Buckeye Reporter

Hunters in Ohio reported checking 26,667 white-tailed deer on December 2nd, marking the start of the state's weeklong gun hunting season. This figure, released by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife, represents the highest opening day harvest since 2012 when hunters checked 29,297 deer.

The seven-day gun season is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, December 8th. An additional weekend for gun hunting will take place on December 21st and 22nd.

This year's opening day saw hunters check in a total of 9,602 antlered deer and 17,065 antlerless deer. The previous year recorded a total of 19,363 deer checked on opening day. From 2021 to 2023, the average number of deer checked during this period was approximately 19,439.

Coshocton County led with the highest number of deer checked at 1,053. Other top counties included Tuscarawas with 954 and Knox with 881.

As of December 2nd this season, both archery and firearms hunters have collectively harvested a total of 128,408 deer. Additionally, young hunters aged 17 and younger accounted for checking in a total of 10,449 deer during their two-day youth season.

Ohio's hunting calendar also includes a muzzleloader season from January 4th to January 7th in the coming year. The archery season remains open statewide until February 2nd.