Game Check

The automated game check and permanent tagging process does not require hunters to transport their deer or turkey to a game check agent. License agents can process game check transactions, but will not visually inspect or permanently tag deer or turkey on behalf of hunters.

For deer, the hunter must complete the automated game check and permanent tagging process by 12:00 p.m. (noon) the day after the kill or 11:30 p.m. the last day of the season. For turkey, the hunter must complete the automated game check process by 11:30 p.m. on the same day the turkey was killed.

Hunters now have three options for automated game check. They may check their deer or turkey:

1.) On the Internet at ohiogamecheck.com or visit wildohio.com and click on "Wild Ohio Customer Center" and then click on "Game Check: Report a Deer or Turkey Harvest." To game-check a harvest online, make sure to use a computer hooked to a printer. A game check receipt will be issued and SHOULD be printed. When using a smartphone for game check, you must access your customer account at wildohio.com when you are at a computer, click on the Game Check button, and print your game check receipt.

2.) By telephone at 1-877-TAGITOH (1-877-824-4864) - This option is only available to those who are required to purchase a deer or turkey permit to hunt deer or turkeys. Hunters checking their harvest as a landowner cannot use the telephone option.

3.) At all license agents

Hunters are encouraged to complete the automated game-check and permanent tagging process in a sheltered area. The game check process is not complete until the full 18-digit confirmation number is attached to the animal.

Landowners CANNOT use the telephone game-check option!

Game check options for the landowner are:

• Visit wildohio.com. Click on "Wild Ohio Customer Center" and then click on "Game Check: Report a Deer or Turkey Harvest." To game-check a harvest online, make sure to use a computer connected to a printer. A game-check receipt will be issued and MUST be printed. When using a smartphone for game check, you must access your customer account at wildohio.com when you are at a computer, click on the Game Check button, and print your game check receipt along with your permanent tag(s).
• Visit any authorized license sales agent. A list of sales agents can be found here. Hunters do not need to take their deer to the agent for the game check. Authorized license sales agents will be available for game check during normal business hours. Call for exact hours of operation before you go.

Regardless of the game check method, the hunter must provide the 18-digit confirmation number, which is printed in large numbers on every permit.

The hunter must answer a series of questions like those traditionally asked at game check stations. At the end of the process, the hunter will be issued an 18-digit confirmation number. When a hunter has game-checked their deer or turkey by Web or agent, they will receive a game check receipt with their confirmation number printed on it. Hunters using the telephone game check method will receive the final 18 digits of the number over the phone.

The 18-digit permanent tag number must be written on the deer or turkey permit in the space provided. In addition, the confirmation number must be affixed to the animal or the mount.

Download and print a Game Tag Template

Click here to view Information and Changes for Spring Turkey Hunters.

Click here to check your deer or turkey online now.

Watch a video highlighting your three game check options.

Hunters can access their game-check history in their customer account at wildohio.com.

Find a License Agent that Checks Game

The check station that you have traditionaly visited may not be checking game in the new license sales and game check system. Now, all license agents are also game check stations. Please use the tool below to find a license agent near you that is also checking game.

Please contact the license agent to verify their hours of operation and to ensure they are online to check game.