2026 Season Dates

Season Type Opens Closes Notes
Archery Sep 26, 2026 Feb 7, 2027 Statewide
Rifle / Firearm Nov 30, 2026 Dec 6, 2026 Antlered deer
Muzzleloader Jan 2, 2026 Jan 5, 2026 Check regulations

Always verify dates with your state DNR before purchasing a license or hunting.

2026 Rut Timeline

Pre-Rut Oct 30 – Nov 12
Peak Rut Nov 13 – Nov 28
Post-Rut Nov 23 – Dec 7
Second Rut Dec 8 – Feb 28

Best Days to Hunt in Ohio 2026

These windows combine open season, peak rut phase, and favorable conditions. Exact scoring matches the main RutPlanner best-days logic.

1
Nov 13, 2026
Peak Rut Rifle Preferred
84/100
2
Nov 21, 2026
Peak Rut
84/100
3
Nov 28, 2026
Pre/Peak Rut
84/100

Ohio Deer Hunting FAQ