2024-25 Hunting Lottery

INTRODUCTION
The Hunting with Permission Game Management Program is conducted by the Hancock Park District (HPD) in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Permit holders will be permitted to hunt in the south unit of Litzenberg Memorial Woods (LMW) located south of U.S. Highway 224 West from November 1, 2024 to January 31, 2025. The wooded area, three designated wetland areas, the Blanchard River and its northern bank, and adjacent fields north of the riverbank are available for hunting. No hunting in Worden Meadow.

Hunting is by permission only based on approval by the HPD Board of Park Commissioners and in accordance with ODNR hunting regulations. All permits will be issued via a seasonal permit lottery. Daily permits will not be issued.

SEASONAL PERMIT LOTTERY
The Seasonal Permit Lottery is open to Hancock County residents and landowners. Permits are not transferable. The number of permits has been determined by the HPD in cooperation with the ODNR and is based on the number of acres available for hunting. All hunters are expected to use their permits, since it is possible that not everyone who enters the drawing will get a permit. If hunters are not serious about hunting at Litzenberg Memorial Woods, then they should not enter the drawing.

All hunters may register for all permit categories except the Deer Youth Gun category. Only youth 17 years of age and younger are eligible to register for the Youth Deer Gun Permit. Youth receiving a Deer Youth Gun Permit must be accompanied by an adult companion when hunting and will be eligible to hunt on both days.

PERMIT CATEGORIES
Permits will be drawn in the order outlined below. All permits expire at the end of the season or on January 31, whichever comes first.

1^st Draw: 5 Deer Gun Permits

2^nd Draw: 5 Deer Muzzleloader Permits

3^rd Draw: 10 Small Game and Furbearer Permits (waterfowl and furbearing animals only – no deer)

4^th Draw: 10 Deer Archery Permits (longbow and crossbow)

5^th Draw: 5 Deer Youth Gun Permits for November 16 and 17, 2024 (must be 17 years of age or younger at the time of the drawing and to participate in the hunt)

PERMITS
Winners will receive a copy of the Rules and Guidelines, a Boundary Map, and a form covering Assumption of Risk, Liability Release, Waiver of all Claims, and Parental Consent (Waiver).

Upon receipt of a signed Waiver and a copy of the hunter’s hunting license, the HPD will issue a permit and parking pass. Hunters are not permitted to hunt until a permit and parking pass have been issued.

DOGS
The use of licensed hunting dogs is permitted. Hunting dogs must not trespass on private property.

PHEASANTS
Permit holders may release pheasants in the south unit of LMW for the purpose of hunting. Only male pheasants may be harvested.

TREE STANDS
Two temporary tree stands per permit holder for the purpose of hunting deer can be placed in the park beginning on October 1. Nails and spikes in trees are prohibited. The owner’s name and address must be attached to the tree stand and be visible from the ground. Tree stands without a name and address and those not removed by the end of the applicable deer season are subject to confiscation.

BLINDS AND DECOYS
Permanent blinds are prohibited. Portable blinds and decoys not removed by the end of each day are subject to confiscation.

BUDDY SYSTEM
Permit holders may bring a buddy. The buddy must accompany the permit holder. If hunting, the buddy must have a valid hunting license. The buddy cannot put up additional tree stands.

REPORTING
Permit holders are expected to sign-in when hunting and report animals taken by signing the form located in the parking lot (the sign-in sheet is in the mailbox) or by sending an email to HPD Natural Resource Manager Chad Carroll at ccarroll@hancockparks.com. If it is determined that hunters did not accurately report animals taken, permits may be revoked, and those persons may no longer be eligible to participate in the program. Permit holders are encouraged to report problems, suspicious behavior, and failure by others to follow the rules and guidelines.

PARK CLOSED
The hunting area will be closed to all permit holders on Friday, November 15 beginning at 4:00 p.m. and to all permit holders except youth and their adult companions on Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, November 17, 2024.

TRAILS CLOSED
Even though trailheads are posted with a sign saying that trails are closed for hiking and horseback riding during hunting season, hunters are expected to remain alert and cautious.

VEHICLES
Vehicles are not permitted on trails. Tree stands, blinds, and animals must be transported by foot.

PARKING
The designated parking lot for permit holders is in the south unit of LMW located south of U.S. Highway 224 West. Parking is not permitted in the north unit of LMW. However, restrooms are available for use in the north unit of LMW. They are located next to the Activity Barn.

PARKING PASS
Hunters with a permit and their buddy (if applicable) must display an official parking pass on the top of their vehicle dashboard so that it can be seen from outside of the vehicle.

OPEN HOURS
The south unit of LMW is open for hunting from sunrise to sunset. Habitat includes approximately 116 acres (11 acres of early successional habitat, 37 acres of woodland habitat, and 68 acres of tallgrass prairie and wetland habitat).

ENFORCEMENT
HPD park managers and the natural resource manager, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office (contracted by the HPD to enforce laws at LMW), and ODNR wildlife officers are responsible for enforcing park regulations and rules and guidelines associated with the Hunting with Permission Game Management Program. The failure to follow park regulations, the failure to comply with rules and guidelines, and the violation of local, state, and federal laws will lead to the following action: Violators may have their hunting permits revoked, may no longer be eligible for a hunting permit, and may be subject to further penalty per the Ohio Revised Code.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Address: 1424 East Main Cross Street, Findlay
Telephone: 419-425-7275
Email: hpdparks@hancockparks.com
Website: www.hancockparks.com