Ohio OKs reduced deer bag limit in four counties due to EHD

Columbus — The Ohio Wildlife Council approved new white-tailed deer hunting limits in Athens, Meigs, Morgan, and Washington counties for the remainder of the 2025-26 season during its meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 12, according to the Ohio DNR (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

Beginning on Monday, Dec. 1, and coinciding with the opening day of the seven-day deer gun season, the bag limit for Athens, Meigs, and Washington counties is reduced to one deer. Also on Monday, Dec. 1, the bag limit in Morgan County is reduced to two deer.

Deer bag limits are reduced in these counties in response to an unprecedented outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) this summer.

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The limit remains in place until the close of the 2025-2026 deer hunting season on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026. Athens, Meigs, Morgan, and Washington counties have a three-deer limit until Sunday, Nov. 30.

Deer bag limits in the rest of the state remain unchanged. View the 2025-26 Hunting and Trapping Regulations for more information on current limits in Ohio.