ASHVILLE, OH – July 29, 2025 – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Natural Areas and Preserves will host a series of special deer hunts this fall and winter to help control high deer populations threatening sensitive plant ecosystems at state nature preserves and scenic river lands.
Among the 22 counties selected for these controlled hunts is Pickaway County, where Stage’s Pond State Nature Preserve will host a special gun hunt.
These hunts, held at 30 state nature preserves and scenic river sites, will include both archery and firearm opportunities during the 2025-2026 hunting season. Participation is determined by lottery drawings, and all interested hunters are required to attend mandatory site meetings.
For Stage’s Pond in Pickaway County, the meeting will take place:
- Date: Saturday, August 16
- Time: 9:00 a.m.
- Location: Stage’s Pond State Nature Preserve, 4792 Hagerty Road, Ashville, OH 43103
Hunters must purchase a $5 ticket (cash only) at the meeting to enter the drawing. Those drawn will attend a pre-hunt orientation and be assigned specific hunt dates.
Key Requirements:
- Must possess a valid 2025-2026 Ohio hunting license
- Attendance is required for each site-specific lottery
- Some hunts are antlerless deer only, while others allow antlered deer after an antlerless harvest
- Hunters may bring a partner, who does not need to attend the lottery or orientation
Additional locations across the state—including Jackson, Hocking, Highland, and Adams counties—will also host special hunts, with Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve in Jackson County offering archery, gun, and muzzleloader options.
For full details on all hunt locations, requirements, and contact information, visit ohiodnr.gov.
