ohio deer hunting

Editor’s note: This article was revised September 2026.

Launched in 2021 by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, the Ohio Landowner/Hunter Access Partnership Program provides a path for Ohio hunters to access participating landowner properties during the hunting season. Since 2021, the program has grown to connect hunters with more opportunities, with recent updates expanding the program to include OLHAP permits for fishing and shed hunting access.

For hunters

  • Hunters must obtain a free OLHAP Endorsement every year that they plan to participate in the program.
  • A valid hunting license must be purchased at least 48 hours before completing the OLHAP endorsement application. All permit, stamp and hunting license requirements still apply on OLHAP program land.
  • A daily permit is required to enter enrolled properties. Permits are available through the OLHAP app and are granted on a first-come, first-served basis each day.
  • Hunters must adhere to the OLHAP rules and remain within the property boundaries. Boundaries are marked with orange flagging, orange paint, and/or orange OLHAP boundary signs.
  • Anyone hunting on OLHAP property must have either an OLHAP daily permit or written permission from the landowner. Hunters who have a permit should not bring others who do not have a permit or written permission.

For landowners

  • Landowners who enroll and participate in the OLHAP Program can receive annual payments ranging from $2.00/acre for agricultural land up to $32.50/acre for perennial wildlife cover such as forests, grasslands, wetlands and brushlands. Landowners that opt to allow deer gun hunting on their property will receive an additional $5.00/acre.
  • The OLHAP program was designed to work in conjunction with the Farm Bill programs land might already be enrolled in.
  • Enrollment periods last two years, and landowners can designate areas of the property that will not be included/open to the public.
  • Landowners may not set their own rules for hunting activities on the property, though they may designate access points and no hunting zones. Hunters are required to follow the uniform rules set by the OLHAP program.
  • The OLHAP program was designed to have minimal impact on day-to-day operations on the property. This means landowners can continue agricultural activities on the land. Property owners are notified via email when a permit has been issued for their property.

Additional information

Hunters and landowners can access OLHAP program rules and enrollment information on the Ohio Landowner/Hunter Access Partnership Program page.

Landowners interested in creating, improving and protecting wildlife habitat on their property are encouraged to work with a Division of Wildlife private lands biologist. Contact information for the private land biologist can be found on the Private Lands Biologists Contact Information page.

Information for this hunting season, including the hunting and trapping regulations, hunting licenses, online game check, hunter education and more is available on the Ohio Hunting Licenses & Resources page.

The Division of Wildlife wants to help new and experienced hunters and anglers make the most of their outdoor adventures. Visit the Wild Ohio Harvest Community page for information on getting started, hunting and fishing opportunities, and delicious wild game recipes.

New and beginning farmers
My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
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Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
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Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
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Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
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Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
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Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Select Partner Program
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
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Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Advocacy
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
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Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

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