Ohio Wildlife Calendar

What's active, migrating, spawning, and nesting across Ohio — month by month. Plan your outdoor adventures around wildlife patterns.

March

spring

Buzzard return, walleye run, spring peepers

Turkey Vulture

Annual return to Hinckley Reservation — March 15 every year since 1957

Hinckley Reservation, Cleveland Metroparks

Walleye

Legendary Maumee River walleye run begins

Side Cuts Metropark in Maumee — biggest walleye run east of the Mississippi

Spring Peepers

Chorus frog calls fill wetlands — a sign of spring

Best heard at dusk near any Ohio wetland or vernal pool

Woodcock

Sky dance mating displays at dusk in open fields

Listen for nasal 'peent' calls, then watch for spiraling flight displays

Wildlife timing is approximate and varies by year, weather, and location within Ohio. Always check ODNR regulations before hunting or fishing. Data based on Ohio Department of Natural Resources wildlife observations and historical patterns.