By 1812Blockhouse
Ohio’s deer hunters had a strong season, checking 238,137 white-tailed deer during the 2024-25 hunting season that ended on Sunday, February 2, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The total marks the fourth-highest deer harvest on record and an increase of over 24,000 from last year’s total of 213,927.
Richland County hunters contributed significantly to the season’s success, with 5,028 deer harvested—one of the top totals in the state. The county ranked tenth among Ohio’s 88 counties for the most deer checked, underscoring its reputation as a prime hunting destination.
A Season of Growth for Ohio’s Deer Harvest
The 2024-25 season was the most successful since 2010-11, when 238,683 deer were bagged. This year’s harvest ranks among the highest in Ohio’s history, with only a few seasons surpassing the total:
- 2009-10: 260,442
- 2008-09: 251,299
- 2010-11: 238,683
- 2024-25: 238,137
- 2006-07: 236,676
The surge in numbers highlights Ohio’s continued strong deer population and the effectiveness of conservation and wildlife management efforts.
Richland County Among Ohio’s Top Hunting Locations
Richland County’s 5,028 deer harvest ranked it among the ten highest-producing counties in the state. Here’s how it compared with Ohio’s top deer-hunting counties:
- Coshocton – 8,196
- Tuscarawas – 7,373
- Knox – 6,730
- Muskingum – 6,269
- Ashtabula – 6,042
- Guernsey – 5,762
- Carroll – 5,759
- Licking – 5,754
- Holmes – 5,684
- Richland – 5,028
With its diverse mix of woodlands, farmland, and hunting preserves, Richland County continues to be a favored location for Ohio’s sportsmen and women.
How Ohio Hunters Bagged Their Bucks
Hunters used a variety of methods to bring home their game. The most popular hunting implements this season included:
- Crossbows: 78,254 deer (33%)
- Straight-walled cartridge rifles: 77,027 (32%)
- Shotguns: 34,338 (14%)
- Vertical bows: 30,839 (13%)
- Muzzleloaders: 17,092 (7%)
- Handguns: 587 (less than 1%)
Hunters were issued 431,660 deer permits across all hunting seasons, and Ohio continues to attract nonresident hunters. The top five states purchasing Ohio hunting licenses were Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, North Carolina, and New York.
Venison on the Table
The 2024-25 season saw an estimated 12 million pounds of venison added to Ohioans’ tables, as each deer can yield around 50 pounds of lean, high-protein meat. Many hunters also donated a portion of their harvest to food banks, supporting families in need across the state.
Looking Ahead
As the season wraps up, ODNR encourages hunters to explore venison recipes in the Wild Ohio Harvest Cookbook and prepare for the 2025-26 season by downloading the HuntFish OH mobile app for licenses, maps, and game check-ins.
For more information on Ohio’s deer hunting opportunities, visit wildohio.gov and follow the Division of Wildlife on social media for updates, tips, and local outdoor news.
