January 8, 2025, press release from the the Ohio Department of Natural Resources: COLUMBUS, Ohio – Hunters checked 13,476 white-tailed deer from Saturday, Jan. 4 to Tuesday, Jan. 7 during Ohio’s muzzleloader hunting season, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. This total accounts for all deer taken with muzzleloaders or archery equipment during the annual four-day season. Last year, hunters checked 12,714 deer during the muzzleloader season. Over the last three years, hunters bagged an average of 13,081 deer in the same timeframe.

December 23, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources: COLUMBUS, Ohio – Hunters across Ohio checked 17,373 white-tailed deer on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 21-22, during the state’s additional weekend of deer gun hunting, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Last year, hunters tagged 15,470 deer during the gun weekend, with a three-year average of 13,417.

December 9, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources: COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio hunters checked 87,192 white-tailed deer during the weeklong gun season that concluded on Sunday, Dec. 8, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. This is the highest total since 2011 (90,282). In 2023, hunters reported 70,103 deer during the seven-day gun season, and the three-year average is 70,806. During the deer gun week, hunters checked 28,606 antlered deer (33% of the total reported) and 58,586 antlerless deer (67%). Antlerless deer includes does and button bucks. 

December 3, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources: COLUMBUS, Ohio – Hunters across Ohio checked 26,667 white-tailed deer on Monday, Dec. 2 during the opening day of the weeklong gun hunting season, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. This is the highest harvest for opening day since 2012 (29,297). Ohio’s seven-day gun season is open until Sunday, Dec. 8, with an additional gun hunting weekend on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 21-22. This year’s opening day harvest total includes 9,602 antlered deer and 17,065 antlerless deer (antlerless deer are does and button bucks). In 2023, hunters took 19,363 deer on opening day of the gun season, which traditionally falls on the Monday after Thanksgiving. From 2021 to 2023, hunters checked an average of 19,439 deer during the gun season opener. 

November 18, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources: COLUMBUS, Ohio – Hunters ages 17 and younger checked 10,449 white-tailed deer during Ohio’s youth gun hunting season on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 16-17, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Each fall, youth hunters enjoy a weekend of deer hunting with a firearm before the statewide gun season begins.

COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists of the increase in deer-involved crashes during this time of year. Since 2019, there have been 109,507 deer-involved crashes on Ohio roadways. While 95% of deer-involved crashes only resulted in property damage, 44 crashes were fatal and resulted in 45 deaths. Additionally, from 2019-2023, 47% of these crashes occurred in October, November and December, with 22% occurring in November alone. "Practicing safe driving habits and staying fully focused on the road increases your chances of spotting deer before it's too late," said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. "If you do strike a deer, prioritize your safety by moving to a secure location if possible, turning on your hazard lights and reporting the incident."

October 18, 2024, Press Release from the Wood County Sheriff's Office: Mark Wasylyshyn, Sheriff, is reminding all drivers that November is the month with the highest number of vehicle /deer crashes in Wood County. October and December being the next two highest months. If your vehicle strikes a deer, do not touch the animal. A frightened and wounded deer can hurt you. The best procedure, if possible, is to get your vehicle off the road and call 9-1-1. Contact your insurance agent or company representative to report any damage to your car. Collision with an animal is covered under the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance policy and does not go against your driving record.

October 16, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources: COLUMBUS, Ohio – Christopher J. Alexander, 28, of Wilmington, on Tuesday pleaded guilty to 14 counts in the illegal taking of an 18-point trophy white-tailed buck deer in Clinton County on Nov. 9, 2023. Alexander pleaded guilty to taking a second antlered buck during the 2023 hunting season, which is another violation of Ohio law according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

June 24, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio State University Extension Allen County: Allen County – Are you a hunter, landowner, or wildlife enthusiast? If so, please join the Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife for an evening workshop about chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Ohio’s wild deer herd.