The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Natural Areas and Preserves is holding special deer hunts at state nature preserves and state scenic river lands across Ohio during the 2026-2027 hunting season. These locations were identified as areas where browsing by high deer populations poses a threat to native plant communities.
The division is offering gun and archery hunts in 22 counties this year. Permits for all special hunts will be awarded through a lottery system. To participate, hunters must attend a mandatory meeting for each preserve where they would like to hunt. After each meeting, hunters will have an opportunity to purchase a $5 ticket (cash only) to be entered into the preserve’s special hunt drawing. Hunters who wish to apply for hunts at multiple sites will have to attend multiple meetings and purchase additional tickets. Entry forms will not be accepted by mail.
After the drawing, successful entrants will be asked to remain for a pre-hunt orientation. Other special hunt requirements include:
- Hunters must possess a valid 2026-2027 hunting license to purchase tickets.
- Names will be randomly drawn, and those selected will be assigned a specific time to hunt. For archery hunts, an orientation will be conducted immediately following the drawing.
- Hunters will be permitted to hunt with a partner; the partner is not required to attend the drawing or orientation.
Big and Little Darby Creek Scenic River Land Archery Hunt Lottery
Meeting will be held on Thursday, August 27 at Pastime Park in the Youth Agriculture Building located at 370 N. Chillicothe St., Plain City, OH 43064. Ticket sales at 5:15 p.m., drawing at 6:20 p.m., meeting at 6:30 p.m.
UNION COUNTY
- Milford Center Scenic River Lands (archery).
- Terra Nova Scenic River Lands (archery).
MADISON COUNTY
- Anges Andreae and Little Darby Forrest preserves (archery).
For more details related to available hunting dates at each site and local contact information, visit ohiodnr.gov.
