Hunting And Outdoor Sports
Ohio’s 2025 deer gun weekend results
Ohio’s 2025 deer gun weekend results
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Ohio, USA
In a weekend dedicated to deer hunting, Ohio hunters checked in a total of 15,835 white-tailed deer on December 20 and 21, according to a recent news release from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. This figure is a notable drop compared to last year, which saw a total of 17,386 deer checked during the same weekend. Over a span of three seasons, the average number stood at 16,010 deer checked, highlighting potential fluctuations in deer populations or hunting engagement during the current season.
In an effort to bolster community support and address food insecurity, the Division of Wildlife has enhanced its initiatives to encourage hunters to donate venison to local food pantries. To date, more than 3,350 pounds of processed venison have been donated by generous hunters, showcasing a blend of community spirit and resourceful use of wildlife. Those interested in contributing can refer to wildohio.gov for detailed guidelines on how to donate.
As the hunting season progresses, deer harvest totals continue to be monitored by the Division of Wildlife at key points throughout the season. During the recent gun weekend, the breakdown of hunters’ catches revealed a majority of antlerless deer, with 11,796 recorded, making up 74% of the total. In contrast, 4,039 antlered deer were checked, accounting for 26% of the total. This reflects ongoing trends in deer management and hunting preferences among Ohio hunters, which may be influenced by deer population dynamics.
The top ten counties contributing to the deer harvest over this gun weekend were led by Coshocton County, which topped the list with 576 deer checked in. Ashtabula and Knox counties followed with 551 and 477 deer, respectively. Other notable counties included Tuscarawas, Columbiana, Carroll, Muskingum, Ashland, Richland, and Licking, rounding out the list of significant contributions. This geographic information illustrates areas where deer populations are thriving, providing fertile ground for hunters during open season.
However, it’s not all positive news; the overall totals for this hunting season have fallen short of average expectations in regions like Athens, Meigs, Morgan, and Washington counties. The decline is largely attributed to an unprecedented outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) that affected the deer population in these areas over the summer. As a preventive measure, the bag limit on deer hunting in these counties was reduced at the onset of the seven-day gun season, indicating the wildlife authorities' responsive management strategies aimed at sustaining healthy deer populations.
As with previous years in Ohio, legal hunting equipment during the deer gun weekend was regulated, allowing specific shotguns, straight-walled cartridge rifles, muzzleloaders, handguns, and archery equipment. The data indicates a strong preference for straight-walled cartridge rifles, with 69% (10,900 deer) of deer taken using this type of firearm. In contrast, shotguns accounted for 24% (3,821 deer), shedding light on equipment choices reflecting various hunting styles. Muzzleloaders, archery equipment, and handguns represented smaller fractions of the harvest, underlining the diversity of hunting methods employed by participants.
Additionally, throughout the entire nine days of gun hunting coupled with two days of youth hunting, a cumulative total of 111,042 deer have been checked. Youth hunters, in particular, have made a notable mark on the season, with 9,759 deer recorded during their designated hunting days on November 22 and 23. Coupled with the weeklong gun season total of 85,448 deer, the overall season total tallies to 206,583 deer taken across all categories of hunting implements since September, a solid representation of Ohio’s hunting community.
As hunters wrap up another significant season, they not only contribute to local economies and traditions but also play a vital role in wildlife management and conservation efforts. The passion for hunting is evident throughout the state, and while numbers may vary from year to year, the commitment to ethical hunting practices and community support through donations remains strong.
ShoQ’s Take: The drop in deer harvest numbers this year raises questions about population dynamics and the impact of EHD outbreaks in certain regions. The community's response in donating venison is commendable, reflecting a sense of responsibility towards both wildlife management and addressing local food insecurity. As we continue to monitor the situation, the implications for hunters in these affected areas could lead to changes in hunting regulations or methods. Hunters and wildlife enthusiasts alike must stay informed and adaptable as future seasons approach, holding in mind state regulations and population health.