Hunting License in Ohio- Steps to Buy in Oh August

Ohio law is clear: due to state regulations, all first-time hunters, except those using an apprentice license and hunting with an adult, must complete hunter education.

Follow these straightforward steps to obtain a hunting license in Ohio:

Step 1: Complete a Hunter Education Certification course and obtain a state-issued Hunter Education Card
Step 2: Select your license type
Step 3: Buy your Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) license through an online purchase or in-person through a licensed agent.

OH Hunter Education Certification

How do I get my Hunter Education Certificate (Card)

You have 3 options to complete your hunter education requirements to hunt in Ohio. The first 3 options are presented through the Ohio Division of Wildlife. The last option through HunterSafetyUSA, is the fastest option & can be used to hunt across the US.

Complete an in-person course. This instructor-led course lasts about 8-12 hours and takes place in a classroom environment.
Online Hunter Education is offered for Ohio residents 12 years of age or older. This course, on average, will take about 8 hours to complete.
Or complete our 3-hour online-only, all-video-based Hunter Education Course (Adults 17 and older only). We are an International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) and Texas Parks & Wildlife (TPWD) approved provider. The IHEA & TPWD Hunter Education Card you will receive after our course is valid for life and is accepted in all 50 US States and any additional territories or countries that share reciprocity with the IHEA. No in-person requirements are required for our course.

The Ohio Division of Wildlife Website states that:

"Anyone applying for a hunting license, except an apprentice license, is required to successfully complete a hunter education course. Applicants must do one of the following:

Present a previously held hunting license.
Present evidence of having successfully completed a hunter education course (from any state).
Swear he or she is 21 years of age or older and previously held a legal hunting license (from any state)."

What makes our course the best?

First and foremost, we offer the best technology experience among all the courses on the market. We have students who opt to take our course even though they already hold their Hunter Education Card, as they simply love it that much.

Skip having to attend an in-person field-day course with our 3 hour interactive Hunter Safety course. We provide all the resources to get you fully certified online with our IHEA-approved course.

After completing the HunterSafetyUSA course and passing the final exam, you’ll receive your temporary Hunter Education Certificate.

We submit your course results to TPWD. They will issue and email you your permanent Hunter Education Certificate (Card) in 24 hours (this can take 3-4 days when completed outside of hunting season, April-July); however, when taken during peak hunting season, August-March, it's processed in 24 hours. This is valid for use in all 50 U.S. states (including Ohio), Mexico, Canada, and any other country or U.S. territory that has reciprocity with IHEA-USA & State Issued Hunter Education Certificates.

Select Your Hunting License in Ohio

Ohio offers a variety of hunting licenses for different age groups, residency statuses, and hunting preferences.

Additional licenses or permits may be required to hunt specific game species.

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

Below is an overview of the primary license types available:

Ohio Resident Licenses

A resident is a person who has lived in Ohio for at least 6 months. All Ohio residents must purchase a resident 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.

Annual Hunting License • Required for residents aged 18–65.
• Valid from March 1 through the last day of February the following year.
Multi-Year Hunting Licenses
Lifetime Hunting License • Includes an Ohio Conservation Card.
Apprentice Hunting License • Allows new hunters to hunt under the supervision of a licensed hunter without completing a hunter education course initially.

Ohio Non-Resident Licenses

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.

Annual Hunting License • Required for non-residents aged 18 and older.
3-Day Non-Resident Hunting License • Not valid for deer, turkey, or furbearers due to specific hunting regulations.
Apprentice Hunting License • Similar to the resident apprentice license, allows new hunters to hunt under supervision.

Youth Licenses & Requirements

Youth Hunting License (Resident & Non-Resident) • For individuals aged 17 and under.
Multi-Year Youth Hunting Licenses (Residents Only)
Youth Lifetime Hunting License (Residents Only) • Includes an Ohio Conservation Card.
Apprentice Youth Hunting License • Allows youth to hunt under supervision without completing a hunter education course initially.

Senior Licenses & Discounts (Residents Only)

Senior Hunting License (Ages 66 and Older) • Free Senior Hunting License: Free (for residents born on or before December 31, 1937)
Apprentice Senior Hunting License • Allows seniors to hunt under supervision without completing a hunter education course initially.

Lifetime Licenses (Residents Only)

Adult Lifetime Hunting License (Ages 18–65) • Includes an Ohio Conservation Card.
Youth Lifetime Hunting License (Under 18) • Includes an Ohio Conservation Card.
Senior Lifetime Hunting License (Ages 66 and Older) • Includes an Ohio Conservation Card.

Disability & Military Licenses

Disabled Veteran Hunting License • Ohio offers discounted licenses for veterans with disabilities. Specific fees and eligibility requirements can be obtained by contacting the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Active-Duty Military • Active-duty military personnel stationed in Ohio may be eligible for resident hunting licenses regardless of residency status.

Required Endorsements & Tags

Either-Sex Deer Permit
Deer Management Permit
Spring/Fall Turkey Permits
Migratory Bird & Waterfowl Stamps
• Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp
• Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp
• Free Senior Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp
Fur Taker Permits

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

Where to buy your Ohio Hunting License

To hunt in Ohio, you can purchase your license either online through the Ohio Wildlife Licensing System or in person at authorized license agents. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) provides a map of license agents to help you locate a convenient in-person location.

Below are some suggested authorized in-person hunting license agents in the state of Ohio:

Walmart Supercenter – Columbus, OH Address: 3900 Morse Rd, Columbus, OH 43219 Phone: (614) 476-2070
Fin Feather Fur Outfitters – Ashland, OH Address: 652 US-250, Ashland, OH 44805 Phone: (419) 281-2557
ODNR Division of Wildlife Headquarters – Columbus, OH Address: 2045 Morse Rd, Building G, Columbus, OH 43229 Phone: (614) 265-6300

FAQs

Can you take a hunter safety course online in Ohio?

Yes, our online hunter's education course is fully online & only 3 hours long. It covers essential hunter safety education topics, making it one of the most efficient ways to fulfill your requirements.

How early should I sign up for the course before the hunting season?

Ideally, take your course by summer so you don’t miss out during the license purchase rush in late summer and fall.

Will the Texas Hunter Education Card (Certificate) be accepted in Ohio?

Yes, the permanent Texas Parks & Wildlife Hunter Education Card (Certification) is recognized by Ohio and all other states and provinces with mandatory hunter education requirements due to reciprocity agreements with the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA).