Ohio hunters checked 4,748 deer on Saturday, Nov. 8, the highest single-day total this season.
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COLUMBUS, Ohio – Archery hunters in Ohio checked 4,748 white-tailed deer on Saturday, Nov. 8, the highest single-day total during the 2025-26 season, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The 10 most successful deer hunting dates during the 2025-26 season have been:
So far this season, bowhunters across Ohio have harvested 64,437 deer through Sunday, Nov. 9. The three-year average for deer taken through the second weekend of November is 66,935. Last year, hunters checked 65,770 deer through the corresponding date. The statewide archery season began Saturday, Sept. 27 and continues until Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026.
Ohio’s top 10 counties for deer harvested during the first seven weeks of the 2025 deer season include: Coshocton (2,521), Tuscarawas (2,111), Ashtabula (2,047), Trumbull (1,873), Holmes (1,865), Knox (1,851) Licking (1,642), Muskingum (1,565), Carroll (1,502), and Richland (1,497).
Ohio’s deer hunters are increasingly using longbows and crossbows to take advantage of deer hunting in October and November. The archery season lines up with the peak of the rut, or deer breeding season. Deer are traveling more often and farther at this time of year as bucks pursue does, making these months an exciting time to be hunting. Based on historical records, bowhunters can expect some terrific hunting in the coming weeks.
Hunters have ample opportunity to pursue deer during the 2025-26 season, including with a firearm. The upcoming youth weekend is Nov. 22-23. The statewide gun season is Monday, Dec. 1 through Sunday, Dec. 7, and again the weekend of Dec. 20-21. Deer muzzleloader season is Sunday, Jan. 3, 2026, through Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. Find complete details in the 2025-26 Hunting and Trapping Regulations.
If you successfully harvest a deer, use the free HuntFish OH app 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).
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.