License Exemptions

Hunting Licenses Exemptions

Certain categories of persons are exempted from buying various licenses, permits, and/or stamps.

• Landowners, spouses and their children - Are not required to have a hunting license, fur taker permit, deer permit, antlerless deer permit, spring or fall turkey permit or Ohio Wetland Habitat Stamp when they are hunting or trapping on land they own. Members or shareholders of a corporation or L.L.C. do not qualify as landowners and must purchase all licenses and permits.

• Tenants and their children on land on which they reside and from which they derive the majority (more than 50%) of their income from agricultural production on that land - Are not required to have a hunting license, fur taker permit, deer permit, antlerless deer permit, spring or fall turkey permit or Ohio Wetland Habitat Stamp when they are Hunting or trapping on land where they reside.

• Landowners’ grandchildren who are under 18 years of age - Are not required to have a hunting license or an Ohio Wetland Habitat Stamp while hunting on their grandparent’s land. All other licenses and permits are required.

• Ohio residents who are holders of veteran’s license plates displaying the international wheelchair symbol - Must apply in writing for a free hunting license, fur taker permit, deer permit, spring or fall turkey permits and Ohio Wetland Habitat Stamp. Applications are available from wildlife district offices.

• Certain permanently disabled veterans who are Ohio residents - Must apply in writing for a free hunting license, fur taker permit, deer permit, turkey permit, and Ohio Wetland Habitat Stamp. Applications are available from wildlife district offices.

• Ohio residents who are Former Prisoners of War - Must apply in writing for a free hunting license, fur taker permit, and Ohio Wetland Habitat Stamp. All other licenses and permits are required. Applications are available from wildlife district offices.

• Members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty, while on leave or furlough - Are not required to purchase a hunting license or Ohio Wetland Habitat Stamp. All other licenses and permits are required.

• Members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty stationed in Ohio, but NOT on leave or furlough - Are required to purchase a resident Ohio hunting license and other applicable permits before hunting deer, turkey, or hunting/trapping furbearers, and an Ohio Wetland Habitat Stamp for waterfowl before hunting any migratory waterfowl.

Fishing License Exemptions

A fishing license is not required of persons who are:

• Less than 16 years of age

• Giving assistance to an angler who is physically disabled - provided the two persons together are using only one line

• Fishing in a private pond

• Fishing on land and water which they or their parents own

• Fishing on land and water where they or their parents are tenants on which they reside and from which they derive the majority of their income from agricultural production on that land (except state owned lakes)

• Members of the U.S. Armed Forces on annual leave or furlough

• On May 2 & 3, 2009, any Ohio resident may fish without a license as part of Free Fishing Days

• Members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty stationed in Ohio, but NOT on leave or furlough are REQUIRED to purchase a resident license