COLUMBUS, OH - Hunters wanting to participate in Ohio’s fall controlled deer and waterfowl hunts have until July 31 to submit permit applications for a lottery drawing, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Hunters can submit their applications online at ohiodnr.com/wildlife. For all applications, there is a non-refundable $3 application fee per hunt.
These special hunts are held each fall on selected public areas to provide additional hunting opportunities.
The early muzzleloader deer hunt is October 24-29. New this year, the early muzzleloader deer hunt at Salt Fork, Shawnee, and Wildcat Hollow will be by permit only. Hunters interested in participating will need to submit a controlled hunt application. A specific number permits will be issued. The permit issued will designate whether the hunter can kill an antlered or antlerless deer. This hunt previously was for bucks only.
Special deer hunts also are slated for the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (Lucas County), NASA/Plumbrook Station (Erie County), Ravenna Training & Logistics Site (Portage County), Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve (Jackson County), as well as the Mosquito Creek (Trumbull County), Killdeer Plains (Wyandot County), and Old Woman Creek (Erie County) state wildlife areas.
Waterfowl hunts will be conducted at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (Lucas County), Magee Marsh (Ottawa County), Mosquito Creek (Trumbull County) and Mercer (Mercer County) state wildlife areas.
In addition to online submissions, hard copies of the applications can be downloaded from ohiodnr.com and are available by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543). Hunters will be selected at random from submitted applications and notified by mail in September. Those not selected will not be notified.
More specific information about hunt dates and locations, including opportunities dedicated to youths, women, and mobility-impaired hunters, also can be found at ohiodnr.com.