Ohio deer harvest reaches 30,861 through Oct. 21, up about 6,500 from year earlier

Ohio's deer harvest stood at 30,861 animals through Oct. 21, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources reported, a gain of roughly 6,500 compared with the same point in the prior season. The agency's count puts the statewide total above 30,000.

Eastern Ohio counties held the highest totals. Coshocton County recorded 1,306 deer, followed by Trumbull at 1,140, Tuscarawas at 1,106, Ashtabula at 1,050 and Holmes at 1,015. In southwest Ohio, Butler County led with 231. Greene County had 158, Montgomery 156, Warren 152, Darke 148, Preble 146 and Miami 125.

ODNR said the current start comes after a record-setting 2025-26 season in which half of deer permit buyers harvested at least one deer.

Remaining opportunities listed for this season are youth gun hunting Nov. 21-22, the weeklong gun season Nov. 30-Dec. 6, another gun weekend Dec. 19-20, muzzleloader season Jan. 2-5 and archery through Feb. 7.

Wildlife officials said hunters may take only one antlered deer during the season, regardless of method or county. Hunting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.