Ohio Deer Hunters Off to a Fast Start, Jackson County Leads the Region

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Ross County

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio deer hunters are well ahead of last year’s pace in the early weeks of archery season.

Hunters have checked 22,102 deer so far this season, the Ohio Division of Wildlife said Thursday. During the same period last year, 18,494 deer were taken. That is 3,608 more deer, or about 20% more than last year.

Of this season’s total, 8,504 were antlered deer and 13,598 were antlerless, according to the state’s weekly deer harvest report covering harvests reported through Oct. 13.

How south-central Ohio counties stack up

Jackson County leads the region with 280 deer. Here are the totals for local counties so far:

• Jackson: 280
• Scioto: 238
• Gallia: 224
• Highland: 221
• Ross: 218
• Hocking: 208
• Pike: 183
• Vinton: 142
• Pickaway: 68
• Fayette: 36

Coshocton County leads the state with 955 deer.

Seasons still ahead

Deer archery season opened Sept. 26 and runs through Feb. 7, 2027. Upcoming statewide seasons:

• Youth deer gun: Nov. 21-22
• Deer gun: Nov. 30 to Dec. 6, plus Dec. 19-20
• Deer muzzleloader: Jan. 2-5, 2027

Only one antlered deer may be taken per hunter, no matter where or how it is harvested. Hunter orange is required during the youth gun, gun and muzzleloader seasons. The Division of Wildlife posts updated harvest numbers each Wednesday during the season.

Photo: Public domain photo by Courtney Celley/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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