Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.
OH
Deer Hunting in Ohio: Tags, Seasons & Regulations (2026)
Deer hunting in Ohio starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.
Resident Tag $30 Deer tag/permit
Non-Resident Tag $210 Non-resident deer tag
Primary Season Sep 27 – Feb 1 Archery
Draw Required? No (OTC) Over-the-counter tags
DEER QUICK ANSWER
Ohio Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer
Start here for Ohio deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.
Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.
Most hunters can start from the state license portal and available deer permits.
Archery; also check Youth Gun.
For Ohio deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: Deer permit required in addition to hunting license unless a landowner exemption applies. Because this page lists over-the-counter access, the main risk is choosing the correct weapon season, zone, and add-on permit. CWD has been detected in Ohio, so carcass movement and testing rules deserve an early check.
OVERVIEW
Deer Hunting in Ohio
Ohio deer hunting is OTC, but the current statutory fees make the deer permit much more expensive for non-residents than older page data suggested. The adult hunting license fee is $18 resident or $174 non-resident before any vendor or transaction charges, and the annual deer permit is $30 resident or $210 non-resident unless a landowner exemption applies. Ohio's Disease Surveillance Area has special archery timing, baiting restrictions, and mandatory head submission only for deer harvested in the DSA during the specified mandatory sampling dates.
Species present: White-tailed Deer
SEASONS
Ohio Deer Season Dates (2026)
All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.
Multiple Seasons
Ohio offers 5 distinct deer seasons. Check specific zone dates with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife — dates and bag limits may vary by management unit.
COSTS
Ohio Deer Tag Fees
Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.
Resident
$30
Deer tag / permit
Non-Resident
$210
Over-the-counter tag available
Deer permit required in addition to hunting license unless a landowner exemption applies
PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP
Choose the right Ohio deer planning path
Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.
Check the full Ohio license setup
Move back to the main state hub when you need the base license, non-resident options, or add-on permits outside deer tags.
Compare Ohio with other deer options
Use shortlist pages when you are deciding between states instead of reviewing each deer page one by one.
Use deer-planning tools next
Shift from deer-tag detail into season timing, trip budgeting, and cross-state deer planning helpers.
Add a wider 2026 cost view
Check benchmark and non-resident premium reports before you commit to one deer state or trip budget.
REGULATIONS
CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in Ohio
Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.
CWD Status
Detected
Disease Surveillance Area (DSA) encompassing Hardin, Marion, Wyandot counties and surrounding townships
CWD Testing / Transport
Required in listed zones
Zones: Disease Surveillance Area (DSA) encompassing Hardin, Marion, Wyandot counties and surrounding townships
Strict carcass transport restrictions apply. Whole carcasses generally cannot leave CWD zones or be imported from positive states.
Bag Limit
Daily: 1 · Season: Up to 6 with additional permits
1 per permit; antler restrictions apply in some counties; straight-wall cartridge rifles allowed
Allowed Weapons
Bow, shotgun, muzzleloader
Official Source
Always verify current regulations with the official source: Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.
FAQ
Deer Hunting in Ohio — FAQ
Is CWD testing mandatory in Ohio?
Only for deer harvested inside Ohio's Disease Surveillance Area on the mandatory sampling dates listed by ODNR. Outside those dates and areas, use the current ODNR CWD guidance and voluntary testing options.
What are the antler restrictions in Ohio?
An antlered deer is defined as having antlers measuring 3 inches or greater in height. Crucially, Ohio enforces a strict, absolute limit of only ONE antlered buck per hunter per year.
Can I move my deer out of the Ohio DSA?
No. You cannot remove high-risk carcass parts from the DSA unless you are directly delivering the animal to a certified processor or taxidermist within 24 hours.
What deer species can I hunt in Ohio?
Ohio is home to White-tailed Deer. Allowed weapons include bow, shotgun, muzzleloader.
Can non-residents hunt deer in Ohio?
Yes, non-residents can hunt deer in Ohio. The current statutory non-resident deer permit fee is $210, and the non-resident hunting license is separate. Deer permits are OTC, but hunters should verify current Wild Ohio checkout pricing before buying.