Ohio’s 2023-2024 Turkey Hunting Season: A Comprehensive Guide

Get ready for an exciting turkey hunting season in Ohio! This guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to know about the upcoming fall and spring seasons, including dates, regulations, bag limits, and more.

Fall Turkey Hunting Season:

• Dates: October 14 – November 12, 2023
• Counties Open: All counties except Ottawa, Sandusky, Wood, Van Wert, Mercer, Auglaize, Shelby, Darke, Miami, Montgomery, Clark, Greene, Clinton, Fayette, Pickaway, Madison, Union, and Marion.
• Bag Limit: 1 turkey of either sex
• Hunting Methods: Shotgun (10 gauge or smaller using shot, including muzzle-loading shotguns), Longbow or bow (minimum draw weight of 40 pounds), Crossbow (minimum draw weight of 75 pounds)

Spring Turkey Hunting Season:

• Youth Season: April 13-14, 2024 (Statewide)
• South Zone: April 20 – May 19, 2024
• Northeast Zone: April 27 – May 26, 2024
• Bag Limit: 1 bearded turkey statewide
• Hunting Methods: Shotgun (10 gauge or smaller using shot, including muzzle-loading shotguns), Longbow or bow (minimum draw weight of 40 pounds), Crossbow (minimum draw weight of 75 pounds)

Important Regulations:

• Nonlead Ammunition: Nonlead ammunition is required when taking any wildlife with a firearm anywhere in Ohio.
• Hunting License and Permit: You must have a valid Ohio hunting license and the appropriate turkey tag to hunt turkeys.
• Hunter Education: All first-time hunters born on or after January 1, 1987, must complete a hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license.
• Check the Regulations: Always check the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) website for the most up-to-date regulations and information on turkey hunting.

Additional Resources:

• ODNR Turkey Hunting webpage: https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/buy-and-apply/hunting-fishing-boating/hunting-resources/turkey-hunting
• ODNR Hunting and Trapping Regulations: https://ohiodnr.gov/buy-and-apply/hunting-fishing-boating/hunting-resources/hunting-regulations
• Nonlead Ammunition Information: https://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/hunting/nonlead-ammunition

Tips for Turkey Hunting in Ohio:

• Do your research: Familiarize yourself with the regulations and the specific area you plan to hunt.
• Scout the area: Look for signs of turkeys, such as tracks, droppings, and feathers.
• Use proper camouflage: Wear camouflage clothing that blends in with the surroundings.
• Be patient: Turkey hunting can be challenging, so be patient and persistent.
• Use the right calls: Learn how to use turkey calls to attract turkeys.
• Be safe: Always follow safe hunting practices, including wearing blaze orange during the fall season.

Enjoy your turkey hunting experience in Ohio!

Here are some additional details about the upcoming turkey hunting seasons in Ohio:

• Fall Turkey Hunting:
  • The fall turkey hunting season is open in all counties except for the 18 counties listed above.
  • The bag limit is one turkey of either sex.
  • Hunters can use shotguns, longbows, or crossbows to hunt turkeys during the fall season.
• Spring Turkey Hunting:
  • The spring turkey hunting season is split into three zones: statewide youth, south zone, and northeast zone.
  • The bag limit is one bearded turkey statewide.
  • Hunters can use shotguns, longbows, or crossbows to hunt turkeys during the spring season.
• Youth Turkey Hunting:
  • There is a two-day youth turkey hunting season open to hunters aged 17 and under.
  • The youth turkey hunting season is open statewide.
  • The bag limit is one turkey of either sex.