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When does Ohio's wild turkey hunting season begin? Here's what to know.

ben leibowitz, canton repository
·4 min read

Ohio's 2023-24 hunting and trapping seasons are on the horizon, with dates set (or soon to be) and regulations levied.

As such, hunters will need to know the ins and outs of what is or is not permitted throughout the season to help create sustainable conservation of wildlife so Ohioans can continue to have successful hunting seasons for years to come.

At the time of writing, spring's wild turkey season has yet to be announced, but there are details for the fall.

Here's what you should know before heading out to bag a turkey this year.

When does Ohio's wild turkey hunting season start this year?

The fall's wild turkey season opens on Oct. 14, 2023, and closes on Nov. 12, 2023.

What Ohio counties are open for wild turkey hunting in the fall season?

All Ohio counties are open for fall wild turkey hunting with the exception of the following:

  • Ottawa County

  • Sandusky County

  • Wood County

  • Van Wert County

  • Mercer County

  • Auglaize County

  • Shelby County

  • Darke County

  • Miami County

  • Montgomery County

  • Clark County

  • Greene County

  • Clinton County

  • Fayette County

  • Pickaway County

  • Madison County

  • Union County

  • Marion County

What are the wild turkey hunting bag limits in Ohio?

The bag limit for hunting wild turkeys during the fall season in Ohio is one total turkey of either sex.

It's against the law for anyone to take or possess a wild turkey during the spring's wild turkey season that does not have a visible beard.

Ohio hunting dates: 2023-24 Ohio Hunting and Trapping regulations will see some changes. Here's what to know.

What hunting equipment is legal for wild turkey hunting in Ohio?

During the spring and fall hunting seasons for wild turkey, Ohio's hunters are permitted to use the following hunting methods:

  • Shotgun (10 gauge or smaller using shot, which includes muzzle-loading shotguns)

  • Longbow or bow (with a minimum draw weight of 40 pounds, including compound and recurve bows; the arrow tip must have a minimum of two cutting edges — exposed or unexposed — and a minimum 3/4-inch width). Expandable and mechanical broadheads are legal.

  • Crossbow (with a minimum draw weight of 75 pounds; the arrow tip needs to have a minimum two cutting edges that may be exposed or unexposed and a minimum 3/4-inch width). Expandable and mechanical broadheads are legal.

How do I get a hunting license and hunting permit in Ohio?

Hunting licenses fall into myriad categories, including youth, resident adult, nonresident adult, apprentice, resident senior and resident free senior.

Once you know what category of license you’ll want and need, you’ll need to know your license requirements.Every Ohioan (or nonresident) applying for a hunting license or permit is required to provide their Social Security Number. Applicants without an SSN are required to affirm their status at the time of their application. Applicants must also declare information like their residency, full name, date of birth, etc. so it can all be recorded in the licensing system.

Licenses can be purchased via an authorized agent, the HuntFish OH mobile app or wildohio.gov website.

For additional information about how and where you can apply for a hunting license or permit, as well as the cost for each, scroll to Page 34 of the PDF document above or visit the full regulations page at ohiodnr.gov.

What is the game check process when hunting wild turkeys in Ohio?

Hunters are required to complete the game check process after harvesting a wild turkey. The harvested turkey must be checked by 11:30 p.m. on the day the kill happened.

For more information about the tag and check process, reference the PDF above or at ohiodnr.gov's website.

Ohio deer hunting: When does Ohio's white-tailed deer hunting season begin? Here's what to know

What is considered against the law in Ohio when hunting wild turkey?

During wild turkey hunting season in Ohio it is unlawful for hunters to:

  • Hunt or take wild turkeys with the aid or use of bait; an area is considered baited for 10 days after the complete removal of any type of bait

  • Use a live decoy while hunting

  • Use or possess an electronic calling device while hunting

  • Take or attempt to take a wild turkey if it is in a tree

  • Possess more than one hunting implement while turkey hunting

It is legal to use dogs to assist in taking wild turkeys, but only during the fall season. For more information and a more detailed breakdown of what is and is not legal while hunting wild game in Ohio, reference the PDF at ohiodnr.gov's website.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Ohio's 2023-24 wild turkey hunting season: Here's what to know