August 11, 2005

CONTROLLED DEER-ARCHERY HUNT SET FOR THIS FALL
AT DESIGNATED AREA OF ALUM CREEK STATE PARK
Hunters will be selected through a lottery held on September 17

DELAWARE, OH – Hunters again have the opportunity to participate in a controlled archery deer hunt in the Lewis Center area of Alum Creek State Park, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).  The hunt - the fourth held in the area - will begin November 1 and run through January 31, 2006. It will be managed by Ohio State Parks in coordination with the ODNR Division of Wildlife on about 320 acres of parkland.

The goals of the project are to reduce the overpopulation of deer in the area while creating additional hunting opportunities for archery hunters. Alum Creek State Park is located in southern Delaware County, an area of Ohio that has a rapidly growing deer population.

“Deer thrive in the area because of an abundance of habitat found in the park, adjacent agricultural land and suburban backyards where hunting has been restricted or prohibited,” said Victor Ricks, manager of Alum Creek State Park. “The end results are increased incidences of crop, landscape and property damage. Also, there is an increased potential for deer-vehicle collisions.”

Hunters who wish to participate must first appear in person and enter a general lottery drawing to be held at the main beach concession stand on Saturday, September 17. Applications will be taken beginning at 9 a.m. and the drawing will be held at 10 a.m.  Applications will only be accepted from participants who have pre-qualified with their archery equipment prior to the drawing date.

Applicants must also bring a current Ohio hunting license and deer permit issued in the applicant’s name. Immediately after the drawing, successful applicants will attend an orientation session and be issued a special hunting permit. Please contact Alum Creek State Park at 740-548-4631 for details about pre-qualification requirements and locations.

The hunt will be split into two seasons. Twenty hunters will be selected for each with a total of 40 hunters (and 10 alternates) to participate in this year’s hunt.  This will provide approximately 16 acres for each hunter participating in the project.  Urban deer permits will also be valid in this area.