A deer walks past a deer blind on public hunting land

Apply in July for Ohio’s controlled hunting opportunities

6:00am Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Applications for Ohio’s public land controlled hunting opportunities will be accepted beginning Saturday, July 1, according to a June 27 news release from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Division of Wildlife.

These hunts provide special opportunities for people to pursue deer, waterfowl, doves, and other game on public lands during the 2023-24 season. The application period is open for all hunters until Monday, July 31.

The Division of Wildlife and the Division of Parks and Watercraft host controlled hunts on select areas around Ohio, according to the release. Hunts for adults, youth, mobility impaired, and mentors with apprentices are available. Species-specific hunts include deer, waterfowl, dove, pheasant, squirrel, and quail. Firearm and archery opportunities are available for some species.

Hunters may apply for controlled hunts by completing the application process online using Ohio's Wildlife Licensing System or by calling 1-800-703-1928. A $5.50 service fee applies for the phone option. Each hunt requires payment of a nonrefundable $3 application fee. Customers may apply for more than one hunt but may apply to each hunt only once per year, according to the release.

All applicants — youth and adult — are required to possess a valid Ohio hunting license and meet age requirements. Youth hunters must be under 18 at the time of the hunt to participate. Adults must be 18 or older at the time of the application. Those applying for deer hunts will also need a valid deer permit. Find more information at wildohio.gov on the controlled hunt page.

Participants may use a deer management permit ($15) during controlled deer hunts to be used to harvest antlerless deer only. Deer management permits are valid on private land and select public hunting areas until Nov. 26. Deer management permits may be used on authorized controlled hunts from Sept. 9, 2023, until Feb. 4, 2024, according to the release.

Hunters are randomly drawn from submitted applications. Successful applicants will be notified and provided additional hunt information by Aug. 8, including a permit, rules, and hunting-area map. Each controlled hunt opportunity is unique, and applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review all site-specific information, including rules and requirements, prior to applying. Application statuses can be viewed through Ohio’s Wildlife Licensing System.

Explore detailed information about each hunting area, its habitats, and its species through the Find a Destination webpage at ohiodnr.gov. For more information about hunting in Ohio download the HuntFish OH mobile app or visit wildohio.gov.