Controlled Deer Hunt Drawing
Regionally and throughout the state of Ohio, changes in habitat and the elimination of natural predators have allowed deer herds to grow to unnatural densities. White-tailed deer are one of the most common wildlife species in the eastern United States. Although enjoyed by many, high deer populations can negatively impact crops and native vegetation as the increasing numbers of deer seek out more food sources. The high numbers of deer also lead to an increase in motor vehicle collisions. These impacts are often most notable in areas where hunting is not permitted, such as in state and local parks.
The Natural Resource Dept. continues to monitor and observe a high population of deer in several park areas. Biologists suggest that the optimal deer count in healthy forests is 15 to 28 deer per square mile. It is likely that an overabundance of deer is negatively affecting ecosystem function by spreading disease among the herds, damaging crops in the park’s surrounding areas, and stripping the forest floor of native plants.
Virtual Drawing
There will be three bow hunting locations that are part of the drawing. Application deadline using the registration button below is Aug. 28, 2026. If selected, you will be contacted after Aug. 31, 2026. A RecDesk account will need to be created or used to enter the drawing and submit payment. Please call 330-477-3552 for assistance.
1. Quail Hollow Park
Half of the hunting sites will be reserved for Youth Hunters under the age of 18 at Quail Hollow Park.
Trails will remain open during the fall and winter hunting season. Park users are encouraged to wear bright colors and stay on designated trails.
2. Nimisila Preserve
Open to youth and adults. Located near Canal Fulton, this park property is not open to public visitation at this time.
3. Fry Family Park
Open to youth and adults. Trails will remain open during the fall and winter hunting season. Park users are encouraged to wear bright colors and stay on designated trails.
One non-refundable application of one entry per person will be available for $5. Bow Hunters chosen will be eligible for a two-week session during Ohio Deer Archery season and assigned a zone in the order they are selected. Those selected will be permitted to bring one hunting companion with them.
Both the hunter and companion must attend a qualification session. Upon successful completion and passing the qualification, the hunter will receive a permit for a session period.
Enter the 2026 Drawing
Controlled Hunt Rules
2026 Site Session Dates
Quail Hollow Park and Fry Family Park Session Dates:
Session One: September 26 - October 9
Session Two: October 10 - October 23
Session Three: October 24 - November 6
Session Four: November 7 - November 20
Session Five: November 21 - December 4
Session Six: December 5 - December 18
Session Seven: December 19 - January 1, 2027
Session Eight: January 2 - January 15, 2027
Session Nine: January 16 - January 29, 2027
Nimisila Preserve Session Dates:
September 26 – October 16
October 17 – November 6
November 7 - November 27
November 28 – December 18
December 19 – January 8, 2027
January 9 – January 29, 2027
Qualification Process
Attending a qualification session is required. A successful applicant and their designated companion will need to attend one of the offered sessions. To qualify, each applicant must be able to place at least four out of five arrows in a 10" diameter target from a position at 20 yards.
To encourage harvesting antlerless deer, successful applicants and their designated partners will be required to show a valid deer management permit at qualification along with a valid hunting license. Qualification dates and locations will be announced soon.