4 people charged with illegal hunting of record 18-pointer in Ohio
Four people are on trial for illegally hunting an 18-point deer in Ohio.
Most, but not all, of the state-sponsored sites for controlled late summer and fall hunting of deer, dove and waterfowl were allocated by lottery.
To take part in the drawings for the few remaining chances, hunters must travel, as online or postal applications are no longer possible.
Soon it’s time: Ohio hunting season is about to begin. Here’s how to prepare
In the coming weeks, permits for deer hunting with bow and arrow will be up for grabs at nine locations. These locations include three locations in Union and Madison counties that are located on the Big Darby and Little Darby rivers.
• Terra Nova, a 60-acre scenic riverfront site along Big Darby Creek in Union County. Terra Nova is located on N. Lewisburg Road in North Lewisburg.
• Milford Center, a 90-acre site on Big Darby Creek in Union County. Milford Center is located between Middleburg-Plain City Road and North Darby Coe Road, just southeast of Collins Road.
• The Agnes Andreae and Little Darby Forrest preserves total 232 acres in Madison County along Little Darby Creek, just west of West Jefferson on Ohio Route 29. The Nature Conservancy cooperates in providing the hunting opportunity.
The Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves will oversee the drawings for the Darby sites. These drawings will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 22 at the Plain City Youth Agriculture Building in Pastime Park, 370 N. Chillicothe St. Tickets for the drawing will be available from 5:15 to 6:20 p.m. for $5 each.
Winners can choose between two-week hunting periods. Permits are valid for one hunting partner, who does not need to be present at the drawing.
Immediately afterwards, an introduction takes place that is mandatory for permit holders. Special regulations for hunting are discussed.
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To enter a drawing, hunters must present a valid 2024-2025 hunting license. Internet access may be spotty at some drawing locations. An electronic copy of a valid hunting license stored on your phone or a printed paper copy will ensure participants can provide proof. The hunts at certain scenic river sites have been held for several years, in part to reduce white-tailed deer numbers in locations where deer threaten native plants.
Hunting at these locations can be exceptional.
Hunters willing to travel a little can participate in the drawings that will be held in Covington, Ohio, on August 15 and in Waynesville on August 29. The Covington drawing will include two locations in Darke and Miami counties. The Waynesville drawing will include four locations, one in Greene County and the other three in Warren County.
For drawing details, visit wildohio.gov, follow the “Hunting & Trapping” link, and click on “Controlled Hunting Access Lotteries.”
Free range
Free Range Day, scheduled for August 17 by the Ohio Division of Wildlife, offers hunters the opportunity to use facilities across the state that normally charge a small fee of $5 per day or $24 for an annual permit.
One of Ohio’s best hunting spots is adjacent to the Delaware Wildlife Area, 1110 Ohio Rt. 229, Ashley. To get there, drive a short distance north on US Rt. 23 from Delaware and turn east on Rt. 229.
Delaware has three rifle and pistol ranges, all covered and equipped with handicapped-accessible walkways and shooting stands. A handtrap shotgun range is another highlight. Archery opportunities include a 10-lane, 90-meter outdoor Olympic range and pavilion, a static shooting range with platform suitable for the handicapped, and a walk-in range with targets in wooded and field areas.
For more details, visit wildohio.gov.
