Hunting License in Ohio- Steps to Buy in Oh

David Harrison  ·  Updated on May 18, 2025

Hunting LicenseGuidesHunter Education

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


OH Hunter Education Certification

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, and your hunter education certificate is accepted by Ohio Department of Natural Resources for use in Ohio for OH residents and non-residents alike.

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

We submit your course results to the state. The state will issue and email you your permanent Hunter Education Certificate (Card). This is valid for use in all 50 USA States (including Ohio), Mexico, Canada, and any other country or US 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 Pennsylvania 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

As soon as you receive your temporary Hunter Education Certificate from completing our course, you are eligible to go and buy your hunting license in whichever states you plan on legally hunting in, and the NRA provides additional resources on responsible hunting practices and hunting safety.

To hunt in Ohio, you can complete your license application and 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: