Applications to be included for the 2017-2018 Controlled Hunt Program are now closed.
Click here to see lottery results for the fall/winter 2017-2018 Controlled Hunt Program. Please refer to the number you were assigned on your application. If you have been selected for this program your number will appear in a group and stand assignment. If you know that you are unable or unwilling to hunt in your assigned slot, please let us know as soon as possible so that we may fill that slot. All stand and group assignments are final. You may contact the Natural Resources Department at 440-639-7275 x1875. Alternate selections will be posted as necessary. Applicants drawn are required to pass a proficiency test and meet additional requirements prior to receiving a permit. Each permit assigns a hunter a specific stand or hunting area and period during which he/she may participate during Ohio archery deer season. Hunters must follow hunting guidelines established by the Ohio Division of Wildlife and Lake Metroparks. Click here for a complete list of updated rules and regulations.
Each program participant has the opportunity to name one “partner” for their own stand and group assignment. The designated “partner” will be allowed to hunt only when the primary participant chooses not to hunt. The “partner” is required to fill out this partner application, pass the proficiency test and attend the mandatory meeting with their primary program participant before they can hunt. The “partner” is required to bring their proficiency test and completed application with them to the mandatory meeting.
Click here to download the Partner Application.
For the 2017-18 Controlled Hunt Program, archery hunting will take place at River Road Park in Madison Township, Indian Point Park in Leroy Township and Lake Erie Bluffs in Perry Township. Assignment to a particular hunting time and location is dependent upon the order in which an applicant’s number is drawn in the lottery. Participants selected in the lottery to hunt at River Road Park in Madison Township hunt from specific sites designated by Lake Metroparks. Tree stands are provided for hunters. Hunters may choose to bring their own tree stands or blinds while hunting provided that they are professionally manufactured and placed within 100 yards of their designated stand location.
Participants selected in the lottery to hunt at Indian Point Park and Lake Erie Bluffs hunt within assigned areas designated by Lake Metroparks. Participants may choose a specific hunting location within their assigned area, provided that their site is not within a designated safety zone. Hunters choosing to hunt from elevated positions must provide their own tree stand or blind provided they are professionally manufactured.
Click here for a complete list of updated rules and regulations.
All participants must demonstrate skill proficiency using his/her own equipment. Four out of five shots OR eight out of ten shots must land into 7.5” target at 12 yards. No practice shots permitted prior to test; maximum of ten shots permitted per test. One “fail to qualify” permitted per season (test may be retaken one time). The proficiency test must be taken at Great Lakes Outdoor Supply (14855 North State Ave., Middlefield, OH 440-632-9151). Each participant is responsible for scheduling his/her own test; store staff will administer the test and determine whether a participant has successfully passed. Participant is required to bring his/her passed proficiency test to the mandatory meeting.
Participants are required to attend one mandatory meeting for their assigned group to be held at Lake Metroparks Environmental Learning Center 7250 Alexander Rd. Concord Twp., 44077. Those selected for groups one (1) through three (3) are asked to attend this meeting at 2 pm on Sunday, September 10, 2017. Those selected for groups four (4) through six (6) are asked to attend this meeting at 2 pm on Sunday, November 12, 2017.
After the mandatory meeting, participants will be permitted to access the properties to be hunted to familiarize themselves with stand locations and property layout. Participants may also access the property after 12 pm on each of the following dates: 10/22/17, 11/12/17, 12/3/17, 12/24/17, 1/14/18 and 2/4/18.