When is Ohio’s Fall Turkey Season? A Guide to Dates, Regulations, and Hunting Tips

Fall turkey hunting offers a unique challenge compared to the spring season. Ohio provides turkey hunters with opportunities to pursue birds in the fall months. Here is a complete guide to the fall turkey season in Ohio including dates license requirements, regulations, top areas, and expert tips for hunting success.

Overview of Ohio’s Fall Turkey Season

Ohio hosts a fall turkey season each year in October. Key details include:

• Timing – Typically held from early to late October Check the Ohio DNR’s exact dates each season

• Licenses – Requires a fall turkey permit plus a hunting license. No application process.

• Bag Limit – Either 1 bearded turkey or 1 turkey of either sex, depending on county.

• Methods – Scouting pre-season is crucial. Still hunting and ambushing are effective tactics.

• Outlook – Lower participation than spring but provides unique late-season opportunity.

Fall turkey hunting is more challenging with flocks dispersed after breeding. Proper scouting and adapting methods are key.

Dates for Ohio’s 2025 Fall Turkey Season

In 2025, Ohio’s fall turkey dates are:

• October 1 – October 29, 2025

This period represents a decrease from prior years, as Ohio has shortened the fall season length.

Be sure to verify the exact open season dates each year, as they can shift annually. But the fall hunt generally runs throughout October.

Fall Turkey Hunting Licenses and Permits

To hunt wild turkeys in Ohio during the fall season, you will need:

• Ohio Hunting License – Required as a base license before getting a turkey permit.

• Fall Turkey Permit – Allows you to harvest 1 fall turkey in specific counties. No application process – sold over the counter.

• Hunter Orange – Must be worn when hunting fall turkeys.

• Hunter Safety – Passing a certified hunter education course is mandatory.

Be sure to carry your license and turkey permit when hunting, as well as wear blaze orange clothing for visibility.

Fall Turkey Bag Limits and Regulations

Fall turkey hunters in Ohio need to know the following season regulations:

• Bag Limit – Either 1 bearded turkey or 1 turkey of either sex, depending on county.

• Legal Birds – Turkey must have visible beard (male) or no beard (either sex) to be legal.

• Shooting Hours – 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.

• Hunting Implements – Shotguns, crossbows, longbows, recurve bows allowed. No rifles.

• Shot Size – Typical turkey loads like #4, #5, #6 recommended.

Always consult the Ohio hunting regulations guide for full details before your hunt.

Top Areas for Fall Turkey Hunting in Ohio

Many public and private lands offer fall turkey hunting opportunity across Ohio. Top areas include:

• Southeast Ohio – Hocking, Vinton, Jackson, and Gallia Counties have excellent public land.

• Southcentral Ohio – Check Highland and Adams Counties near Ohio Brush Creek Wildlife Area.

• Northeast Ohio – Ashtabula and Trumbull Counties hold good turkey numbers.

• Northwest Ohio – Van Wert and Paulding Counties near Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area.

• Central Ohio – Delaware and Knox Counties have solid fall potential on public and private ground.

Do your scouting and ask local DNR biologists for insight on current fall flocks in your chosen hunt zone.

Expert Tips for Hunting Fall Turkeys

Here are proven strategies for filling your fall turkey tag in Ohio:

• Pattern Food Sources – Locate areas like cut cornfields, oak flats, and wild fruit trees.

• Pinpoint Rost Sites – Scout for treetops turkeys are roosting in before fly down.

• Play the Wind – Make sure your setup has wind in your face when birds move off roost.

• Use Decoys Sparingly – Decoys can work but don’t over-employ them in the fall.

• Watch the Weather – Warm days with sun make birds active; rain/wind keeps them hunkered down.

• Stay Concealed – Use blinds, brush, or tree trunks to blend into the landscape.

• Be Patient – Call sparingly and softly. Sit still and let curious flocks come investigate.

With smart scouting and adaptable hunting strategies, your odds will improve during Ohio’s fall season.

Fall Turkey Hunting FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about pursuing fall turkeys in Ohio:

What are the shooting hours?

30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.

What size shot is best for turkeys?

Typically #4, #5 or #6 lead or nontoxic loads.

How far should turkeys be when shooting?

30 yards or less for best chance at a clean kill.

Can you use dogs when turkey hunting in Ohio?

No, dogs are not legal for turkey hunting in Ohio.

Is camo required when fall turkey hunting?

No, but wearing camo is highly recommended to stay concealed.

Are crossbows legal for fall turkey hunting?

Yes, crossbows are legal implements during Ohio’s fall turkey season.

Gear Up for a Memorable Fall Turkey Hunt

With thorough preparation and adjusting your tactics for the late season, fall turkey hunting in Ohio can be a rewarding experience all its own. Don’t underestimate the challenge of scattering flocks but do your scouting, choose concealed vantage points, and hunt smart. Before you know it, you’ll have outwitted a clever autumn bird. Grab your fall license and turkey permit, pattern those flocks, and enjoy Ohio’s overlooked fall turkey season.

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