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Ohio’s 2020-2021 Hunting Seasons Approved by Wildlife Council
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Hunting dates and bag limits for seasons that begin in
September 2020 were approved by the Ohio Wildlife Council on Wednesday,
May 13, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR)
Division of Wildlife.
“Ohio’s hunting and trapping seasons are developed by wildlife
biologists, combining public input with the best science available,”
said Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker. “Our population
safeguards are designed to support the important activities of hunting
and trapping, while sustaining Ohio’s wildlife. The Buckeye State has
some of the best hunting opportunities in the nation, and we are proud
to continue serving all Ohioans.”
Ohio’s white-tailed deer hunting seasons for 2020-2021:
Deer archery: Sept. 26, 2020-Feb. 7, 2021
Youth deer gun: Nov. 21-22, 2020
Deer gun: Nov. 30-Dec. 6, 2020; Dec. 19-20, 2020
Deer muzzleloader: Jan 2-5, 2021
Some 2020-2021 county bag limits have changed in response to deer
hunter and farmer surveys. The statewide deer bag limit remains at six
deer, only one of which may be antlered, and a hunter cannot exceed a
county bag limit.
Small game and furbearer hunting is now open during the seven-day deer
gun season, Nov. 30-Dec. 6, 2020. All hunters (except waterfowl
hunters) are required to wear hunter orange clothing during these seven
days. Keeping small game and furbearer seasons open provides
consistency and more hunting opportunities. Also, Lake La Su An
Wildlife Area in Williams County is now exempt from the antlerless deer
restrictions enacted on public lands following the weeklong gun season.
This is because of the proximity of Lake La Su An to the Chronic
Wasting Disease-positive area in Michigan.
New regulations approved by the Ohio Wildlife Council on for the upcoming hunting seasons:
The 2021 spring turkey season begins on Saturday rather than Monday in
both the south zone and northeast zone. This provides two extra weekend
dates to hunt. The south zone opens Saturday, April 24, 2021, and the
northeast zone opens Saturday, May 1, 2021.
The 2021 youth wild turkey season dates are April 17-18, 2021, statewide.
Quail hunting is closed on all state-owned and controlled public
hunting areas, with the exception of Tri-Valley Wildlife Area and
controlled hunts on Crown City Wildlife Area. The bag limit for quail
hunting is reduced to two birds in 16 southern Ohio counties. This
change is in response to the continued long-term reduction of Ohio’s
quail population. Reduction of the daily bag limit provides for the
opportunity to hunt this species, but reduces the potential impact to
fragmented populations.
Ruffed grouse hunting season is from Oct. 10 to Nov. 29, 2020, on
state-owned and controlled public hunting areas, and from Oct. 10,
2020, to Jan. 1, 2021, on private land. The ruffed grouse bag limit has
been reduced to one bird statewide. Ohio’s ruffed grouse population has
experienced a long-term decline since the 1980s. Population declines
and emerging disease concerns have prompted reduced hunting season
dates and bag limits. Reduction of the season dates on public hunting
areas provides the opportunity to hunt this species, while reducing the
potential impact to fragmented populations.
Members of the U.S. armed forces and veterans are permitted to hunt
waterfowl for two days, Oct. 3-4, 2020, corresponding with the dates
for the 2020 youth waterfowl season. The same bag limits during the
regular season apply. This special season for U.S. armed forces and
veterans has been made available within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service guidelines.
Waterfowl season in the north zone begins one week later, on Oct. 24,
2020, to allow for more November hunting days in that zone.
The bag limit for scaup has been reduced to one bird during the first
15 days of the season in each zone, and two birds during the last 45
days of the season in each zone.
The Ohio Wildlife Council is an eight-member board that approves all
Division of Wildlife rule and regulation changes. The Ohio Wildlife
Council voted on the proposed rules and season dates after considering
public input.
The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish
and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and
appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural
resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
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