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 7:23 AM to 7:08 PM EDT.

Updated September 2026

Sun altitude · Sun, Oct 25EDT · Game animals

NightTwilightDayLegal window

Now

—

Legal from7:23 AM

Sunrise7:53 AM

Sunset6:38 PM

Legal until7:08 PM

Civil dawn7:25 AM

Civil dusk7:05 PM

Legal day11h 45m

Daylight10h 45m

Sunrise bearing105°

Sunset bearing255°

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 7:08 PM EDT at Columbus (6:38 PM sunset plus the after-sunset offset). Set your precise location above for your exact spot.