COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) — The Ohio Wildlife Council is considering proposed changes to Ohio’s spring 2027 wild turkey hunting seasons and fishing regulations.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife presented the proposals during the council’s Aug. 26 meeting. The complete list of proposed changes are posted at wildohio.gov.
Under the proposal, youth turkey hunting would take place April 17-18 in the South Zone and April 24-25 in the Northeast Zone. The regular South Zone season would run April 24 through May 23, while the Northeast Zone season would run May 1 through May 30. Hunting hours would vary during the season, with the first nine days ending at noon.
The council is also considering simplifying bass regulations by removing many site-specific length and daily limits. Most affected waters would instead follow the statewide limit of five bass with a 12-inch minimum length. Proposed changes also include removing the daily limit and 9-inch minimum length for crappie at Hoover Reservoir and allowing online game checks for river otter trapping.
Public comments on the proposals will be accepted online through Sept. 30. The Wildlife Council is scheduled to vote on the proposed changes Oct. 28. If approved, the fishing changes would take effect March 1, 2027, while the river otter game-check change would take effect Nov. 15, 2026.
Last Updated on August 31, 2026 by AVC News
