Quick Answer
In Ohio, property owners can hunt on their own land without a license, but they must still follow state regulations, such as obtaining a free landowner's exemption permit and adhering to season dates and bag limits for deer.
Property Owner’s Exemption Permit
Ohio law requires property owners to obtain a free landowner’s exemption permit to hunt on their own land. This permit is issued by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, and can be obtained by submitting an application and proof of land ownership. Property owners must also provide the permit number to the hunter and have it in their possession while hunting.
Hunting Season Dates and Bag Limits
Property owners must adhere to Ohio’s deer hunting season dates and bag limits, which vary depending on the location and type of deer. For example, the statewide archery deer season typically runs from late September to late November, while the statewide firearms deer season runs from late November to late December. Property owners can harvest up to one antlerless deer per year, and up to one buck deer per year on public land, but up to two buck deer per year on private land.
Hunter Safety and Regulations
Even though property owners can hunt on their own land without a license, they must still follow all Ohio hunting regulations, including wearing hunter orange, carrying a valid government-issued photo ID, and following all firearms and archery laws. Additionally, property owners must report their harvest to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, within 24 hours of taking a deer. Failure to report a harvest can result in fines and penalties.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.