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A trophy Ohio whitetail buck taken during the rut on a guided hunt
Ohio deer hunting

Ohio deer season 2026-2027

Ohio archery, gun, and muzzleloader dates for the 2026-2027 whitetail season, plus our guided rut bow hunts on private southeastern Ohio ground where tags are over the counter.

See Guided Hunts & PricingCall +1 859-979-2036

Ohio deer season dates

SeasonDatesNotes
ArcheryLate September 2026 - early February 2027-
Gun seasonLate November - mid December 2026-
MuzzleloaderEarly January 2027-

Dates are set by the state each year and can change. Confirm with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources before you buy a license.

Our bookable hunt windows

These are the weeks Frenzy Outdoors is guiding hunters on our private, QDMA-managed ground. Spots are limited and opening weeks fill first.

  • Ohio Opening Week Bow Hunt

    Sept. 27 to Oct. 17

  • Ohio Early Bow / Pre-Rut Hunt

    Oct. 15 to Oct. 25

  • Ohio Rut Bow Hunt

    Oct. 25 to Nov. 30

  • Ohio Late Bow Hunt

    Nov. 30 to end of season

  • Ohio Bow / Gun Combo Hunt

    Dates to be confirmed

  • Ohio Gun Season Deer Hunt

    Dates to be confirmed

  • Ohio Late Muzzleloader Hunt

    Dates to be confirmed

  • Ohio Youth Deer Hunt

    Dates to be confirmed

Why Ohio for a rut hunt

Ohio pairs top-tier trophy potential with over-the-counter tags. There is no draw to wait on, and southeastern Ohio's mix of hardwood ridges, hollows, and small ag fields concentrates rutting bucks in predictable travel corridors.

Timing the peak

Late October brings seeking and rub lines. The first two weeks of November bring chasing and lockdown. Our October 25 to November 30 window lets you pick the phase you like to hunt, and we book limited hunters per week so stands stay fresh.

How we set up

Hang-on sets and ladder stands on funnels, saddle-friendly trees for hunters who prefer mobile, and ground blinds for weather or filming. Access routes are cut and scent-conscious so you can get in and out without blowing deer off the property.

Licenses and permits

Nonresidents buy an Ohio hunting license and deer permit online through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Purchase before you travel, and check current zone bag limits, which vary by county.

Guided Ohio hunts you can book

Ohio Spring Turkey Hunt

4 days / 5 nights

$2,000

per hunter

View Hunt

Ohio Youth Turkey Hunt

2 days

$1,500

per hunter

View Hunt

Ohio Opening Week Bow Hunt

4 days / 5 nights

$2,850

per hunter

View Hunt

Ohio Early Bow / Pre-Rut Hunt

4 days / 5 nights

$2,500

per hunter

View Hunt

Ohio Rut Bow Hunt

4 days / 5 nights

$3,500

per hunter

View Hunt

Ohio Late Bow Hunt

4 days / 5 nights

$2,500

per hunter

View Hunt

Common questions

When is the Ohio rut?
Southeastern Ohio's peak rut activity lands in the first half of November, with strong seeking and chasing from late October onward. Our Ohio rut bow hunt runs October 25 through November 30, 2026, to cover that entire swing.
Do I need to draw a tag to hunt deer in Ohio?
No. Ohio deer permits are over the counter for residents and nonresidents, which is one reason Ohio is such an attractive trophy destination, you can plan a hunt without waiting years on a draw.
Is Ohio really that good for big bucks?
Ohio consistently ranks among the top states for Boone and Crockett entries. Our southeastern Ohio ground sits in that belt, with big timber, agriculture, and low pressure feeding an older age structure.
Can I hunt both Kentucky and Ohio in one trip?
Some hunters do. Our Kentucky and Ohio properties are within a reasonable drive of each other, so if you want to stack a Kentucky gun week onto an Ohio bow hunt, call us and we will build the schedule.

Ready to Book Your Hunt?

Reserve your dates with a 10% deposit, or call Neil directly to talk through the season.

Request Your DatesAll Season Dates