(WKBN) — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources reports that archery hunters are off to a strong start this deer season.
As of Sunday, archery hunters have checked 48,321 deer in the first six weekends of bowhunting. The season began Sept. 28 and continues through Feb. 2, 2025.
This is slightly down from the average of 50,844, with higher numbers reported last year at the same point: 51,352.
Deer harvested this year include 23,311 antlered deer and 25,010 antlerless deer — a category which includes does and button bucks.
Trumbull County placed in the top 10 counties so far, with 1,353 deer checked.
Bowhunters are required to purchase a hunting license and deer permit, unless exempted. A one-year resident hunting license costs $19 and is valid through Feb. 28, 2025. Deer management permits, available for $15, can be used on private land through Dec. 22 and only for antlerless deer.
Bowhunting is available on both public and private land. Archers have additional opportunities to hunt private land through the Ohio Landowner-Hunter Access Partnership , which incentivizes landowners to open their property to hunters.