Ohio

The Buckeye State is quickly becoming a destination for sportsmen and women across the country. Known for its trophy whitetail and turkey hunting, Ohio is also home to some of the best fishing opportunities in the Midwest including the annual steelhead run and world-class walleyes on Lake Erie. With 680,000 acres of land owned by the state and federal governments, there are plenty of opportunities for hunters, anglers, trappers, and recreational shooters, from the Woodberry and Dillion Wildlife Areas to the Shawnee State Forest, the diversity of landscapes in Ohio present a little of everything. Iconic bodies of water for anglers to pursue all manner of species include the Ohio River, the Maumee River, and the Grand River. This historic state truly has something for everyone.

For more information on the elected officials protecting and promoting the sportsmen’s traditions in Ohio, please contact: Bob Matthews

Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus

Representative Mike Carey Representative Warren Davidson Senator Jon Husted Representative Bill Johnson Representative Jim Jordan Representative David Joyce Representative Bob Latta Representative Michael Rulli Representative Brad Wenstrup

Ohio Governors Sportsmen's Caucus Member

Governor Mike DeWine

Ohio Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus Leadership

Representative Mike Loychik Representative D.J. Swearingen Senator Shane Wilkin

Ohio Policy Highlights

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Updated the definition of “resident” to allow out-of-state college students the ability to purchase hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses at the resident rate.

Repealed the prohibition against carrying a concealed deadly weapon if the knife is not used as a weapon, and removed the prohibition against the manufacture or sale of certain types of knives, including knives that are legal to possess in Ohio.

Formally recognizing National Hunting and Fishing Day to enshrine the contributions that sportsmen and women make to conservation funding and wildlife management efforts in the Buckeye State.

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Paid Hunting License Holders

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Paid Angling License Holders

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Generated for Wildlife Conservation

Ohio Policy Briefs

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Straight-Walled Rifle Cartridges

Over the past decade, several states have introduced regulations allowing these cartridges, which provide effective, safe hunting options in densely populated zones. Straight-walled cartridges are… Read more.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a progressive, fatal, degenerative neurological disease occurring in farmed and free-ranging deer, elk, caribou, and moose. The disease was first… Read more.
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Ohio Latest News

November 3, 2025

Quality Access Requires Quality Habitat

Why It Matters: For hunters, access alone does not lead to a satisfying experience. The quality of the habitat on the land being accessed, whether public or private, often determines whether a day afield ends with close encounters with the target species or, ideally, a punched tag. As the original conservationists and responsible stewards, it…

October 6, 2025

Expanded Opportunities Available to Great Lakes Hunters this Season

Why It Matters: Although hunters are at home in the field or woods, they must still be aware of what happens in the halls of their state government. Changes and updates to hunting laws and regulations can impact the pursuit of sportsmen and women’s favorite species, and hunters must stay on top of those changes…

January 6, 2025

Firearm Privacy Legislation Sent to Ohio Governor’s Desk

Why It Matters: Without these important protections, hunters and recreational shooters in Ohio could have been subject to discrimination by financial or anti-sportsmen organizations or could face unnecessary costs on top of those already shouldered by hunters through the American System of Conservation Funding, which would likely deter participation and decrease critical conservation funding. Highlights:…

June 26, 2023

New Sportsmen’s Caucus Leadership Named in Ohio

Why It Matters: As an avid sportsman, Senator Shane Wilkin is dedicated to protecting and advancing Ohio’s outdoor sporting traditions. Senator Wilkin is a member of the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, and it is critical to have pro-sportsmen representation on this key committee for issues impacting hunters, anglers, trappers, and recreational shooters. Highlights:…

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Ohio Reports

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