Special deer hunts planned

WAKEMAN — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources announced several special deer hunts in Ohio this season. These hunts are being hosted during the 2025-26 hunting season in locations where high deer populations were identified as a threat to native plant communities, according to a news release. For 2025, archery hunts are being hosted in 22 counties while three nature preserves will allow gun and muzzleloader hunts. The Augusta-Anne Olsen State Nature Preserve will offer a special archery hunt. The meeting will be hosted at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6 at the preserve's office at 4934 W. River Road, Wakeman. Participation will be awarded through a lottery system. It is unknown how many permits will be available for each location. In order to participate, hunters must attend a mandatory meeting for each location they would like to hunt. Following the meetings, they will have a chance to buy a $5 ticket, cash-only, to be entered into the special hunt draw. Those who wish to apply for hunts at multiple sites will be required to attend multiple meetings and buy additional tickets. Additional requirements for the special hunt include: • Hunters must possess a valid 2025-26 hunting license to purchase tickets. • Some of this year's hunts will require an adult hunting license for eligibility. Visit ohiodnr.gov for eligibility requirements. • Names will be randomly drawn and those selected will be assigned a specific time to hunt. For archery hunts, an orientation will be conducted immediately following the drawing. • Hunters will be permitted to hunt with a partner; the partner is not required to attend the drawing or orientation. • Hunters must take an antlerless deer before harvesting an antlered deer. Most locations will not allow antlered deer harvesting but some locations may allow it after taking a doe first. Entry forms will not be accepted by mail and following the drawing, successful entrants will be asked to remain for a pre-hunt meeting, according to the department.