By 1812Blockhouse
Ohio’s young hunters marked the start of the 2025 wild turkey season with a weekend dedicated just to them — and they made it count. Over 1,740 wild turkeys were harvested statewide during the youth-only turkey hunting weekend held April 12–13, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Open to hunters aged 17 and younger, the event encourages mentorship and outdoor skills development by requiring an accompanying nonhunting adult.
Richland County Sees Below-Average Results
In Richland County, youth hunters checked in 12 wild turkeys during the special season — a number 15 birds below the county’s three-year average of 27. The lower total stands out as a notable dip for a county that typically sees stronger participation and success rates during the youth weekend.
Top Harvest Counties Set the Pace
While some counties saw a decrease, others posted impressive numbers. The top 10 counties for youth turkey harvest this year were:
- Monroe (62)
- Noble (60)
- Guernsey (55)
- Tuscarawas (55)
- Muskingum (54)
- Belmont (52)
- Ashtabula (49)
- Carroll (49)
- Harrison (47)
- Columbiana (43)
These counties, primarily located in eastern Ohio, offer prime wild turkey habitat and consistently lead the state in harvest totals.
Statewide Turkey Season Launches April 19
The full spring wild turkey season for all hunters opens Saturday, April 19 in Ohio’s south zone (including Richland County) and runs through Sunday, May 18. In the northeast zone (Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Trumbull counties), the season opens Saturday, May 3 and closes Sunday, June 1, following regional nesting patterns.
Hunting Requirements and Reminders
- A valid hunting license and a spring turkey permit are required unless exempt.
- The season bag limit is one bearded turkey.
- Successful hunters must game-check their turkey by 11:30 p.m. on the day of harvest.
Hunters can use the HuntFish OH app, the Ohio Wildlife Licensing System, participating license agents, or call 1-877-TAG-IT-OH (877-824-4864) to check their game. Full regulations are outlined in the 2024–25 Hunting and Trapping Regulations booklet.
Youth Season: A Vital First Step
Despite a below-average showing in Richland County, Ohio’s youth turkey season continues to be a vital entry point into hunting for young people across the state. With more than 6,700 youth turkey permits issued for the 2025 season, the passion for the outdoors and hunting traditions remains strong — and every bird harvested marks the continuation of those traditions for generations to come.
Source: ODNR
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