COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is once again offering controlled deer hunts on state nature preserves and scenic river lands during the 2026-27 hunting season to help manage deer populations and protect native plant communities.
The ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves will offer gun, muzzleloader and archery hunts at sites in 22 Ohio counties. Permits will be awarded through a lottery system.
Hunters interested in participating must attend a mandatory meeting at each preserve where they wish to hunt. Following each meeting, participants may purchase a $5 cash-only lottery ticket for that specific hunt. Those wishing to enter multiple drawings must attend each meeting and purchase separate tickets.
A valid 2026-27 Ohio hunting license is required to enter the lottery, and selected hunters will be assigned specific hunting dates and times. Successful applicants may bring a hunting partner, although the partner is not required to attend the drawing or orientation.
Some hunts will be limited to antlerless deer only, while others will require hunters to harvest an antlerless deer before taking an antlered deer as part of the state’s deer management strategy.
Several preserves will offer firearm hunts, including Caesar Creek Gorge State Nature Preserve in Warren County, Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve in Hocking County, Stage’s Pond State Nature Preserve in Pickaway County, and Lake Katharine and Sheepskin Hollow state nature preserves. Most other locations will offer archery-only hunts.
For southeast Ohio hunters, lottery meetings include:
- Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve in Hocking County (gun hunt) on Aug. 22.
- Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve in Jackson County (gun and archery hunts) on Aug. 15.
Complete meeting schedules, hunt dates and eligibility requirements are available through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The Division of Natural Areas and Preserves manages 156 state nature preserves and 17 designated scenic rivers across Ohio.
Last Updated on July 13, 2026 by AVC News
