The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is holding a lottery for more than 280 permits to hunters wishing to construct a blind to hunt ducks and geese on select Ohio State Park lakes, including Rocky Fork Lake, this waterfowl hunting season.
All but one of the drawings will be held the morning of Saturday, Aug. 18, at 18 state parks. Portage Lakes will hold its lottery on Thursday, Aug. 16. 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 2018 Ohio hunting license, Ohio wetlands habitat stamp endorsement in the applicant’s name and a signed 2018 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 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, 2019.
Participating state parks include Portage Lakes and West Branch in northeast Ohio; East Harbor and Lake Loramie in northwest Ohio; Adams Lake, Caesar Creek, Cowan Lake, East Fork, Hueston Woods and Rocky Fork in southwest Ohio; Shawnee in southeast Ohio; and Alum Creek, A.W. Marion, Buck Creek, Buckeye Lake, Deer Creek, Delaware and Indian Lake 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 75 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.
The ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
Submitted by Matt Eiselstein, ODNR Office of Communications.
