2018-2019 Controlled Hunt Program
Regionally and throughout the state, changes in habitat and the elimination of natural predators have allowed deer herds to grow to unnatural densities. In order to restore and maintain a balanced ecosystem, Lake Metroparks implemented and has conducted a deer management program since 2011.
The application period for the 2018-2019 Controlled Hunt Program is now closed.
Click here for lottery results. Please refer to the receipt 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. Please call 440-358-7275 if you cannot locate your receipt.
The lottery result list is also posted at Lake Metroparks' Administrative Offices at 11211 Spear Rd., Concord Twp., Ohio 44077.
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.
For the 2018-19 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 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). Proficiency tests will be held during mandatory orientation meetings held at Hidden Lake utilizing the archery range at the park. Participants must bring their bow and arrows equipped with target points in order to take the test. Targets will be supplied by Lake Metroparks. Testing will be administered by a Lake Metroparks representative who will determine whether a participant has successfully passed.
Participants are required to attend one mandatory meeting for their assigned group to be held at Lake Metroparks' Hidden Lake shelter located at 7024 Kniffen Rd. in Leroy Township. Participants are asked to attend the meeting scheduled for their assigned group. Those dates are:
Participants will be permitted to access the properties to be hunted in order to familiarize themselves with stand locations and property layouts after noon on each of the following dates: 9/23, 10/21, 11/11, 12/2, 12/23 in 2018 and 1/13 in 2019.
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 the partner application, pass the proficiency test and attend the mandatory meeting with their primary program participant before they can hunt.
Click here to download the Partner Application.