ruffed grouse, squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, and bobwhite quail. Photo courtesy of Ohio DNR
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is accepting applications for public land-controlled hunts until Friday, July 31. These hunts provide special chances for people to pursue deer, waterfowl, doves, pheasants, and more on public lands during the 2026-27 season.
The ODNR Division of Wildlife as well as the ODNR Division of Parks & Watercraft host controlled hunts on select areas around Ohio. Hunts for adults, youth, people with mobility impairments, and mentors with apprentices are available. Species-specific hunts include deer, waterfowl, dove, ring-necked pheasant, ruffed grouse, squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, and bobwhite quail. Firearm and archery hunts are available for some species.
Hunters may apply for controlled hunts by completing the application process online using Ohio's Wildlife Licensing System or via phone by calling 1-866-703-1928. There is a $5.50 service fee for the phone option. 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.
All applicants, youth and adult, are required to possess a valid Ohio hunting license and meet age requirements. Youth hunters are required to be under the age of 18 at the time of the hunt to participate. Adults are required to be 18 years old or older at the time of the application. Those applying for deer hunts will also need a valid deer permit. Find more information on the controlled hunt page.
Participants may use a deer management permit during controlled deer hunts. Deer management permits cost $15 and are valid for antlerless deer throughout the deer season. Firearm and archery hunts are also available for some species.
New controlled hunting and trapping permits
Ruffed grouse hunting is limited to controlled hunts on designated areas. Only hunters with a permit may hunt grouse during the 2026 season. Permits are available via controlled access lottery for Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area, Shawnee State Forest, Vinton Furnace and state forest, and Zaleski State Forest with the adjacent Waterloo Wildlife Area.
Also new this year, individuals interested in raccoon hunting and trapping should now apply in July. Previously, controlled raccoon hunting and trapping lotteries were conducted in-person in October.
Drawing and notification
Hunters are randomly drawn, lottery style, from submitted applications. Successful applicants will be notified the week after the application period ends and provided additional hunt information, including a permit, rules, and a hunting area map. Each controlled hunt is unique, and applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review all site-specific information, including rules and requirements, before applying. Application statuses can be viewed through Ohio's Wildlife Licensing System. Successful applicants cannot buy, sell, exchange, or trade their permits, and can only transfer permits if nothing is received in return.
Explore detailed information about each hunting area through the Controlled Hunting Access Lotteries webpage. For more information about hunting in Ohio, download the HuntFish OH mobile app or visit wildohio.gov.
The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.