Ohio's youth seasons
The state sets aside weekends when only young hunters may carry a gun.
- Youth deer gunSaturday and Sunday, Nov. 21 and 22, 2026, a week before the regular gun season.
- Youth spring turkeyA Saturday and Sunday ahead of the regular opener. In 2026 it was April 18 and 19 in the south zone.
- Any regular seasonA youth hunter can also book any hunt on this site with an adult along.
Before a youth hunt
Hunter education or an apprentice license
Ohio requires one or the other to buy a license.
Practice with the gun
From the same kind of rest the hunter will use in the blind.
Buy the youth license and permit
Youth licenses are for hunters 17 and younger.
Orange for everyone
On youth gun weekend the hunter and the adults all wear hunter orange.
What affects the price of a youth hunt?
Youth hunts are quoted like any other, by the season and days.
| What affects the price | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Deer or turkey | Fall youth gun weekend or the spring turkey weekend. |
| Days | One day or the whole weekend. |
| Who is coming | One youth with one adult is the usual group. |
| License and permit | Youth license and permit, paid to the state. |
What is an apprentice hunting license?
It's Ohio's way of letting someone try hunting before taking the hunter education course. The apprentice hunts beside a licensed adult who is at least 21, and that adult can look after no more than two apprentices at once.
It works for adults too. A parent who has never hunted can buy one and learn alongside the kid.
Rules for young hunters in Ohio
What a youth hunt looks like
We build the hunt around the hunter's size, patience and experience.
- A blind over a standRoom for the hunter, the adult and the guide, and room to fidget.
- A rest for the gunShooting sticks or a rail so the shot is steady.
- Short walksSetups picked so the walk in doesn't wear a kid out before the hunt starts.
- No pressureIf the hunter isn't sure about a shot, we wait for the next deer.
Youth Deer and Turkey Hunts questions
What age is a youth hunter in Ohio?
When is the Ohio youth deer gun season in 2026?
Does my child need hunter education to hunt in Ohio?
Can a parent come along without a license?
Ask about a youth hunt
Send your name and phone number, then the season you want and how many hunters. We'll call to talk dates.