Pilot Deer Archery Program | Portage County OH

To manage resources, the Portage Park District is implementing a pilot Deer Archery program to allow limited controlled bow hunting at designated Park properties. Hunters will be chosen by lottery, and must complete Park District requirements, including qualifications and permit applications, before hunting on Park property.

Purpose:

The mission of the Portage Park District is to conserve Portage County’s natural heritage and provide opportunities for its appreciation and enjoyment. The Portage Park District continually plans and manages parklands to conserve and restore diverse ecosystems while providing appropriate amenities for public use and enjoyment. Protecting wildlife habitat, biodiversity, and water quality requires many approaches, one of which is the management of our native White-Tailed Deer population.

The goal of the Portage Park District's Pilot Deer Archery Program is consistent with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife deer management strategy "To provide a deer population that maximizes recreational opportunities including viewing, photographing, and hunting, while minimizing conflicts with agriculture, motor travel, and other areas of human endeavor." The Park District is a member of the Lake Erie Allegheny Partnership for Biodoversity (LEAP), and affirms its position on White-Tailed Deer Management which states:

As a regional alliance dedicated to conserving nature for future generations, Lake Erie Allegheny Partnership for Biodiversity (LEAP) members believe that natural communities in our region need to be actively managed and conserved based on scientific principles and best management practices. LEAP members recognize that white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are an important component of the biodiversity within the region and have significant economic, ecological, and social value. However, when factors favor high deer populations—such as high birth output, low disease incidence, abundant food supply, and few predators—overabundant deer cause damage to ecosystems and negatively impact human safety. Conversely, in areas of the LEAP region where active, sustained deer management occurs, native vegetation flourishes, habitat quality is high, and conflicts between deer and human populations are reduced. As a result, white-tailed deer populations should be managed to 1) maintain a sustainable deer population, 2) retain the number of deer that a landscape can support while still remaining healthy over the long-term (ecological carrying capacity), and 3) minimize negative deer–human interactions (social carrying capacity).

Timeline

August 18, 2023: Lottery entry deadline. Entries must be received by 4:30 PM. Click here to submit your lottery entry form. Only one entry per hunter will be allowed into the drawing.
August 21, 2023: Selected hunters will be notified by email. Please do not contact the Portage Park District office to verify if you have been selected.
September 3, 2023: Mandatory orientation meeting for selected hunters. Information will be emailed after the lottery.
September 30, 2023: Deer season begins. Hunters must submit a harvest report for each deer within 24 hours. Click here to complete your harvest report.

Things to Note

Bow hunting of deer will be permitted during the hunting season as specified by the State of Ohio. Hunting areas during this pilot program will be established at Kent Bog Expansion and Morgan Preserve.
Only one hunter will be permitted to hunt in a designated area unless accompanied by a minor (Person under 18) sharing a tree stand with the permit holder.
Portage County residents will be given priority in lottery selection.
If selected, hunters will attend a mandatory orientation. Failure to attend this meeting or to pass the proficiency test will result in forfeiture of the spot, and a new name will be drawn.
Selected hunters must complete a Hunting Permit Application submitted to the Portage Park District Rangers. Selected hunters will be required to verify residency (Valid state of Ohio photo identification or driver’s license and one document that contains their name and street address, i.e., utility bill, pay stub, mortgage statement, etc.) when applying for the permit and show proof of a valid Ohio hunting license.
Permits are NOT transferable.
Hunters must remain in designated areas. NO EXCEPTIONS. Hunters outside the designated area will have their permits revoked and will not be permitted to return to the premises.
No fasteners will be inserted into the tree (screw in steps). Hunters must wear a safety harness when hunting from an elevated tree stand. Tree stands must be 100 feet off the property line and positioned so the hunter is hunting toward the property's interior. Hunter's name, address, and phone number must be marked on their tree stand. Hunters must remove their stands no later than one week after the end of deer hunting season.
Hunters must harvest one Antlerless deer (doe) before harvesting an Antlered deer (buck).
Hunters must fill out a harvest report within 24 hours. Anyone who fails to do so or violates the Portage Park District or Ohio Division of Wildlife rules and regulations will be disqualified from future lotteries and subject to prosecution.
Hunters must carry their permits to and from the designated hunting area. Copies are not permitted. Hunters must also display parking tags and park in designated parking areas.
- No person shall drive into the hunting areas.
Hunters must obey all Portage Park District Rules and Regulations and adhere to applicable ODNR rules - Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations
Hunts must possess a map of property boundaries while hunting.
Feeders are not permitted.
Hunters must make every reasonable and legal effort to retrieve an injured animal.

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