Hunters aged 17 and younger in Ohio checked a total of 9,759 white-tailed deer during the youth gun hunting season held on November 22 and 23, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The annual event gives young hunters an opportunity to participate before the start of the statewide gun season.
The Division of Wildlife tracks deer harvest numbers at key points each year. For the 2025 youth season, Coshocton County led with 319 deer checked, followed by Knox (317), Tuscarawas (274), Muskingum (266), Holmes (241), Carroll (240), Ashland (226), Licking (215), Harrison (210), and Ashtabula (209). Of the total harvested, 5,224 were antlered deer and 4,535 were antlerless. In comparison, last year’s youth gun season saw a harvest of 10,436 deer. The average for the previous three years was reported as 9,990.
As of November 23, ODNR had issued over 43,800 youth deer permits. These permits remain valid for all remaining hunting seasons through February 1, 2026.
The upcoming seven-day statewide gun season will begin December 1 and run through December 7. There is also a bonus weekend scheduled for December 20-21. Muzzleloader season is set for January 3-6, while archery continues until February 1.
The Division of Wildlife has announced it will accept donations of harvested white-tailed deer at select locations in December to support local food pantries. Donation days are set for December 1, 2, 6, and 7 at several wildlife areas and community sites across Ohio.
“This year, the division began a partnership with the Ohio Penal Industries’ meat processing facility at the Pickaway Correctional Institution (PCI). Division staff will transport all donated deer to PCI for processing and packaging. Once packaging is complete, the Mid-Ohio Food Collective and the Ohio Association of Foodbanks will distribute all donated venison.”
According to ODNR officials: “The division intends to distribute donated venison to local food pantries in the areas where those who donated live and work. One deer can provide up to 200 meals.”
Deer donations must be properly tagged and game checked; each donation counts toward both county and state bag limits.
Membership opportunities are available with Buckeye Firearms Association for those interested in supporting grassroots efforts related to firearm rights advocacy.
