Since 1995, Metro Parks has implemented a Controlled Lottery Deer Hunt at Clear Creek
Metro Park in Hocking and Fairfield counties. During that time, volunteer sportsmen and
sportswomen have successfully harvested over 2,700 deer in an effort to assist Metro
Parks with its deer management strategy at Clear Creek Metro Park. The statewide deer
permit eligibility for the 2021 deer gun hunting season permits three deer to be taken in
Hocking County and Fairfield County. All harvested animals must be tagged with an
Either-Sex Permit as the Antlerless Permits will not be eligible. Metro Parks will
continue the 3-day hunt and it will take place November 29th - December 1st. This hunt
will only allow shotguns of 10-gauge or smaller and muzzleloaders (as defined by Ohio
Division of Wildlife Rules and Regulations). No high caliber hand guns, center fire
rifles, or archery weapons will be permitted during this hunt. All other Division of
Wildlife deer hunting regulations will apply here.
Applications will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. local time, October 30, 2021. Metro Parks
will select 80-100 participants (plus a partner) by lottery drawing. Successful applicants
will be notified by e-mail if they have been drawn. Each successful applicant may have
one other hunter (partner) accompany him or her during the project and will be given
permission to scout the area before the season. Successful applicants who have
participated in the past, will receive their orientation packet in the mail in early
November. New participants to this hunt will be instructed separately.
Employees of Metro Parks are prohibited from participating in this resource management
program. The application should be completed online at www.metroparks.net. Only one
application per person may be submitted. Duplicate applications may be
disqualified. For more information call 614-895-6210.