Ohio Celebrates National Hunting and Fishing Day on Saturday, Sept. 27

 
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife encourages Ohio’s sportsmen and women to join millions of people nationwide in celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day this Saturday, Sept. 27.

This year marks the 53rd National Hunting and Fishing Day, which was first celebrated in 1972 by the National Shooting Sports Foundation. It is observed on the fourth Saturday in September each year. In recognition of the significance of hunting and fishing to many Ohioans, Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jim Tressel signed a proclamation for the day.
 

 
Celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day on Saturday, Sept. 27.

 
“Fran and I enjoy spending time with our grandkids on the water, casting a line, and making family memories,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “I encourage Ohioans to get outside today and enjoy all the activities Ohio has to offer, whether that is hunting, fishing, or taking in the many beautiful scenes of our wonderful state parks.”

Ohioans have many options to get outside on National Hunting and Fishing Day and during the coming weeks. The annual white-tailed deer archery hunting season opens statewide on Saturday, Sept. 27. Hunting seasons for squirrels and doves are already open. The fall wild turkey hunting season, available in 70 counties, begins Oct. 1. The youth and military waterfowl hunting weekend is Oct. 4-5. Find more information in the 2025-26 Hunting and Trapping Regulations and purchase a hunting license or permit if necessary before your outing. 
 
The fall season is also a great time to enjoy Ohio’s fantastic fishing. Walleye and yellow perch fishing on Lake Erie are superb this time of year. On inland lakes and reservoirs, saugeye, largemouth bass, and crappies are popular fall targets. Check the 2025-26 Fishing Regulations for details before you hit the water and renew your fishing license if needed.

“Ohio has built a strong reputation as one of the nation’s top destinations for hunting and fishing,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “Whether you are pursuing white-tailed deer, walleye in Lake Erie, or fishing at any of our inland lakes, Ohio’s public lands to hunt and fish are second to none.”

Nationwide, sales from hunting licenses and fishing licenses as well as excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, and fishing equipment through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration programs have contributed billions of dollars to wildlife conservation. These funds help states purchase and manage public lands.

“In the past year, Ohio’s sportsmen and women have made possible the stocking of 46 million fish, including the first saugeye stocking in Grand Lake St. Marys, improvements at the Tranquility and Indian Creek wildlife area public shooting ranges, and important research on wild turkeys,” said Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker.

The Division of Wildlife is responsible for conserving and improving fish and wildlife resources in the Buckeye State. Visit wildohio.gov to find locations to hunt, fish, trap, and view wildlife. Follow the Division of Wildlife on Instagram and Facebook for news stories, wildlife photography, outdoor recreation ideas, local wildlife information, and more. Finally, check out the new Wild Ohio Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and other podcast platforms.  

Visit nhfday.org to find out more information about National Hunting and Fishing Day, including hunting and fishing resources, how to get started, locations for recreation, and more. 
 
The Wildlife Restoration and Sport Fish Restoration programs dedicate permanent funding to state fish and wildlife agencies through federal excise taxes on hunting, fishing, and shooting equipment. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service annually administers these funds that the Division of Wildlife uses to acquire land, restore habitat, expand opportunities for sportsmen and sportswomen, conduct fish and wildlife research, and provide aquatic and hunter education.  
 
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.