Are You EXEMPT or Do You Qualify for A FREE Ohio Hunting/Fishing/Trapping License?

We are frequently asked questions such as “does my grandson need to buy a license” or “I rent and live on the farm; do I need a hunting license?” We will attempt to give you clarity in this article.

FREE HUNTING LICENSE ELIGIBILITY

Free licenses can be obtained from a license agent and must be carried while hunting. You may call 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543) or visit wildohio.gov for license applications.

1. If you were born on or before Dec. 31, 1937 and are an Ohio resident you will receive a free fishing license, hunting license, either-sex deer permit, antlerless deer permit, spring and fall turkey permits, Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp, and fur taker permit. If you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1938, are an Ohio Resident aged 66 or older you are eligible for reduced-cost licenses and permits.

2. If you are a holders of a veteran’s license plate displaying the international wheelchair symbol and an Ohio resident you must apply in writing for a free hunting license, fur taker permit, either-sex deer permit, spring or fall turkey permit, and an Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp endorsement. The U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs must certify applications.

3. Ohio residents who are permanently and totally disabled veterans who receive pension or compensation due to their service-related injuries must apply in writing for a free hunting license, fur taker permit, either-sex deer permit, turkey permit, and Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs must certify applications.

4. If you are a former prisoner of war and an Ohio Resident you must apply in writing for a free hunting license, fur taker permit, and Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp. You must purchase all other licenses and permits. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs must certify all applications.

LICENSE EXEMPTIONS

Some people are exempted from buying licenses, permits, and stamps. Read below to see if you qualify.

1. Ohio resident landowners, spouses, and their children are not required to have a hunting license, fur taker permit, either sex deer permit, antlerless deer permit, spring or fall turkey permit, or Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp when hunting or trapping on land they own.

2. A nonresident landowner, and the spouse and children living with the landowner, may hunt on that property without a license, either-sex deer permit, antlerless deer permit, spring or fall turkey permit, Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp, or fur taker permit if the nonresident’s home state allows residents of Ohio owning property in the nonresident’s home state, and the spouse and children living with the Ohio property owner, to hunt without a license, deer permit, spring or fall turkey permit, wetlands habitat stamp, or fur taker permit.

3. If you are an Ohio resident and a member of a limited liability company or partnership is a landowner and the limited liability company or limited liability partnership consists of three or fewer individual members or partners, or the beneficiary or trustee of a trust that has three or fewer trustees or beneficiaries.

4. Tenants and their children on land on which they reside and from which they derive the majority (more than 50 percent) of their income from agricultural production on that land are not required to have a hunting license, fur taker permit, either-sex deer permit, antlerless deer permit, spring or fall turkey permit, or Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp when they are hunting or trapping on land where they reside.

5. Ohio resident landowners’ grandchildren who are under 18 years of age are not required to have a hunting license or an Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp while hunting on their grandparents’ land. All other licenses and permits are required

6. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty while on leave or furlough are not required to purchase a hunting license, Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp, or fur taker permit. All other licenses and permits are required. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty stationed in Ohio, but NOT on leave or furlough are required to purchase a resident Ohio hunting license and other applicable permits before hunting deer, turkey, or hunting and trapping furbearers, and an Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp for hunting waterfowl.

While we certainly do mind answering questions, it is best for all to know the laws and avoid the possibility of hunting or fishing illegally. If you have a unique situation that we do not mention above, we suggest contacting the ODNR directly or contacting your local Game Warden.