COLUMBUS, Ohio – November 13, 2025 – Hunters in Athens, Meigs, Morgan, and Washington counties will face sharply reduced white-tailed deer bag limits starting December 1 due to a severe outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD), the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife announced Thursday.
The Ohio Wildlife Council unanimously approved the emergency reductions during its Wednesday meeting. Effective the first day of the seven-day deer gun season:
- Athens, Meigs, and Washington counties: Bag limit drops from three to one deer.
- Morgan County: Bag limit drops from three to two deer.
The restrictions remain in effect through the close of the 2025-26 deer season on February 1, 2026.“EHD has hit these counties hard this year,” said ODNR Wildlife Chief Mike Tonkovich. “Reducing harvest pressure is the most effective way to protect the remaining deer population and ensure long-term herd health.”EHD is a viral disease spread by biting midges (no-see-ums) that causes high fever, internal bleeding, and rapid death in white-tailed deer. While not transmissible to humans, the disease can decimate local herds—especially in late summer and early fall when midge populations peak.
Hunters in the four affected counties may harvest up to three deer through November 30, after which the new limits take effect. All other Ohio counties retain their standard three-deer bag limit.The Division of Wildlife urges hunters to report any dead or dying deer via the online reporting tool at wildohio.gov or by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE.
Full 2025-26 hunting regulations are available at wildohio.gov. The Ohio Wildlife Council meets quarterly and welcomes public comment. To speak at future meetings, register by calling 614-265-6304 at least 48 hours in advance (three-minute limit per speaker).
Field Identification Tips for Hunters
What to Look For
Location
Dead deer near water (streams, ponds, mud wallows).
Appearance
Swollen head/neck, blue tongue, bloody nose/mouth, emaciated body.
Hooves
Cracked or separated hoof walls; blood at coronary band.
Carcass
Bloody fluid in chest/abdomen; hemorrhages on heart, rumen, intestines.
