Tools/Legal light/Ohio

Legal shooting light in Ohio

In short

In Ohio, legal shooting light for game animals runs from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. At Columbus today that is 6:39 AM to 8:17 PM EDT.

Updated September 2026
Sun altitude · Fri, Sep 11EDT · Game animals
HORIZON30°60°12 AM3 AM6 AM9 AMNOON3 PM6 PM9 PM12 AMLEGAL 6:39 AMENDS 8:17 PMSUNRISE 7:09 AMSUNSET 7:47 PM
NightTwilightDayLegal window
Now
—
 
Legal from6:39 AM
Sunrise7:09 AM
Sunset7:47 PM
Legal until8:17 PM
Civil dawn6:42 AM
Civil dusk8:14 PM
Legal day13h 38m
Daylight12h 38m
NESW
Sunrise bearing83°
Sunset bearing276°
The Ohio ruleCommon rule · confirm with agency
Game animals & non-migratory birdsone-half hour before sunrise → one-half hour after sunset

Confirm with: Ohio wildlife agency. Sun times computed with astronomy-engine (USNO convention: upper limb, refraction).

All states·Ohio season dates·Ohio regulations

Ohio shooting hours, answered

What are the legal shooting hours in Ohio?

For game animals, Ohio allows hunting from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. This is the common rule; confirm the exact wording with the state agency.

When does legal light end today at Columbus?

Today legal light ends at 8:17 PM EDT at Columbus (7:47 PM sunset plus the after-sunset offset). Set your precise location above for your exact spot.