Ohio Hunting License

How Do I Get My State Hunting License?

Hunting education is currently required in many states. An approved Hunting safety course is required to comply with the laws and regulations in those jurisdictions. Depending on your age, you may be required to have the Hunter Education Certificate in order to legally buy a license or permit to hunt. For more information, see the Ohio Hunting Laws and Regulations page.

Did you lose your certificate? Replace it here.

1. Complete the Ohio hunter education certification requirements.
2. Choose the correct license type.
3. Buy the license through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website or an Ohio-approved agent.

Types of Ohio Hunting Licenses

Ohio Resident

A resident is a person who has lived in Ohio for at least six months. Visit the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website for more details about residency requirements.

All Ohio residents must purchase a resident hunting license. Additional licenses or permits may be required to hunt specific game species.

Non-Resident

All non-residents age 18 or older must purchase a non-resident hunting license. Non-residents age 17 or younger must purchase a youth hunting license. Additional licenses or permits may be required to hunt specific game species.

Youth Hunting License

Ohio residents and non-residents age 17 or younger must purchase a youth hunting license.

Senior Hunting License

Ohio residents born on or before December 31, 1937, are eligible for a free hunting license and free game permits. Ohio residents who are age 66 or older and who were born on or after January 1, 1938, are eligible for reduced-cost licenses and permits.

Disability License

Ohio does not offer a hunting license specifically for people with disabilities except for disabled veterans.

Military and Veteran License

Active-duty military members who are stationed in Ohio but are not on leave or furlough must purchase a resident hunting license. Active-duty military members who are on leave or furlough are not required to purchase a hunting license. However, additional licenses and permits may be required. Visit the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website for more details.

Resident veterans who have a disability or who are former prisoners of war may be eligible for a free hunting license and free game permits. Visit the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website for more details about the requirements.

Migratory Waterfowl Requirements

All hunters age 16 or older must purchase the Federal Duck Stamp when hunting migratory waterfowl. All hunters age 18 or older must purchase the Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp endorsement. In addition, hunters are required to have proof of their participation in the Harvest Information Program (HIP).

License Expiration

Hunting licenses are good from March 1 to the last day of February of the next year.

Where to Buy an Ohio Hunting License

• Visit the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website.
• Visit an authorized license agent.