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Darke S.W.C.D.
Ohio’s Deer-Gun Hunting Seasons Begin in November
COLUMBUS, Ohio ¬¬¬¬¬– Ohio’s hunters are eagerly anticipating the
chance to take to the woods and fields in November when gun seasons
begin for white-tailed deer.
Youth hunters younger than 18 years old have their own weekend to hunt
Ohio’s favorite big-game animal on Nov. 21-22, 2020. All hunters have
the chance to hunt the traditional gun season from Monday, Nov. 30 to
Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, and again during the bonus weekend on Dec. 19-20.
“Ohio’s gun seasons add another level of excitement for our deer
hunters,” said Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker. “This is a
time to celebrate the tradition that has provided so much enjoyment for
so many throughout the years. Good luck in the field, wear hunter
orange, and have a safe and enjoyable deer season!”
The Buckeye State’s deer-gun hunting seasons have spanned generations
of Ohioans and are a time many friends and families gather to celebrate
the moment. In 2019, Ohio hunters harvested 63,567 deer during the
weeklong deer-gun season, as well as an additional 13,703 deer during
the two-day bonus weekend. Young hunters harvested 6,249 deer during
the two-day youth weekend.
Check the 2020-2021 Ohio Hunting Regulations handbook for
county-specific bag limits, updates on permits, hunting on public
lands, and precautions to take if you hunt out of state. Youth hunters
are required to be accompanied by a nonhunting adult. Legal hunting
equipment for all deer-gun seasons includes specific shotguns,
muzzleloaders, handguns, straight-walled cartridge rifles, and archery
equipment. More information is available at wildohio.gov.
2020 Deer-Gun Season Dates
Youth weekend: Saturday, Nov. 21 and Sunday, Nov. 22. This weekend is
open to hunters with a youth hunting license and deer permit.
Deer-gun week: Monday, Nov. 30 to Sunday, Dec. 6.
Bonus weekend: Saturday, Dec. 19 and Sunday, Dec. 20.
HuntFish OH Mobile App
The free HuntFish OH mobile app provides outdoor enthusiasts with
convenient resources while out in the field. HuntFish OH is available
for Android and iOS users and can be found in the app store. Deer
hunters can use the app to check in their harvest, even without a WiFi
connection. When a hunter checks game without a clear signal, harvest
information is recorded and stored until the hunter moves to a location
with better reception. Users can also purchase licenses and permits and
view wildlife area maps through the app. Tech-savvy hunters are
encouraged to help others use the app to check game and access other
areas of content.
Wildlife Hotline
Hunters have the option of contacting the Division of Wildlife’s
toll-free hotline at 800-WILDLIFE (945-3543) with questions about
hunting. In addition to normal business hours, special call center
hours include:
8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday, Nov. 30 to Friday, Dec. 4, for deer-gun season.
Hunter Challenge
Ask a new hunter to join you this season! While hunting remains a
popular pastime for many, the number of hunters in Ohio and nationwide
is declining. Hunting provides an excellent opportunity better
appreciate Ohio’s natural resources and remains one of the best ways to
manage the state’s deer population. Seasoned hunters are encouraged to
pass down their hunting knowledge and expertise to someone new this
season. Special hunting opportunities for mentors and those new to
hunting are available at the Wild Ohio Harvest Community Page.
Poacher Hotline
Help protect Ohio’s wildlife resources. Report any violations to the
division’s Turn-In-a-Poacher (TIP) hotline by calling 800-POACHER
(762-2437). All reports remain anonymous and tipsters may be eligible
for a cash reward.
Connect with Us
The Division of Wildlife can help you take advantage of all the hunting
opportunities Ohio has to offer. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for
instant news stories, outdoor recreation ideas, local wildlife
information and so much more. The Your Wild Ohio Hunter Facebook page
provides hunting tips and useful information as you get outside this
season. Visit wildohio.gov to find locations to hunt, fish, trap, and
view wildlife. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram to view the
best of Ohio’s wildlife photography.
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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