Ohio’s Gun Hunting Weekend Sees Significant Drop in Deer Harvests Amid Health Concerns

Ohio experienced a decrease in the number of deer harvested during the recent gun hunting weekend compared to last year, though enthusiasts still reported thousands of successful hunts. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife (ODNR), hunters checked in 15,835 white-tailed deer between December 20 and December 21, 2025. This marks a decline from the 17,386 deer harvested during the same period in 2024, with the three-year average standing at 16,010.

Breakdown of Harvested Deer

Of the deer checked this year:

• Antlered Deer: 4,039
• Antlerless Deer: 11,796

Counties such as Athens, Meigs, Morgan, and Washington reported lower numbers, primarily due to an unprecedented outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease. In response, ODNR adjusted the bag limits for these areas during the seven-day gun season.

Top Counties for Deer Harvest in 2025

The counties that led in deer harvesting during the 2025 gun weekend included:

• Coshocton: 576 deer
• Ashtabula: 551 deer
• Knox: 477 deer
• Tuscarawas: 471 deer
• Columbiana: 430 deer
• Carroll: 427 deer
• Muskingum: 398 deer
• Ashland: 391 deer
• Richland: 387 deer
• Licking: 381 deer

Hunting Equipment Trends

The legal equipment used this season showcased a preference for certain rifles and shotguns:

• Straight-walled cartridge rifles: 69% (10,900 deer)
• Shotguns: 24% (3,821 deer)
• Muzzleloaders: 4% (615 deer)
• Archery equipment: 3% (401 deer)
• Handguns: less than 1% (98 deer)

Looking at the broader season, hunters checked a total of 206,583 deer through Sunday, December 21, including those taken during archery and youth hunting. This total comprises 111,042 deer harvested over nine days of gun hunting, along with 9,759 deer from youth hunts held on November 22-23.

Continued Hunting Opportunities

As of December 21, 410,953 deer permits have been issued, including 34,594 for nonresidents. Many hunters journeyed to Ohio from neighboring states, including:

• Pennsylvania: 6,590 nonresident licenses
• Michigan: 4,283
• North Carolina: 2,914
• West Virginia: 2,710
• New York: 2,708

For those eager to keep hunting, the ongoing archery season will last until February 1, 2026. Additionally, the muzzleloader season starts January 3 and continues through January 6, 2026. It’s important to note that after December 21, an either-sex deer permit is required, as deer management permits will no longer be valid.

Expert Analysis

The fluctuations in deer harvest numbers this year underline both the resilience and challenges faced by Ohio’s outdoor community. The impact of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease reflects broader ecological concerns that could influence hunting regulations and wildlife populations in the years ahead. Understanding these trends is critical for both policymakers and conservationists committed to sustainable management practices.

This article was adapted from original reporting by here.