COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) hosted 20 disabled American veterans from Ohio for a guided archery hunt at Zaleski State Forest and Lake Hope State Park over the Oct. 5-7 weekend. The ODNR divisions of Forestry, Wildlife and Parks and Watercraft partnered with the Buckeye Hero Hunt Committee, the Ohio Department of Veterans Services and volunteer groups to provide this opportunity for Ohio’s veterans to hunt white-tailed deer. Twenty deer, 16 antlerless and four bucks, were harvested over the weekend.
“This is an opportunity that ODNR is honored to be able to provide as we thank and support the men and women who have served our country,” said Robert Boyles, Ohio’s state forester. “We are pleased to partner with the Buckeye Hero Hunt Committee for our Ohio veterans who have sacrificed so much for us.”
Numerous volunteers assisted the Buckeye Hero Hunt Committee to assist the veterans with their hunt and provide meals, lodging, and equipment. Veterans applied to participate in the hunt, and the event was free for participating veterans.
The ODNR Division of Forestry works to promote the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. This hunt provided an opportunity to effectively manage the damage white-tailed deer cause to the forest ecosystem in a specific area of Zaleski State Forest. White-tailed deer can have substantial negative impacts on forest health and regeneration due to the browse of tree seedlings and herbaceous plants. Hunting is the most effective way to control deer populations, and the ODNR Division of Forestry is thrilled to create this great opportunity for veterans.