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OHIO Department of Natural Resources, News and Highlights!
Updated/Reviewed May 2026
Open Burning Regulations
Individuals that choose to conduct open burning in Ohio should be aware of rules and regulations that may affect them. Following are several regulatory items to consider:
- Ohio Revised Code 1503.18 prohibits most open burning in unincorporated areas in March, April, May, October, and November between 6am and 6pm. Open burning during these times may be permissible if conditions outlined in the exclusionary text are met. This code is under authority of the Ohio Division of Forestry.
- The Ohio EPA has authority regarding open burning under Ohio Administrative Code. Check OhioEPA website for details.
- Local governments or fire departments may have local burn rules established. It is good practice to check with these local entities prior to conducting open burns.
- Individuals may be held liable for damages caused as a result of a fire that they kindle.
- Consider disposing of yard waste through alternative methods, such as composting.
Report your wildlife sightings online and help Ohio biologists track a number of different species,
including black bear, bobcat, river otter, ruffed grouse, turkey and more. Citizen scientists can also include photographs or videos with their report and latitude and longitude coordinates to help wildlife biologists quickly verify the sighting. Remember to always view wildlife from a respectful distance for your safety as well as the safety of the animal.
The purpose of this page is to report wildlife sightings for wildlife research purposes only. For all other wildlife-related questions, please contact 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543) (Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.) or contact your local wildlife officer. If you are concerned about a nuisance or injured animal, please consult our Nuisance Wildlife or Orphaned and Injured Wildlife information for appropriate contacts.
Submit a Wildlife Species Sighting Report
We are especially interested in reports of:
Reminders:
Fishing licenses run 1 year from the time of purchase. Check the bottom of the license for an expiration date.
Follow this external link for ODNR Licenses:
https://ohiodnr.gov/buy-and-apply/hunting-fishing-boating/hunting-resources/hunting-licenses-permits
The Division of Wildlife released a new app called HuntFishOH. The app allows customers to purchase license and gamecheck harvested animals. The app will store your active license so you can easily present them. It also has the regulations available and maps of public hunting areas.
Lucas Wildman
State Wildlife Officer
ODNR Division of Wildlife
1076 Old Springfield Pike
Xenia, Ohio 45385
Phone: 513-673-1566