‘Each controlled hunt is unique’: Ohio hunters have until July 31 to apply for lottery

Ohio hunters can apply for the chance to be selected for special hunts on public land during the 2024-25 hunting season.

Selected applicants will partake in controlled hunts for deer, waterfowl, doves, pheasants, squirrel and quail, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Applications must be submitted by July 31. Each hunt requires payment of a non-refundable $3 application fee. Customers may apply for more than one hunt, but can only apply to each hunt once per year.

Hunters may apply at oh-web.s3licensing.com/Home, or by calling 1-866-703-1928. There is $5.50 service fee for the phone option.

‘Each controlled hunt is unique’

All applicants, youth and adult, are required to possess a valid Ohio hunting license. Youth hunters must be younger than 18 at the time of the hunt.

Winners will be drawn lottery style and given additional hunt information by Aug. 8.

“Each controlled hunt is unique,” according to a news release. “Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review all site-specific information, including rules and requirements, prior to applying.”

Successful applicants cannot buy, sell, exchange, or trade their permits, and can only transfer permits if nothing is received in return.

Where are Ohio’s controlled hunts in 2024-25?

The ODNR is offering permit-only ring-necked pheasant hunts in select areas.

Pheasant hunting will be at the following locations:

• Andreoff
• Killdeer Plains
• Kokosing
• Mosquito Creek
• Urbana
• East Fork
• Fallsville
• Funk Bottoms
• Hancock County Wildlife Area 5
• Parkersburg
• Pater
• Pickerel Creek
• Pleasant Valley
• Salt Fork
• Coldwater Creek Nature Corridor

Those hunting deer will need a valid deer permit.

Participants may use a deer management permit, which costs $15 and may be used to harvest antlerless deer only. Deer management permits are valid statewide until Dec. 22.

ztuggle@gannett.com

419-564-3508