGRATORY BIRD sembling the gun.
HUNTING Only nontoxic shot may be used to take waterfowl, rail, snipe, and moor-
hen (gallinule). Dove and woodcock may be taken with lead shot.
Longbow: This includes compound bows and recurve bows.
24Stark County CONTROLLED DOVE
WAT E RFOW L & MI G R AT O RY B I R D H U NTING
HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES
The ODNR Division of Wildlife will hold con-
trolled dove hunts at Fallsville, Rush Run,
Indian Creek, Bott, Spring Valley, Caesar
Creek, and Woodland Trails wildlife areas.
These controlled hunts will occur Saturday,
Sept. 1, and Sunday, Sept. 2, 2018. Con-
trolled hunts will also be held at St. Marys
State Fish Hatchery on Saturday, Sept. 1,
Sunday, Sept. 2, Saturday, Sept. 8, and Sat-
urday, Sept. 15, 2018.
OPENING DAY OF A SEASON Hunting hours will be noon to sunset for
No person on the opening day of the season all controlled dove hunts. Drawings for
shall possess any freshly killed migratory opening day dove hunts at these eight
game birds in excess of the daily bag limit, or
public hunting areas will be held at noon
aggregate daily bag limit, whichever applies.
on Saturday, Aug. 25 at the respective wild-
life area headquarters. All other drawings
NON TOXIC SHOT will be held at noon the day of the hunt.
No person may take ducks, geese (includ- Contact the Wildlife District Five (Xenia)
ing brant), or coots while possessing shot office at (937) 372-9261 for dove hunting
(either in shotshells or as loose shot for information. Dove field maps are available
muzzleloading) other than approved non- at wildohio.gov.
toxic shot. For a list of approved nontoxic
shot, see fws.gov. CONTROLLED WATERFOWL
HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES
The ODNR Division of Wildlife conducts
DOVE HUNTING controlled waterfowl hunts on many areas
Hours for dove are sunrise to sunset, except
not normally open to hunting. These con-
for those wildlife areas which have been
trolled waterfowl hunts are designed to
posted with special regulations. Doves may
provide access and opportunity on a lim-
be hunted with lead shot. Dove field maps
ited basis. Find a complete list of controlled
are available at wildohio.gov.
hunts at wildohio.gov.
Doves may be hunted on areas that have
Participation is determined by computer-
been manipulated (for example, mowed
generated random drawings. The application
or bush-hogged) for wildlife management
period is June 1 through July 31, 2018. Hunt-
purposes, in addition to areas that have
ers may apply at wildohio.gov, or by calling
been planted or harvested in a normal ag-
1-866-703-1928 with a convenience fee.
ricultural manner. Neither waterfowl nor
doves may be hunted on areas where grain
TAGGING REQUIREMENT
or other feed has been distributed once it
No person shall put or leave any migratory
has been removed from or stored on the
game birds at any place (other than at his
field where grown. Contact an ODNR Di-
personal abode), or in the custody of another
vision of Wildlife district office or a state
person for picking, cleaning, processing,
wildlife officer for clarification on baiting
shipping, transportation, or storage (includ-
regulations before you hunt.
ing temporary storage), or for the purpose
Harvest Information Program (HIP) certi- of having taxidermy services performed,
fication is required to dove hunt. To com- unless such birds have a tag attached,
plete the HIP certification requirement, call signed by the hunter, stating his address,
1-877-HIP-OHIO (1-877-447-6446) or go to the total number and species of birds, and
wildohio.gov and answer the survey ques- the date such birds were killed. Migratory
tions. After the survey you will be given a game birds being transported in any vehicle
certification number. Write the certifica- as the personal baggage of the possessor
tion number on your hunting license in the shall not be considered as being in storage
space provided. or temporary storage.
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