To amend sections 1533.10, 1533.11, and 1533.111 of the Revised Code to allow a resident landowner's parents and grandchildren to hunt on the landowner's property without obtaining a hunting license, deer permit, wild turkey permit, or fur taker permit.
HB201 would expand Ohio’s existing landowner exemptions from hunting, deer, wild turkey, and fur taker permit requirements. Under current law, a resident landowner may generally hunt on their own land without a license, and certain family members are already exempt in limited circumstances. This bill broadens those exemptions by allowing a resident landowner’s parents and grandchildren to hunt on the landowner’s property without obtaining a hunting license, deer permit, wild turkey permit, or fur taker permit. It also makes conforming changes across the hunting, deer, and trapping statutes to align the exemption language.
The bill amends Revised Code sections 1533.10, 1533.11, and 1533.111, which govern hunting licenses, deer and wild turkey permits, and fur taker permits. It preserves the existing licensing structure, fees, apprentice and youth/senior categories, hunter education requirements, and permit rules for the general public, while carving out a broader family-based exemption for qualifying resident landowners and, in some cases, related ownership entities such as closely held LLCs, partnerships, and trusts. The bill also retains existing restrictions on hunting deer, wild turkey, and fur-bearing animals on another person’s land without the proper permit.
The overall sentiment in the available record appears neutral to favorable, but limited. The bill was introduced and referred to the House Natural Resources Committee, with no recorded votes or committee testimony provided in the materials. Its sponsor list includes members from more than one political perspective, suggesting the proposal may be framed as a family and property-rights measure rather than a partisan change.
The main point of contention is likely the scope of the exemption. Supporters would likely view the bill as a modest expansion of landowner hunting privileges that recognizes family use of private property and reduces administrative burden. Potential critics may be concerned that expanding exemptions to parents and grandchildren could weaken licensing and permit oversight, reduce wildlife-management revenue, or create enforcement questions about who qualifies for the exemption and under what ownership arrangements. No direct objections are recorded in the provided materials.
HB201 would change Ohio hunting law by expanding who may hunt on a resident landowner’s property without obtaining a hunting license or related permits. It would amend sections 1533.10, 1533.11, and 1533.111 of the Revised Code, extending the exemption to a resident landowner’s parents and grandchildren, and applying the same concept to deer, wild turkey, and fur-bearing animal hunting/trapping. The bill would leave the broader licensing and permit system intact for everyone else, including fee schedules, education requirements, and permit restrictions.
The available record shows little formal debate, but the bill’s posture suggests generally favorable treatment at introduction. It was referred to the House Natural Resources Committee and there are no recorded votes or transcripts indicating opposition or amendment activity. The sponsor and cosponsors list is broad, which may indicate some bipartisan or cross-constituency appeal. Overall, the bill appears to be a low-conflict property-rights and family-hunting measure, at least based on the materials provided.
The likely contention centers on whether the exemption goes too far in relaxing hunting and trapping rules. Supporters would likely argue that parents and grandchildren should be able to hunt family land without extra paperwork or fees, especially where the landowner already has authority to hunt there. Opponents, if any, would likely focus on wildlife-management concerns, loss of permit revenue, and the possibility of complicating enforcement by expanding the class of exempt hunters. Another possible issue is the bill’s treatment of ownership structures like LLCs and trusts, which could raise questions about how broadly the exemption should apply.