Ohio Open Carry Laws while hunting

[mrklean14]

I was almost attacked by 2 coyotes yesterday while bow hunting in Coshocton County, Ohio. Luckily I was able to quickly reach for my sidearm and fire one shot in their direction and it scared them off. This led me to wonder what may have happened had I not been carrying and/or if I were not there what may have happened to my friend. He does not carry since he does not have his license, but would he be legal to openly carry while bow hunting?

I have heard that the coyotes are really bad in the evening where I have been hunting and I could not imagine only being out in the middle of the woods with only a bow.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[DontTreadOnI]

It's as legal as a beagle. For concealed carry regs while hunting visit: General Ohio Hunting Information

Also, welcome to the forums from Dayton, hope you stick around and learn as much as you can!

*Edit - I'm not sure sure I was correct. Researching now...

Regarding open carry, here is a link to a convo from last year on OFCC with the same question: http://www.ohioccwforums.org/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=56594

Haven't found anything definitive, but it seems like you'd want to err on the side of caution and keep it concealed.

[buckeye .45]

The way I understand it, and I am not a lawyer is this.

If you are hunting with a handgun, the handgun can not be concealed, and must be carried on the outer layer of clothing. If you are carrying concealed, it must be concealed, and can not be used for hunting purposes.

Since to open carry it would need to be on the outermost layer, and it wouldn't be permissable hunting equipment for the season, I would say no.

But, your best bet, is to call the game warden in the county you hunt in (each county has its own warden), and ask his opinion. Most are friendly, approachable, and full of knowledge, and would rather answer a question beforehand, than need to write a citation.

Out of curiosity, why didn't you kill the coyotes? Its always open season on them.

[Mike1956]

From the Ohio Deer Hunting Regulations:
"A Deer Hunter CANNOT do any of the following: 4. Carry a handgun while hunting deer during the early muzzleloader season (on designated areas), the statewide muzzleloader season, and archery season; have more than one firearm while hunting deer; carry a handgun being used during hunting in a concealed manner. Except as noted in number 11 of the Hunter Can Do section."

The entire section can be read here:
Ohio Deer Hunting Regulations

[DontTreadOnI]

Here are a list of wildlife officers and their phone numbers by county:

Wildlife Officers by County

[buckeye .45]

From the Ohio Deer Hunting Regulations:
"A Deer Hunter CANNOT do any of the following: 4. Carry a handgun while hunting deer during the early muzzleloader season (on designated areas), the statewide muzzleloader season, and archery season; have more than one firearm while hunting deer; carry a handgun being used during hunting in a concealed manner. Except as noted in number 11 of the Hunter Can Do section."

The entire section can be read here:
Ohio Deer Hunting Regulations

Here is the #11: Concealed Carry: A person possessing a valid Concealed Carry licensed may carry their concealed weapon while hunting, but it may not be used to shoot, shoot at, or kill any wild animal. For more information go to ag.state.oh.us.

[Mike1956]

Here is the #11: Concealed Carry: A person possessing a valid Concealed Carry licensed may carry their concealed weapon while hunting, but it may not be used to shoot, shoot at, or kill any wild animal. For more information go to ag.state.oh.us.

Thanks. I meant to post 11, but missed it. As it reads, the actions of the OP would likely be deemed as illegal.

[oneshot]

In Michigan you would be alright in doing so , regardless of it being firearm or bow season,,,,,,,,

Heres Mi. law

The rules listed below may not apply to those having a concealed pistol license or those specifically exempt by law from a concealed pistol license and who carry their handgun in accordance with their license or exemption


And then its lists all the following on the page here..

DNR - Firearm, Crossbow and Bow and Arrow Rules

I would take the way Oh. has it worded as the taking of wild animal as in the form of hunting, not shooting them to stave off a violent attack.
That is what my defense would be, were I to shoot at a coyote in Oh. while hunting.