Ohio’s squirrel hunting season begins on September 1.
COLUMBUS – Thousands of Ohioans have been eagerly waiting for the calendar to change to September, when popular hunting seasons open across the state, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Early September is the time to hunt pigeons, squirrels and some waterfowl, with whitetail deer archery season just around the corner.
The tradition of a season opening on September 1 continues for squirrel (fox, gray and red), pigeon, rail, snipe and moorhen. Canada Geese and Teal (Bluewing, Greenwing and Cinnamon) can be hunted beginning September 3 during early waterfowl season. Archery deer hunting season is not far behind, with the state season beginning on September 24 and a season in a few specific counties opening on September 10.
“Many Ohioans are looking forward to the start of the fall hunting season,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “Great public and private land can be found throughout Ohio, creating great places to hunt squirrels, doves and waterfowl in September. This is also a great time to introduce someone new to the hunt and make new memories.”
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.
Ohio’s early waterfowl hunting season begins on September 3.
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 Saturday, September 24. Hunters in the Disease Surveillance Area (Hardin, Marion and Wyandot counties) can start bowhunting two weeks before the statewide opening on September 10. Deer hunting opportunities abound on public lands; see the 2022-23 hunting and trapping regulations for additional details and requirements.
The free HuntFish OH app is available to conveniently purchase hunting and fishing licenses, check game, view wildlife area maps, and much more. The HuntFish OH mobile app is available for iOS and Android users on the app store or Google Play. Users can check deer and wild turkey harvests through the app, even without an internet connection.
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.
New and experienced hunters are encouraged to check out the Ohio Wild Harvest Community for information on getting started, hunting opportunities, and delicious wild game recipes. Get the most out of your fall hunting season with online learning modules, hands-on workshops and more.