The annual controlled hunts are conducted to manage the size of the herd, minimize deer damage and prevent disease.
“Last year we had 450 apply for 270 spots,” said Michael Enright of the MetroParks. “This year we estimate we’ll have 600 to 800 apply for the same number of spots.”
He said 49 deer were taken last year, and that’s about the number his staff would like to see harvested by this year’s hunts – between 40 and 60.
Interested hunters, who must have a current Ohio hunting license and deer permits, can obtain more information and register online at www.metroparks.org/bowhunting.
After hunters have been picked by lottery, they must pass both a shooting qualification test and orientation, scheduled for Aug. 22-23 at the Gander Mountain store, 8001 Old Troy Pike, Huber Heights. Hunters must have proof they have passed a hunter-education course or may take a test provided by the MetroParks.
Those drawn will be allowed one month to hunt in a selected area and must take an antlerless deer before an antlered deer. The hunting will be scheduled between October and January, and all deer killed count toward a hunter’s annual state bag limits. Several of the MetroParks hunting areas are within the state’s urban hunting zones.
For more information, contact Enright at michael.enright@metroparks.org or call (937) 277-4109.
“This is a good program for people who are looking for a good place to hunt that’s close to home, and at the same time, it helps us control the size of our deer population,” Enright added.
Ohio’s fall hunting seasons start Sept. 1
The state wildlife council has approved early migratory bird hunting seasons for this fall with the starting date set for Sept. 1.
That’s when the seasons for dove, Canada goose, rail, moorhen and snipe begin. Squirrel season also starts that day.
Dove hunting runs Sept. 1-Oct. 25 and Dec. 7-21, with a daily limit of 15 birds and a possession limit of 30. Controlled dove hunts will be offered at Fallsville, Rush Run, Spring Valley, Indian Creek and Bott state wildlife areas, and St. Marys Fish Hatchery. They will be Sept. 1 and 2. Youth-priority controlled dove hunts will be held at St. Marys Fish Hatchery on Sept. 1, 5, 6, 13, 19 and 20.
Canada geese may be hunted Sept. 1-15 with a daily limit of four birds and possession limit of eight after the first day. The Mercer Goose Zone will not be open during the early Canada goose season.
The 2009-10 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations and the 2009 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons brochures can be found on line at wildohio.com.
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