Four Area Counties Among Top 10 in Wild Turkey Season
Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Wild turkey hunters across Ohio have taken 13,496 birds so far during the 2026 spring season, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
Hunters checked an average of 12,713 turkeys by the corresponding date in the previous three seasons (2023 to 2025) and reported 12,451 birds at this point in 2025.
Ohio hunters have checked 13,496 wild turkeys during the spring hunting season.
The 10 counties with the highest totals for wild turkey harvest so far during the 2026 season: Tuscarawas (380), Belmont (363), Adams (360), Highland (358), Monroe (358), Gallia (358), Guernsey (334), Ashtabula (328), Brown (318), and Harrison (308).
Harvests from the other two counties adjoining Belmont are Jefferson (297) and Noble (255).
This year’s statewide total represents 16 days of hunting in the 83 counties that comprise the south zone, nine days of hunting in the northeast zone (Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Trumbull counties), and the 2,058 turkeys checked during youth-only hunting dates.
The Division of Wildlife has issued 51,035 spring turkey permits that are valid throughout the 2026 season. Hunting is open in the south zone until Sunday, May 24. Hunting in the northeast zone is open until Sunday, May 31. Hunting hours are from 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset for the remainder of the spring season.
The season bag limit is one bearded turkey. Hunters are required to have a valid hunting license in addition to a spring turkey permit, unless exempted. Successful hunters are required to game-check their turkey no later than 11:30 p.m. on the day of harvest. Game check, licenses, and permits are available on the HuntFish OH app, via the Ohio Wildlife Licensing System, or at a participating license agent. Game check can also be completed by phone at 1-877-TAG-IT-OH (877-824-4864). Complete details can be found in the 2025-26 hunting and trapping regulations.
The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
(Ohio Department of Natural Resources press release)
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