Ohio Bird Hunting

Seasons Span October 11 – January 11, 2026

State Drought Monitor – Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival.

Season Dates

  • Ring-necked Pheasant:
    • Season: November 7, 2025 – January 11, 2026 (based on typical alignment with prior years and ODNR patterns; exact dates pending confirmation).
    • Youth Season: Typically a weekend before the general season (e.g., late October or early November); check ODNR for 2025-26 specifics.
    • Hunting Hours: Sunrise to sunset.
  • Ruffed Grouse:
    • Season: November 7, 2025 – November 30, 2025 (in 17 southern and eastern counties, e.g., Adams, Athens, Belmont, etc.; confirm counties with ODNR).
    • Hunting Hours: 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.
  • Bobwhite Quail:
    • Season: November 7, 2025 – November 30, 2025 (based on prior seasons and typical ODNR schedules; confirm with ODNR).
    • Hunting Hours: Sunrise to sunset.
  • American Woodcock:
    • Season: October 11, 2025 – November 24, 2025 (aligned with federal migratory bird frameworks; confirm with ODNR).
    • Hunting Hours: 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.

Note: These dates are derived from ODNR announcements and patterns from prior seasons, as specific 2025-26 upland bird dates were not fully detailed in the provided sources. The Ohio Wildlife Council approved 2025-26 seasons in April 2025, and exact dates should be available at wildohio.gov or via the HuntFish OH app.

Required Licenses and Costs

  • Ohio Hunting License:
    • Resident Adult (18–65): $19 (valid March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026).
    • Resident Youth (17 and under): $10.
    • Resident Senior (66+): Reduced cost (contact 1-800-WILDLIFE for details).
    • Nonresident Adult: $125 (annual).
    • Nonresident Youth: $10.
    • Exemptions: Ohio resident landowners, their spouses, and children hunting on their own land; active-duty military members (verify with ODNR).
  • Harvest Information Program (HIP) Certification:
    • Required for migratory birds (doves, woodcock, rails, snipe, gallinules).
    • Cost: Free.
    • Obtain via 1-877-HIP-OHIO (1-877-447-6446) or wildohio.gov.
  • Controlled Access Permits:
    • Required for pheasant hunting in specific areas (e.g., Urbana Wildlife Area, Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area, Coldwater Creek Nature Corridor). Apply through ODNR’s lottery system (July 1–30, 2025).
    • Cost: Varies; check ODNR for details.

Daily Bag and Possession Limits

  • Ring-necked Pheasant:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 2 roosters (no hens).
    • Possession Limit: 6 after two days (based on standard regulations; confirm with ODNR).
  • Ruffed Grouse:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 1.
    • Possession Limit: 3 after two days (standard for small game; confirm with ODNR).
  • Bobwhite Quail:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 4 (based on prior seasons; confirm with ODNR).
    • Possession Limit: 12 after two days (standard; confirm with ODNR).
  • American Woodcock:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 3.
    • Possession Limit: 9 after two days.

Additional Notes

  • Blaze Orange: Required during gun deer season (December 1–7, 2025; December 20–21, 2025); recommended at all times for safety.
  • Shot Requirements: Nontoxic shot required for migratory birds (except doves, where lead shot is permitted).
  • Dog Training: Allowed in designated state wildlife areas; prohibited May 1 – August 31 outside these areas.
  • Verification: The above dates and limits are based on ODNR announcements and prior season patterns, as the provided sources lacked complete 2025-26 upland bird specifics. Since you noted inaccuracies, please check the official ODNR website (wildohio.gov), the HuntFish OH app, or contact 1-800-WILDLIFE for the latest regulations, especially for pheasant, quail, and woodcock dates.

If you have specific ODNR-sourced dates or corrections, please share them, and I can refine this summary further. Alternatively, I can search for additional ODNR updates if needed.