Ohio Deer Hunting Update: EHD Outbreak Prompts Bag Limit Reductions for 2025 Season

Hunters across Ohio are facing major changes this season as wildlife officials respond to one of the most severe outbreaks of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) ever recorded in the state. On September 18, 2025, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) confirmed that nearly 7,500 sick or dead deer had been reported by the public.

While those numbers are already alarming, residents and hunters suggest the true impact may be even higher due to underreporting.

Proposed Rule Change: Bag Limits Reduced

In response to the outbreak, the ODNR Division of Wildlife has proposed a rule change that would affect deer hunters in Athens, Meigs, and Washington counties. If approved by the Ohio Wildlife Council, the bag limit for white-tailed deer in these counties will drop from three deer to two deer, effective December 1, 2025.

This measure is being introduced “due to the unprecedented severity” of the outbreak and to address widespread concerns about the future of Ohio’s deer herd.

Public Reaction: Strong Support for Restrictions

A public meeting was held at the ODNR office in Athens on Wednesday night, and the turnout was so large that attendees spilled into doorways and hallways to hear the discussion.

Hunters and landowners alike voiced support for the proposed restrictions. Many described seeing massive losses firsthand:

• “My deer are gone,” said Boone Troyer of Athens County.
• Another hunter from Washington County urged, “These deer need pretty much any break we can give them.”

Former state representative Jay Edwards, now a candidate for Ohio Treasurer, also spoke in favor of the measure.

Why the Current Proposal Won’t Work

While the ODNR’s plan to reduce the bag limit to two deer starting December 1 shows an effort to respond, the timing and scope raise major concerns. By December, much of Ohio’s hunting pressure has already taken place—especially in counties hit hard by EHD. Hunters who typically harvest multiple deer will likely have already filled their tags by then, leaving little real benefit to the herd.

A more effective approach would be to implement restrictions immediately and go further by dropping the limit to one deer per hunter in the affected counties. That kind of adjustment would slow harvest numbers right away, protect more does, and preserve reproductive potential for future seasons.

Without swift action, the proposed rule risks being too little, too late. To many hunters, it almost feels like an attempt to reassure the public that something is being done, when in reality the delay shows that protecting Ohio’s deer herds isn’t being treated as a top priority.

It’s also important to note that the state biologists and ODNR staff don’t actually make the laws. Their role is to study the herd, make recommendations, and enforce the regulations that legislators approve. That means their hands are tied to some extent—and when decision-makers don’t act quickly, the herd ultimately pays the price.

Why It Matters: Protecting Ohio’s Deer Herd

EHD is spread by biting midges and often flares up during hot, dry summers. While the disease is not transmissible to humans, it can devastate local deer populations in a short time. Hunters and conservationists agree that protecting the herd now is essential for both the future of hunting opportunities and the economic impact tied to Ohio’s hunting season.

What’s Next for Hunters

The public comment period on the proposed rule change remains open through October 16, 2025. Hunters, landowners, and conservationists can share feedback online through the ODNR website.

If the measure is approved, hunters in Athens, Meigs, and Washington counties should plan for a two-deer bag limit starting December 1st—though many argue stronger, earlier restrictions are needed.

Final Thoughts

This year’s outbreak is a sobering reminder of how fragile wildlife populations can be. Hunters play a crucial role in conservation, and many are willing to accept tighter limits today to ensure stronger herds tomorrow.