What Ohio hunting licenses cost

An Ohio resident hunting license costs $19.98 for a one-year license. A three-year resident license costs $54.95. Non-residents pay $124.98 for a one-year license or $324.95 for a three-year license. These are the base license fees; additional stamps and permits cost extra depending on what you hunt.

Ohio also sells short-term licenses for people who hunt only occasionally. A three-day resident license costs $9.99, and a one-day resident license costs $7.99. Non-residents can buy a three-day license for $34.99 or a one-day license for $24.99. These short-term options let you hunt without committing to a full year.

Prices are current as of 2024 and set by the Ohio Division of Wildlife. The state updates fees periodically, so check the Ohio Division of Wildlife website before you purchase to confirm the current price.

Key Takeaways

  • A one-year Ohio resident hunting license costs $19.98; non-residents pay $124.98 for the same period.
  • Short-term licenses are available for one or three days at lower costs if you hunt only occasionally.
  • Hunting specific game — deer, turkey, or waterfowl — requires additional stamps beyond the base license fee.
  • You can purchase licenses online through the Ohio Division of Wildlife website, by phone, or at authorized vendors like sporting goods stores.
  • Licenses are valid from the date of purchase and expire one year later, or three years later if you buy a multi-year license.

Stamps and permits you may need to add

The base hunting license lets you hunt small game like rabbits and squirrels, but hunting larger game requires additional stamps. A deer hunting permit costs $26.98 for residents and $126.98 for non-residents. A wild turkey permit costs $26.98 for residents. A waterfowl stamp costs $15.98 for residents and non-residents alike.

If you want to hunt more than one type of game, you buy each stamp separately. For example, a resident who wants to hunt both deer and turkey would buy the $19.98 base license, then add the $26.98 deer permit and the $26.98 turkey permit, for a total of $73.94. The stamps are valid for the same period as your license — one year or three years, depending on which you purchased.

Where to buy your license

You can purchase an Ohio hunting license online through the Ohio Division of Wildlife website at wildohio.gov. Online purchase is the fastest option and you receive your license when ready as a printable document or digital file on your phone.

You can also buy licenses by phone by calling the Ohio Division of Wildlife at 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543). Staff can answer questions about which license and stamps you need before you pay. Licensed vendors throughout Ohio — including Walmart, Dick's Sporting Goods, Cabela's, and local sporting goods stores — sell licenses in person. Vendor locations and hours vary, so call ahead if you plan to visit.

How long your license is valid

A one-year hunting license is valid for 12 months from the date you purchase it. A three-year license is valid for 36 months from purchase. Your license does not expire on a calendar date; it expires exactly one or three years after the transaction, depending on which you bought.

If your license expires while you are hunting, you must stop hunting when ready and purchase a new license before you continue. Hunting without a valid license is a violation of Ohio law and can result in fines and loss of hunting privileges.

Resident versus non-resident rates

Ohio charges different prices for residents and non-residents. A resident is someone who has lived in Ohio for at least six months and holds an Ohio driver's license or state ID. Non-residents pay significantly more — roughly six times the resident rate for a one-year license.

If you recently moved to Ohio, you may be able to purchase a resident license once you meet the residency requirement and obtain an Ohio ID. Contact the Ohio Division of Wildlife to confirm your residency status before you purchase, since buying a non-resident license when you are may be able to access for a resident license means paying more than necessary.

Discounts and exemptions

Ohio offers reduced-price licenses for certain groups. Residents aged 65 and older pay $7.98 for a one-year license instead of $19.98. Residents aged 16 and 17 pay $9.98. Children under 16 do not need a hunting license if they are hunting under the direct supervision of a licensed adult, though the supervising adult must have a valid license.

Military members on active duty may be exempt from license fees. Contact the Ohio Division of Wildlife to learn whether you may have access to and what documentation you need to provide.

What happens if you hunt without a license

Hunting without a valid license in Ohio is a violation of state wildlife law. Penalties include fines ranging from $150 to $1,000 depending on the violation, possible jail time, and loss of hunting privileges for a set period. Game wardens patrol hunting areas and check licenses, so the risk of being caught is real.

If you are unsure whether you need a license for what you want to hunt, contact the Ohio Division of Wildlife before you go. It is much cheaper and faster to buy the correct license upfront than to deal with a violation later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a hunting license the same day I want to hunt?

Yes. If you purchase online through the Ohio Division of Wildlife website, you receive your license when ready and can print it or show it on your phone. If you buy in person at a vendor, you receive your license right away. Buying by phone takes a few minutes and you can hunt the same day once the transaction is complete.

Do I need a separate license for each type of game I hunt?

No. One base hunting license covers all small game. You add stamps for specific larger game — deer, turkey, or waterfowl — but you do not buy separate licenses. One $19.98 license plus the stamps you need covers everything.

What if I buy a license but decide not to hunt?

Ohio does not issue refunds for unused licenses. Once you purchase, the license is valid for one or three years from that date. If your plans change, you can use the license anytime during that period, or let it expire without using it.

Is my Ohio hunting license valid in other states?

No. Each state issues its own hunting licenses and recognizes only licenses from that state. If you hunt in another state, you must purchase a license from that state. Some states offer reciprocal agreements that reduce fees for hunters from certain other states, but you still need a separate license.

Do I need a hunting license to hunt on my own property?

Yes. Ohio requires a valid hunting license for all hunting, regardless of whether you own the land. The only exception is children under 16 hunting under direct adult supervision, who do not need a license.