The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is holding a lottery for more than 270 permits to hunters wishing to construct a blind to hunt ducks and geese on select Ohio State Park lakes this waterfowl hunting season. All but one of the drawings will be held the morning of Saturday, Aug. 19, at 16 state parks. Portage Lakes State Park will hold its lottery on Thursday, Aug. 15. At all parks, applications will be taken locally with the lottery drawings following registration.
Interested applicants must appear in person at a participating state park office with proof of a 2017 Ohio hunting license, Ohio wetlands habitat stamp endorsement in the applicant’s name and a signed 2017 federal duck stamp. Applicants under the age of 18 are encouraged to have a parent or legal guardian present to sign the permit contract, and the applicants must provide the required license and stamps.
Each hunter can apply for only one duck blind permit, and no one can apply or draw for another person. There is a $50 non-refundable permit fee for the state park lottery winners. Most locations accept cash, check or credit card for payment, except Portage Lakes where payment is by cash (exact change) or check only. Lottery winners have 45 days to construct their blinds, and all blinds must be dismantled by March 15, 2018.
Participating state parks include Portage Lakes and West Branch in northeast Ohio; East Fork in northwest Ohio; Caesar Creek, Cowan Lake, East Harbor, Hueston Woods, Indian Lake, Lake Loramie and Rocky Fork in southwest Ohio; Adams Lake and Shawnee Woods in southeast Ohio; and Alum Creek, A.W. Marion, Buck Creek, Deer Creek and Delaware in central Ohio.
For more information about waterfowl hunting seasons and regulations, call 800-WILDLIFE or visit wildohio.gov.
The ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft is responsible for managing Ohio’s 74 state parks and providing the finest outdoor recreational opportunities, including first-class boating services, facilities and law enforcement for users of Ohio’s waterways and public lands.
• Waterfowl hunters are invited to participate in special drawings for controlled hunting opportunities, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
The ODNR Division of Wildlife will be holding drawings in northwest Ohio at the following locations: Pipe Creek Wildlife Area Waterfowl Hunts- A drawing will be held at Osborn Park Thursday, Aug. 17, at 6:30 p.m. Registration is from 5 p.m. to 6:20 p.m. at Osborn Park, 3910 Perkins Ave., Huron. East Sandusky Bay Metro Park Waterfowl Hunts- A drawing will be held at Osborn Park Thursday, Aug. 17, at 6:30 p.m. Registration is from 5 p.m. to 6:20 p.m. at Osborn Park, 3910 Perkins Ave., Huron.
Adult participants are required to present proof of purchasing their current Ohio Wetland Habitat Stamp or current hunting license. Youth Hunters are required to present proof of purchasing their current Youth Hunting License to be eligible to participate in the drawings.
One notable change, beginning in 2017 the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area Early Waterfowl Hunt drawing is being held through the computer lottery. Hunters can apply for the controlled hunt by completing the application process online using Ohio’s Wildlife Licensing System at wildohio.gov through July 31.
• The second annual Ohio Waterfowl Swap Meet is quickly approaching. The event is scheduled for August 19 and 20 at the Cedar Creek Barn which is just five miles south of Lexington on US 42. Vendors from seven states will be on hand to provide waterfowlers with products such as: decoy makers, outfitters, calls, boats, retrievers, decoy components, apparel and more. Duck and goose calling competitions will take place both days. A duck dog challenge will also be featured on Sunday. Call or text 419-571-4278 for more details or find them on Facebook.
Until next time, Good Hunting and Good Fishing!
