Athens Conservancy Hunting Program

Athens Conservancy considers deer hunting an essential component of our land management and conservation tools. Hunting opportunities are offered through the ODNR Landowner/Hunter Access Partnership Program (OLHAP) and the conservancy’s archery only deer hunting program. Both programs are aligned within state rules and regulations to provide hunting opportunities.

The Public Trust Doctrine (PTD) is an essential element of North American wildlife law. PTD holds that publicly owned wildlife resources are entrusted to the government (trustee) to be managed on behalf of the public (beneficiaries). The Ohio Division of Natural Resources (ODNR) is the governmental institution that is entrusted to manage wildlife and therefore set rules and regulations to safeguard this resource for the public’s long-term benefit. All rules and regulations set by the ODNR are valid on all Athens Conservancy preserves where hunting is permitted. Ohio State Code exempts property owners from liability, but this exemption only applies if the landowner does not accept a fee or other compensation. Hunters assume responsibility for any injury to a person or property caused by their act while engaging in any hunting related activity and no fee or other compensation will be charged for the privilege of hunting.

Provisions

AC Preserves in which hunting is permitted and managed by ODNR.

• Athens Conservancy has enrolled properties into the ODNR-OLHAP.
• Hunting opportunities follow the ODNR regulations and rules for the OLHAP.
• These preserves are Bluebell, Canaan, Deep Hollow-Dark Skies, Lois Busch Winner, and Marietta Run.
• Public access is granted through an online check-in system.
• Daily permits can be found at: https://ohiodnr.gov/buy-and-apply/hunting-fishing-boating/hunting-resources/ohio-landowner-hunter-access

Athens Conservancy Preserves in which hunting is permitted by the Athens Conservancy.

• All hunters must be permitted and have on their person a valid permit.
• No fee or other compensation will be charged for the privilege of hunting.
• Only archery hunting for deer is allowed. Failure to comply with AC policy and ODNR-Division of Wildlife rules and regulations will result in the loss of the current permit and future hunting privileges for all AC preserves.
• An online application is provided.
• All permitted hunters will be contacted by the lead hunter.
• All permitted hunters will be provided with a description of policies.
• Lead Hunter: Justin Walters
  • Preserves: Baker, Blair, Lesli Johnson, Mary Beth Zak Lohse, and Tucker Run.
• Lead Hunter: Claudia Sheehan
  • Preserve: Lindy Roosenburg
• Lead Hunter: Chris O’Bara
  • Preserve: Skunk Run

AC Preserves in which hunting is currently suspended.

• An evaluation is ongoing and will be completed prior to the 2026-2027 hunting season.
• For the 2025-2026 hunting season, no hunting is allowed at the Athens-Belpre Rail Trail, Brookville, and Poston Preserves.

For Additional Information: 
Chris O’Bara: vandals83@icloud.com