Hunting Policy

Athens Conservancy protects land representing diverse ecosystems in southeast Ohio. In an effort to manage deer browsing on native plants, which can significantly impact plant diversity and abundance, deer hunting is permitted on 12 preserves. A list of preserves is included. Hunting of any animal other than deer is strictly prohibited. Hunters may participate in archery hunting only. Target shooting is prohibited on all preserves. All Ohio Division of Wildlife rules and regulations apply.

Hunting is by permit only. There is no fee for this hunting privilege, but all participants must have an approved written permit. A valid driver’s license, and a current State of Ohio hunting customer ID, and appropriate licenses are required.

Each preserve open to hunting has a Lead Hunter who aides in coordinating hunting. This volunteer Lead Hunter is the main contact for each preserve. Lead hunter information will be provided on approved permits.

If you are interested in learning more about hunting on a preserve or obtaining a permit, please contact Board member Chris O’Bara at vandals83@icloud.com.  

The following preserves are open to archery deer hunting:

Baker, Blair, Bluebell, Brookville, Canaan, Deep Hollow-Dark Skies, Lindy Roosenburg, Marietta Run, Mary Beth Zak Lohse, Poston, Skunk Run, Tucker Run

For the 2024-2025 hunting season, the Lois Busch Winner Nature Preserve (Winner Woods) is enrolled in the ODNR Ohio Landowner-Hunter Access Partnership (OLHAP). Public hunting access is granted through an on-line check-in system available at wildohio.gov

We ask that hunters help us keep the preserves as pristine as possible by not leaving litter of any kind on our lands. As a courtesy to other preserve users, we also encourage hunters to pick up any litter encountered.

Athens Conservancy Controlled Deer Hunt Regulations

1. Hunting privileges are non-transferable nor applicable to other preserves.
2. All individuals engaged in hunting related activities must review the Athens Conservancy Hunting Policy.
3. Only approved archery equipment is allowed.
4. Hunters must carry an approved permit when hunting at a preserve. Permits must be provided upon request to any Athens Conservancy Board of Directors member, Lead Hunter, or law enforcement officer.
5. Ohio Division of Wildlife hunting rules and regulations be followed.
6. Vehicles must be parked only at approved parking areas. A photocopy of the Permit must be visible on the vehicle’s dashboard. No mechanized vehicles are permitted on preserves unless specifically authorized.
7. Baiting is NOT ALLOWEDon Athens Conservancy Properties.
8. Hunting on Athens Conservancy preserves is primarily for population control. With this in mind, we encourage hunters to prioritize the harvesting of antlerless deer.
9. Hunting of any other species other than deer is not allowed.
10. All harvested deer must be reported to lead hunter within two weeks of the ending of the hunting season.
11. The Athens Conservancy’s preserves are protected natural areas. No plants, animals or historical or natural features may be removed except harvested deer.
12. Permission from an adjacent property owner must be obtained before pursuing a wounded deer or retrieving a harvested deer.
13. Hunting is only allowed during the dates specified on the permit.
14. Portable tree stands may be used but must carry hunter’s name. No nails, screws, or screw-in steps or any other object may pierce the bark of the tree.Use straps and/or chains only. Tree stands may be erected only during the specified period of your permit. Stands discovered before or after these dates will become the permanent property of Athens Conservancy.
15. Hunters may use the trail system (if one is present) while going to and from hunting. Hunting or related activities are restricted within 150 feet of a road, building, or trail, unless specifically authorized.
16. Failure to comply with the Athens Conservancy regulations, all special conditions, or any Ohio Division of Wildlife regulations will result in the loss of current permit and future hunting privileges at Athens Conservancy sites.