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 the fall of 2011.
Updates for 2013-2014 Controlled Hunt Program
For the 2013-2014 Controlled Hunt Program, archery hunting will take place at River Road Park in Madison Township and Indian Point Park in Leroy Township. Applicants may indicate a preferred property to hunt; however, assignment to a preferred property is dependent upon the order in which the applicant's number is drawn in the lottery since the number of available sites at each property are limited.
Participants selected in the lottery to hunt at River Road Park hunt from specific sites designated by Lake Metroparks. Tree stands and feeders are provided for hunters. Hunters may choose to bring their own tree stands or blinds while hunting provided that they are professionally manufactured and placed within 50 yards of their designated stand location.
Participants selected in the lottery to hunt at Indian Point Park hunt within assigned areas designated by Lake Metroparks. Participants may choose a specific hunting location within their assigned area, provided that their site is not within a designated safety zone. Feeders are provided at Indian Point Park, however tree stands are not. Hunters may bring their own tree stands or blinds provided that they are professionally manufactured.
Rules and regulations
For a complete list of updated rules and regulations, go to: http://www.lakemetroparks.com/conservation/wildlifemanagement.shtml .
Applications
Applications for the fall/winter 2013-2014 Controlled Hunt Program are now being accepted. To register online go to: http://reservations.lakemetroparks.com/huntingapplication .
Applications may also be completed in person with the Lake Metroparks Registration Department in the administrative building at Concord Woods located at 11211 Spear Rd. in Concord Twp.
Applications will be accepted through August 25, 2013. A lottery system will be used to select participants. Lottery results will be posted August 30, 2013.
Proficiency Test
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). The proficiency test may be taken at either Great Lakes Outdoor Supply (6595 N. Ridge Rd., Madison, 440-428-0313) or Gander Mountain (9620 Diamond Centre Dr., Mentor, 440-639-8545). Each participant is responsible for scheduling his/her own test; store staff will administer the test and determine whether a participant has successfully passed. You are required to bring your passed proficiency test with you to the mandatory meeting.
Mandatory Meetings
Participants are required to attend one mandatory meeting for their assigned group based on the lottery selection to be held at Lake Metroparks headquarters at Concord Woods located at 11211 Spear Rd. in Concord Twp., Ohio 44077.
• Groups one (1) through five (5): Sunday, September 15 at 2 pm
• Groups six (6) through nine (9): Sunday, November 10 at 2 pm.
Property access by participants
After the mandatory meeting, participants will be permitted to access the properties to be hunted to familiarize themselves with stand locations and property layout. Participants may also access the property after 12 pm on each of the following dates:10/13, 10/27, 11/10, 11/24, 12/8 and 12/22 in 2013 and 1/5, 1/19 and 2/2 in 2014.
Partner System
Each program participant has the opportunity to name one "partner" for their own stand and group assignment. The designated "partner" will be allowed to hunt only when the primary participant chooses not to hunt. The "partner" is required to fill out this partner application, pass the proficiency test and attend the mandatory meeting with their primary program participant before they can hunt. The "partner" is required to bring their proficiency test and completed application with them to the meeting.
To download the Partner Application, go to: http://www.lakemetroparks.com/conservation/wildlifemanagement.shtml
Lake Metroparks
11211 Spear Road
Concord Twp., OH 44077
