As summer wanes and we edge towards the symphony of autumn's crunching leaves and crisper air, Ohio prepares for a different kind of tradition. Starting September 1, Ohio's fall hunting seasons will be open for a variety of game, as announced by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Hunters can ready themselves for the pursuit of squirrel, dove, and various waterfowl across the Buckeye State, with bowhunters getting their own shot at white-tailed deer come late September.
Enthusiasts of the squirrel hunt will have plenty of opportunities, as these critters, both of the fox, red, and gray varieties, are reported to be "plentiful statewide" according to the ODNR Division of Wildlife. They are particularly abundant in western Ohio for fox squirrels, and in eastern counties for gray squirrels. This season, which begins on the 1st of September, extends through to the cool confines of January 31, 2026.
Dove hunting, a popular pastime since 1995 in Ohio, starts simultaneously with the squirrel season and extends until November 9, before taking a brief hiatus and resuming for a late stint from December 13 to January 1, 2026. As for Ohio's feathery visitors, the early migratory waterfowl like Canada geese and teal species offer hunting opportunities starting September 6. Flights of teal will be darting through Ohio's wetlands until September 14, promising a brief but exciting season for waterfowl hunters. Techniques may differ, with some opting for the stillness of shores and others for the mobility of boats, regardless, identification skills are essential, since not all similar species are fair game.
For those with a penchant for bowhunting, the white-tailed deer archery season presents a chance to engage with Ohio's wilderness in a more silent, yet equally thrilling manner. Statewide hunting begins on September 27, but certain areas under disease surveillance will open earlier, on September 13. The 2025-26 hunting and trapping regulations are available online, detailing changes to the season dates and daily limits. They can also be consulted through the free HuntFish OH app, which serves as a mobile hub for hunters and anglers alike, offering license purchasing and game check services.
