Outbreak of deer disease could change bag limits in some Ohio counties

(WJW) – The Ohio Division of Wildlife is proposing a new bag limit in some counties for white-tailed deer.

The proposal is due to an outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD).

According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Athens, Meigs and Washington counties have reported hundreds of sick or dead deer in 2025.

Due to the outbreak, the proposal suggests lowering the bag limit from three to two in those counties.

Public input is needed. The Ohio Division of Wildlife asks that comments be submitted here.

If approved, the change would take effect on Dec. 1, 2025, just in time for the start of deer gun season.