Waterfowl hunting zone map amended following public comment

During the Ohio Wildlife Council meeting on Wednesday, July 16, waterfowl hunting zones for the 2026-2030 seasons were amended in three counties following public comments on proposals submitted in April, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

Ohio is divided into three zones that determine fall and winter waterfowl hunting regulations. The newly amended proposal includes Zones A, B, and C, which will have slightly different open hunting dates if approved. The proposed waterfowl hunting zones were created in response to waterfowl hunter surveys and within regulatory frameworks established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Ohio Wildlife Council received the initial proposed changes for waterfowl zones in April, after hearing hunter feedback those revisions were further amended to the following:

• Logan County moves from Zone A to Zone C.
• Allen County moves from Zone A to Zone B.
• Putnam County moves from Zone A to Zone B.

In the new proposal, which includes consideration of public feedback, Zone A falls in northwest Ohio, Zone B includes northeast Ohio and some areas in northwest Ohio, and Zone C covers southern counties and the remainder of the state. Hunters should note that, under the proposed rules, the waters of Lake Erie are part of Zone B, and the Zone A boundary extends 100 yards offshore into Lake Erie.
 
The Ohio Wildlife Council will vote on proposed waterfowl hunting zones for the 2026-2030 seasons during its next scheduled meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 20. If approved, the proposed zone change would take effect for the 2026-27 waterfowl hunting season. The current waterfowl zones remain in place for the upcoming 2025-26 duck and goose hunting seasons.
 
The Ohio Wildlife Council approves all Division of Wildlife proposed rules and regulations. Council meetings are open to the public. Individuals interested in providing comments are asked to call 614-265-6304 at least two days prior to the meeting to register. All comments are required to be three minutes or less.

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 natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.