Ohio hunters and anglers will see several regulation changes following action by the Ohio Wildlife Council.
The council approved the spring 2027 wild turkey hunting seasons and simplified bass fishing regulations during its October 28 meeting, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife.
The spring turkey season will again be divided into south and northeast zones, with separate youth hunting weekends.
The 2027 dates include:
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South Zone Youth: April 17 and 18.
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Northeast Zone Youth: April 24 and 25.
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South Zone: April 24 through May 23.
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Northeast Zone: May 1 through May 30.
The south zone includes 83 Ohio counties, while the northeast zone covers Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Trumbull counties.
Youth hunting hours in both zones will run from 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset.
For the first nine days of the regular seasons, hunting will be permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise until noon.
Hunting hours then extend until sunset for the remainder of each season.
The council also approved changes to bass fishing regulations, removing many site-specific length restrictions and daily bag limits for largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass.
Most affected waters will fall under the statewide limit of five bass with a minimum length of 12 inches. The changes take effect March 1, 2027.
Other approved changes include removing the daily limit and nine-inch minimum length requirement for crappie at Hoover Reservoir, effective March 1, 2027.
The council also approved an online game check option for river otter trapping ahead of the upcoming season, which begins December 26.
