ODNR Hosted Deer Archery Hunt for Veterans at Zaleski State Forest

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Last month, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) hosted 19 disabled Ohio veterans for a guided archery hunt at Zaleski State Forest and Lake Hope State Park over the Oct. 11-13 weekend. The veterans harvested 26 deer: 16 antlerless and 10 bucks.

“This was a great weekend spent with outstanding people, and ODNR is honored to be able to provide this opportunity as we thank and support the individuals who have served our country,” said Dan Balser, chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry. “We are pleased to partner with the Buckeye Hero Hunt Committee for our Ohio veterans who have sacrificed so much for us.”

Veterans applied to participate in this free hunting event, and numerous volunteers assisted the Buckeye Hero Hunt Committee to support the veterans by providing meals, lodging, and equipment.

The hunt also 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, and hunting is the most effective way to control deer populations.

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.

The ODNR Division of Forestry promotes the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands, visit forestry.ohiodnr.gov. Follow us on Instagram at @odnrforestry

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.