Ohio Hunters Bag Record Number of Deer During Weeklong Gun Season
Ohio hunters enjoyed a successful weeklong deer gun season in 2023, reporting a total harvest exceeding 87,000 white-tailed deer. This impressive figure marks the highest recorded since 2011, signifying a resurgence in deer population and a strong showing for hunters across the state.
A Season For The Record Books
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources confirmed the final tally, revealing a staggering 87,192 deer checked in by hunters.
To put this achievement in perspective, compare it to previous years’ figures; in 2023, hunters har’d 70,103 deer during the same 7-day gun season. This rise in harvest numbers, while approaching rates from 2011, underscores the success of wildlife management efforts and favorable environmental conditions.
The harvest was comprised of 28,606 antlered deer, representing a third of the total harvest, with the remaining 58,586 deer antlerless, including does and button bucks.
County by County: A Look at the Leaders
Breaking down the stats by county reveals some noteworthy regional variations. Coshocton County ultimately topped the charts with an impressive 2,954 deer harvested, solidifying its reputation for robust deer populations. The county’s dominance wasn’t quite a surprise. It also led the state in 2023 with 2,440 deer reported.
- Coshocton, 2,954 – Coshocton County also led the state in 2023 with 2,440 deer checked.
- Tuscarawas, 2,673
- Knox, 2,525
- Muskingum, 2,515
- Carroll, 2,399
- Ashtabula, 2,281
- Guernsey, 2,201
- Washington, 1,970
- Ashland, 1
893 - Licking, 1,860
Gear and Tactics for a Successful Hunt
The diversity in locations and the overall success of hunters speak to the adaptability of Ohio’s hunting community. Hunters used a variety of legally approved hunting methods during the gun season. These include traditional shotguns, as well as newer options like straight-walled cartridge rifles. The latter has become numerous since its introduction for deer gun hunting in 2014. Other options included muzzleloaders, handguns, and archery equipment, reflecting the evolving methods within this established pastime.
