By Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife
Bowhunters in Ohio checked 4,621 white-tailed deer on Saturday, Nov. 11, the highest single-day total so far this season, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Thus far during the 2023 archery hunting season, the 10 most successful harvest dates have been:
This season, bowhunters across Ohio have harvested 69,897 deer through Sunday, Nov. 12. The three-year average for deer harvested through the second weekend of November is 66,355. Last year, hunters checked 65,146 deer through the corresponding date. The statewide archery season began Sept. 30 and continues until Feb. 4, 2024.
Ohio’s top 10 counties for deer harvested during the first seven weeks of the 2023 deer season include: Coshocton (2,610), Tuscarawas (2,194), Holmes (2,016), Ashtabula (1,973), Licking (1,900), Trumbull (1,803), Knox (1,774), Muskingum (1,766), Guernsey (1,657), and Carroll (1,492).
Based on historic harvest records, bowhunters can expect some terrific hunting in the coming weeks. In 2022, bowhunters were highly successful on Saturday, Nov. 19 (1,942 deer checked), Sunday, Nov. 20 (1,368), Tuesday, Nov. 15 (1,311), Saturday, Nov. 26 (1,233), and Friday, Nov. 18 (1,192).
Ohio’s deer hunters are increasingly using longbows and crossbows to take advantage of tremendous deer hunting in October and November. The archery season lines up with the peak of the rut, or deer breeding season. Deer are travelling more often and farther this time of year as bucks pursue does, making these months an exciting time to be hunting.
With the rut continuing for several more weeks, hunters have ample opportunity to harvest a deer, including with a firearm. The youth weekend is upcoming on Nov. 18-19. The gun season is Monday, Nov. 27 through Sunday, Dec. 3, and again Dec. 16-17. Deer muzzleloader season is Jan. 6-9, 2023. Find complete details in the 2023-24 Hunting and Trapping Regulations.
If you join the ranks of successful deer hunters, use the free HuntFish OHapp to game check your harvest, even without a Wi-Fi connection. Hunters can also use the app to view public hunting area maps, buy hunting licenses and deer permits, check county big limits, and much more. Beyond the app, hunters can check game by visiting ohiogamecheck.com, calling 1-877-TAG-IT-OH (1-877-824-4864), visiting a license sales agent, or calling 1-866-703-1298 (landowner operator-assisted; fees apply).
If you’re interested in learning more about deer hunting, check out the Wild Ohio Harvest Community for online learning modules, resources, and recipes for after the harvest. Visit wildohio.gov to get started.
The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.