Your Guide to Muzzleloader Season In Ohio

With a traditionally lower level of hunting pressure, muzzleloading hunting is an intelligent strategy to extend the deer season and partake in a strong tradition with a dedicated and passionate group of hunters.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the muzzleloader season in Ohio, including important dates, regulations, and some top tips for muzzleloading success. 

The 2025 Ohio Muzzleloader Season Dates

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources sets and manages all season dates and regulations. The 2025 Ohio muzzleloader season will run from January 4th to January 7th unless otherwise specified or changed. 

This late-season (and early 2025) window is a great time to target deer and extend your season with less hunting pressure by this stage. 

Eligibility and Licensing 

To participate in this year's muzzleloader season, you must have a valid Ohio hunting license, a deer permit, and a muzzleloader permit. This is a specialized permit that allows you to carry and use a muzzleloader during the allocated season. 

If you're a first-time hunting license buyer, be sure you've passed the hunter safety course for Ohio.  

Muzzleloader Regulations

While the use of a muzzleloader handgun is prohibited, hunters can use both a muzzleloader rifle of .38 caliber or larger and a muzzleloading shotgun ten gauges or smaller using one ball per barrel. 

Regarding systems, flintlock, and percussion cap muzzleloading firearms are permitted during a muzzleloader season, and only black powder or black powder substitutes are permitted as propellants. 

To fulfill the Ohio definition of a "muzzleloader," the firearm must load from the muzzle only, have a permanent breech plug, and must be incapable of firing modern ammunition. 

Bag Limits and Deer Types

The bag limit for this short season is one antlered deer per hunter with a statewide limit of six deer subject to the holding of an antlerless deer permit.

Individual county harvests must be combined and will contribute to the statewide limit. Note that this information is subject to change, and we always recommend checking the Ohio Department of Natural Resources webpage for the most up-to-date information.

Hunting Zones and Public Land 

Ohio's public lands are vast and support extensive biodiversity and deer hunting opportunities. These include National Forests, Wildlife Areas, and specialty reclaimed land.

Zone-specific regulations may exist, such as complete closures, the requirement or prohibition of specific equipment, or restrictions on hunting strategies. Therefore, it's essential to always check the local county for updates and the Ohio DNR for any targeted rules. 

Top hunting locations include the South Appalachian zones, which have generous public land, dense forests, and rugged wilderness, providing a strong habitat for deer to thrive. Muzzleloader hunters should also try the Salt Fork Wildlife Area, a hotspot in eastern Ohio known for excellent deer and turkey hunting and stunning landscapes. 

Use HuntWise to Find the Best Spots

For easy e-scouting, including mapping layers, custom markers, land division, and private land information, download the HuntWise app. Our mapping features — including LiDAR — will help you target high-potential zones that other hunters may have overlooked in the prior year. 

Additionally, the hunting app's animal movement and weather predictors can help you target the best spot to set up at the right time of day for an efficient hunt!

Tips For Muzzleloading Success 

While it's true that there is typically less hunting pressure during the muzzleloader season, the muzzleloader has its own set of challenges, namely the challenge of a single shot.

This challenge requires both patience and perseverance.

Ideally, you'll want to build up your stalking skills in the offseason, aiming to get within 100 yards of the deer to take a confident shot with a muzzleloader. If you're hunting on the ground, you may want to use a blind, being careful to prepare for wind conditions and scent control.

If stalking, target transition zones between major features, mark these on your HuntWise app with a custom marker for later reference before setting up near any pinch points at these critical locations. 

Remember: the weather at that time of year can be unpredictable, so focus on layering your clothing to thermoregulate body temperature, giving you greater comfort and longevity in the field.

Safety Considerations

In addition to the regular firearm safety concerns, such as always keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, there are some muzzleloader-specific safety concerns that you should keep in mind.

These include:

• Loading the muzzleloader only with black powder or approved black powder substitutes
• Loading one charge at a time
• Always double-check for residual powder or projectiles when unloading. 

Remember to also stay in shape throughout deer season, so you're ready for tougher terrain and cold temperatures during your early January hunt. Conditioning can help you navigate frozen or snowy ground and prevent injury.

Your Ohio Muzzleloader Season Starts With HuntWise

Whether you're a muzzleloader professional or a recent convert, you'll get something out of the Ohio muzzleloader season. With stunning whitetails, a strong deer habitat, and a proud muzzleloader tradition, Ohio is a top location to start your muzzleloader adventure. 

For everything from mapping insights, tips, weather forecasting, and access to discounted gear, download the HuntWise app and start exploring! Preparing for a muzzleloader hunt is an excellent time to try our hunting app free for a week.