Early Fall Hunting Begins in Ohio

COLUMBUS — Thousands of Ohioans have been eagerly waiting for the calendar to change to September, when popular hunting seasons open across the state. Early September is the time to hunt pigeons, squirrels and some waterfowl, with whitetail deer archery season just around the corner.

The hunting season began on September 1. for squirrel (fox, gray and red), pigeon, rail, common snipe and moorhen and on September 3 for Canada Geese and Teal (Blue-winged, Green-winged, and Tan). Archery deer hunting season is not far behind, with the state season starting on September 24 and a season in a few specific counties opening on September 10.

Pigeons are a popular game bird among Ohio hunters. Doves are abundant throughout Ohio in early September before migrating to southern habitats for the winter.

Squirrels were the first prey for many beginning Ohio hunters and remain the state’s favorite small game species. Early in the hunting season, squirrels are found in woods and forests that have beech, oak, and hickory trees.

Canada Geese, Blue-winged Teal, and Green-winged Teal are some of the first migratory waterfowl to arrive in Ohio’s wetlands. Waterfowl can be hunted in agricultural fields, from the edges of wetlands or ponds, or from a boat. Be sure to check the waterfowl identification guide before an early season hunt.

Hunters are reminded to check current regulations for changes to season dates and daily limits as the fall 2022 seasons begin. A summary of the 2022-23 hunting and trapping regulations can be found at wildohio.gov, on the HuntFish OH app, or anywhere licenses are sold.

Ohio deer archery season starts soon. The state season begins on September 24. Hunters in the Disease Surveillance Area (Hardin, Marion and Wyandot counties) can start archery hunting two weeks before the statewide opening on September 10.

The Ohio Landowners and Hunters Access Association program opens an avenue for hunters to access private lands and landowners receive incentives for allowing hunters access.

Find more information about the program, register as a hunter or landowner, and find properties near you at wildohio.gov.