COLUMBUS, Ohio – Nonresident students who do not reside in Ohio but are actively enrolled in an Ohio college or university can now purchase Ohio resident hunting and fishing licenses, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The opportunity came after Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly approved the change in July.
Providing nonresident students the option to purchase the much lower cost licenses and permits will make it easier and more affordable for these college students to participate in hunting and fishing.
Nonresident students must be actively enrolled full-time at an accredited Ohio college or university and reside in Ohio to qualify for residency. If students meet those requirements, they may purchase resident hunting licenses, fishing licenses, and permits, including apprentice licenses for those who are new to the activity.
Ohio’s resident fishing license is $25 and is valid for one year from the date of purchase. A fishing license is required to fish in Ohio public waters for anyone 16 and older. Ohio’s annual resident hunting license for the 2023-24 season is $19 for adults. A hunting license is valid immediately after purchase through Feb. 29, 2024. All hunters, regardless of age, are required to carry a valid hunting license to hunt or trap in Ohio.
Licenses can be purchased with ease at wildohio.gov, on the HuntFish OH mobile app, or at participating agents statewide. A hunting or fishing license opens the door to boundless hunting and fishing in Ohio and contributes financially to wildlife conservation.
License sales fund the Division of Wildlife’s projects and programs that benefit wildlife and people. The Division of Wildlife manages or cooperatively manages more than 2 million acres of water and 750,000 acres of diverse wildlife areas. These habitats support popular game species such as deer, turkey, and walleye as well as key species such as bald eagles and monarch butterflies.
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 our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
