Ohio’s Fall Turkey Hunting Season Opens October 9

Fall wild turkey hunting opens in 48 Ohio counties on Saturday, October 9, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife. The season continues through Sunday, November 28.

"Summer brood observation data are still being analyzed, but the 2010 hatch appeared to be a little better than last year," said Wildlife Biologist Mike Reynolds. "Acorns appear to be abundant in much of eastern Ohio this year. Good acorn crops usually result in lower fall turkey harvests because flocks are widely scattered feeding on acorns in forested areas. Hunters who spend time scouting feeding areas will be more likely to locate flocks of birds this fall."

Hunters harvested 2,180 wild turkeys during last year's fall season. Reynolds added that Ohio's current wild turkey population is around 230,000. He anticipates as many as 20,000 people, not counting private landowners hunting on their own property, will enjoy Ohio's fall wild turkey season.

Only one turkey of either sex may be taken during the entire fall season. A Fall Turkey Hunting Permit is required. Hours are ½ hour before sunrise to sunset from October 9 through November 28. Shotguns, using shot, crossbows and longbows are permitted. Turkeys must be checked in the county where taken by 8 p.m. on the day the bird is shot.

The ODNR Division of Wildlife advises turkey hunters to wear hunter orange clothing when entering, leaving or moving through hunting areas in order to remain visible to others.

Additional details regarding fall wild turkey hunting and safety information can be found in Publication 85, Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations or online at wildohio.com.