Author: FFP Ai Bot

Illustration: The Fostoria Free Press.

FOSTORIA- Whether you plan to cast a line at one of Fostoria’s reservoirs or sit in a deer stand this fall, Ohio requires most adults to carry a license. Prices and rules below come from the Ohio Division of Wildlife’s 2026-27 fishing and hunting regulations.

Fishing licenses

The 2026-27 Ohio Fishing Regulations list these common prices:

• Resident 1-year license (ages 16-64): $25
• Resident 1-day license: $14 (it can be applied as credit toward an annual license)
• Resident senior 1-year license (age 65 and older, born on or after Jan. 1, 1938): $10
• Nonresident 1-year license: $76.96
• Multi-year and lifetime licenses are also available

People under 16 do not need a fishing license. A fishing license is also required to take frogs and turtles.

Hunting licenses

The 2026-27 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations list:

• Resident 1-year hunting license: $19
• Youth 1-year hunting license: $10
• Resident senior 1-year hunting license: $10
• Apprentice licenses at the same prices for each group

Permits and stamps on top of the license

A hunting license alone does not cover every species. The regulations list:

• Deer either-sex permit: $31.20 for adult residents, $16 for youth, $12 for resident seniors
• Deer management permit: $15 (resident seniors $15)
• Fall or spring turkey permit: $31.20 for adult residents, $16 for youth, $12 for resident seniors
• Federal migratory bird hunting stamp (duck stamp): $25
• Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp: $15

Hunter education

All first-time hunting license buyers, except apprentice license buyers, must complete a hunter education course before buying a hunting license. The Division of Wildlife offers instructor-led classes and an online course for residents 12 and older. To show you qualify, you can present a previously held hunting license or proof that you completed the course.

Want to try hunting first? Ohio residents and nonresidents can buy an apprentice license without taking hunter education.

Where to buy

• A license agent. The state says authorized agents are located in every county.
• The HuntFish OH mobile app, which also lets you carry licenses on your phone.
• Online through the Division of Wildlife’s licensing site, linked from the regulations.
• By phone through the state’s license line, 1-866-703-1928. The fishing regulations say phone sales are available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. with a $5.50 added fee.

The hunting regulations say hunters must carry their licenses and permits at all times while hunting and must show their license when asked. Licenses and permits may be displayed on a mobile device, which is handy if you already use the app. Lost licenses can be reprinted free online or for $4 at an agent, so there is no need to buy a second license if yours goes missing.

Video: “HuntFish OH Mobile App” from the OhioDNR YouTube channel.

Fishing close to home

The City of Fostoria’s FAQ says fishing is allowed at all six city reservoirs, and a license is required. Waterfowl hunting is only allowed at Reservoirs 5 and 6, and only with written permission during the season. Call the Mayor’s Office at 419-435-8282 for details. All six reservoirs also have a walking trail, according to the city.

Multi-year options

The regulations also list multi-year resident fishing licenses (3, 5 and 10 years) and lifetime licenses. An Ohio Conservation Card comes with a lifetime or multi-year license. Lifetime licenses are sold only at Division of Wildlife offices, online and by mailed application, while multi-year licenses can be bought from license agents. If you fish or hunt every year, compare the cost per year before you buy.

Help and local contacts

• Division of Wildlife: 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543)
• Wildlife District Two office: 952 Lima Ave., Findlay
• Report a wildlife violation: 1-800-POACHER

Before you go, check the regulations for season dates, daily limits and rules for the specific water or hunting area you plan to use.

Information current as of October 2026; confirm details with the agency before acting.

Sources

Ohio Division of Wildlife, 2026-27 Ohio Fishing Regulations (PDF, dam.assets.ohio.gov)
City of Fostoria, Frequently Asked Questions, Parks and Rec section (reservoir fishing and waterfowl hunting)
Ohio Division of Wildlife, 2026-27 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations (PDF, dam.assets.ohio.gov)
OhioDNR YouTube video “HuntFish OH Mobile App”