Ohio hunters harvest 13,496 wild turkeys

Wild turkey hunters across Ohio have harvested 13,496 birds so far during the 2026 spring season, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife.

Hunters checked an average of 12,713 turkeys by the corresponding date during the previous three seasons, from 2023-25. At this point in 2025, hunters had reported 12,451 birds.

The 10 counties with the highest wild turkey harvest totals so far this season are Tuscarawas, 380; Belmont, 363; Adams, 360; Highland, 358; Monroe, 358; Gallia, 358; Guernsey, 334; Ashtabula, 328; Brown, 318; and Harrison, 308.

This year’s statewide total includes 16 days of hunting in the 83 counties that make up the south zone, nine days in the northeast zone and 2,058 turkeys checked during youth-only hunting dates. The northeast zone includes Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Trumbull counties.

The Division of Wildlife has issued 51,035 spring turkey permits valid throughout the 2026 season. Hunting is open in the south zone through May 24 and in the northeast zone through May 31. Hunting hours are from 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset for the remainder of the season.

The season bag limit is one bearded turkey. Hunters must have a valid hunting license and spring turkey permit unless exempted. Successful hunters must game-check their turkey no later than 11:30 p.m. the day of harvest.

Game check, licenses and permits are available through the HuntFish OH app, the Ohio Wildlife Licensing System or participating license agents. Game check also can be completed by calling 1-877-TAG-IT-OH.