Hunting Season by State

Ohio Archery Deer Season 2026-27

Open now

Ohio's archery deer season opens September 26, 2026 and closes February 7, 2027 — the longest deer season of any method in the state.

Last verified September 25, 2026Ohio wildlife agency

Zones & dates

  • Statewide

    Archery

    Open now
    Opens
    September 26, 2026
    Closes
    February 7, 2027
    Bag limit
    See official regulations for bag limits.

Ohio allows compound bows, recurve bows, and (in most cases) crossbows during archery season, each meeting the state's minimum specifications. Some equipment rules — broadhead design, crossbow eligibility, and any zone-specific restrictions — vary and are set by the wildlife agency each year. Confirm the current equipment list with Ohio's wildlife agency before you hunt.

Tags and antlerless rules during archery

Tag allowances and antlerless-only windows vary by zone and by segment within Ohio's deer season — some of the dates in the table above are antlerless-only, while others allow either sex. Review each zone row for its specific rules, and confirm current tag limits, antler-point restrictions, and any special antlerless permits required for the archery season with Ohio's wildlife agency.

How archery overlaps gun season

Ohio's archery season runs the entire fall and winter (September 26 – February 7) without closing, so it stays open through the youth gun weekend, the gun week, the gun bonus weekend, and muzzleloader season — hunters can switch methods on any date archery is legal.

What changed for 2026-27

Season dates are set annually by Ohio's wildlife agency and can shift from year to year based on herd surveys, weather, and management goals. The dates above reflect the official 2026–27 season as published by the Ohio wildlife agency; check the source link above for any addenda issued after publication, and always reverify before you hunt.

Frequently asked questions

Ohio's archery deer season opens September 26, 2026.

Nearby states

Regulations change every year and can vary by county or unit. Hunting Season by State is a reference tool, not a substitute for the official regulation book — always verify dates, zones, and bag limits with the state wildlife agency before you hunt.