2023-2024 Controlled Hunt Program for Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities
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. Lake Metroparks intends to offer a portion of this program to veterans of the United States armed forces with service-connected disabilities.
The application period for the 2023-2024 Controlled Hunt Program for Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities is now closed.
Click here to see the schedule. Please refer to the number you were assigned upon receipt of 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 are unsure of your receipt number.
The schedule is also posted at Lake Metroparks Administrative Offices 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 Registration Department at 440-358-7275. 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 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 2023-24 Controlled Hunt Program for veterans with service-connected disabilities, archery hunting will take place at Hemlock Ridge Park on Vrooman Road in Leroy Township. Participants hunt from specific areas designated by Lake Metroparks. Tree stands or ground blinds are provided for hunters depending on the particular location. Hunting takes place in both wooded and meadow habitats. Parking is available within close proximity to each site. Access to the interior of most areas is gained through unimproved and mowed paths.
NOTE: It is the applicant’s responsibility to inform Lake Metroparks of medical/physical conditions and/or request related accommodations.
For a complete list of updated rules and regulations, click here.
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 testing will take place at Lake Metroparks’ Hidden Lake archery range at 7024 Kniffen Rd. Leroy Twp., Ohio 44077. 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 Lake Metroparks staff or volunteers who will determine whether a participant has successfully passed. Testing will take place from 4:30 to 7:30 pm on Friday, September 8, 2023.
Participants must complete an online orientation that explains the operational aspects of the program, rules & safety information, and requirements of participants. This orientation will take the place of the mandatory orientation meetings of past seasons. Participants will receive information explaining how to access the online orientation. Participants must complete the online orientation and provide proof of completion before they will receive a permit to hunt.
Participants will be permitted to access the properties to be hunted in order to familiarize themselves with stand locations and property layouts after 12 pm on each of the following dates: 9/24 (Group 1), 10/22, 11/12, 12/3, 12/24 in 2023 and 1/14 in 2024.