Hunting Washington County Ohio: Archery Opener, EHD Impact, and Drone Recovery
Jeremey Paterson Thermal Drone Deer Recovery Wtshighton County OH 2024 Deer Season
Opening Day in Ohio
The day has arrived. Saturday, September 27, 2025 marks the official start of Ohio’s statewide archery deer season. Hunters across the Mid-Ohio Valley are dusting off tree stands, checking trail cams, and pulling on their boots.
This year feels different. Excitement is still in the air, but so is uncertainty. Herd health has been challenged, and Washington County hunters are walking into the woods with more questions than usual.
Season Basics
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio’s archery season runs from September 27, 2025 through February 1, 2026 statewide.
Hunters in Disease Surveillance Areas (DSAs) may have already had an earlier start, with controlled early archery beginning September 13. While Washington County isn’t included in those special zones, it is now on the radar for another reason: EHD.
EHD Reality Check
Victim of EHD Belpre OH 2025
In late August, a deer sample from Washington County tested positive for Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) (Marietta Times).
ODNR and wildlife experts confirm that as of mid-September, more than 7,400 deer across Ohio have been reported sick or dead from EHD, with southeastern counties, including Washington, among the hardest hit (Farm and Dairy).
The disease is carried by biting midges and causes swelling, disorientation, and rapid death often within 36 hours of symptoms appearing. Hunters may encounter carcasses near creeks, ponds, or shaded cover where deer sought relief.
Because of this outbreak, ODNR has proposed reducing the bag limit in Washington, Athens, and Meigs counties from three deer to two beginning December 1, 2025 (ODNR announcement).
What Hunters Should Expect
Fewer deer sightings - herds may be thinned compared to previous years.
Different movement patterns - sick deer often gather near water.
Reporting matters - if you see dead or sick deer, notify ODNR using their Wildlife Reporting System.
Handle responsibly - avoid harvesting visibly sick deer and always wear gloves when field dressing.
Youth Hunting Reminder
Looking ahead, Youth Gun Season runs November 22–23, 2025. If you’re mentoring a young hunter this year, remember:
Blaze orange is required for both the youth and non-hunting adult.
Make it about safety, patience, and experience, not just the harvest.
Check gear twice - cold mornings can turn a good hunt bad if comfort and safety aren’t prioritized.
How MOV Drone Workz Helps Hunters
At MOV Drone Workz, we’ve spent our off-season searching for everything from missing pets to livestock. In that time, we’ve spotted tens of thousands of deer on thermal, proving again that deer are the easiest animals to detect.
If we can’t locate one within a 700-yard radius, odds are it survived. But when a deer goes down, our tech makes the difference.
Local dispatch from Reno, OH - 24/7 during deer season
Washington County is our top priority
Special discounts for first responders
Entering our third deer season providing recovery support
University-level training and collaboration with local first responders
If your trail runs cold, don’t risk losing your trophy to coyotes or scavengers. Call us in. We can often find that deer’s heat signature long after you thought it was gone.
Think of us as your wingman in the woods. You make the shot. We help bring it home.
Final Word
Deer season in Washington County, Ohio, opens under unique circumstances this year. With EHD reshaping herds and ODNR adjusting rules, hunters must adapt, stay safe, and hunt responsibly.
And if recovery becomes a challenge, remember - MOV Drone Workz is just a call away.
Good luck this season. Hunt safe. Hunt smart.
