Duck Blind Lotteries at Ohio State Parks Set for Aug. 17
OutdoorHub 08.07.13
More than 280 permits are available to hunters wishing to construct a duck blind on several Ohio State Parks’ lakes this waterfowl hunting season. Lottery drawings will be held at the 16 participating state parks on the morning of Saturday, Aug. 17, along with lotteries for the use of 146 duck blinds available on two state wildlife areas.
Interested applicants must appear in person at a participating state park office with proof of a 2013 Ohio hunting license, state wetlands stamp endorsement in the applicant’s name and a signed 2013 or 2012 federal duck stamp. Applicants under the age of 18 should have a parent or legal guardian present to sign the permit contract and must provide the required license and stamps.
Participating state parks include Portage Lakes and West Branch in northeast Ohio; East Harbor, Indian Lake and Lake Loramie in northwest Ohio; Adams Lake, Buck Creek, Caesar Creek, Cowan Lake, East Fork, Hueston Woods and Rocky Fork in southwest Ohio; and Alum Creek, A.W. Marion, Buckeye Lake, Deer Creek and Delaware in central Ohio.
Each hunter can apply for only one duck blind permit, and no one can apply or draw for another person. There is a $50 non-refundable permit fee for the state park lottery winners. All locations accept cash, checks or credit cards for payment, except for Portage Lakes where payment is by cash (exact change) or check only. Lottery winners have 45 days to construct their blinds, and all blinds must be dismantled by March 15, 2014.
Hunters wishing to participate in the lotteries at Delaware or Indian Lake state parks are advised that the nearby Delaware marina and the Indian Lake park office and commissary no longer sell hunting licenses and duck stamps. Hunters should purchase their license and stamp from another vendor prior to the lotteries.
Waterfowl hunting opportunities are also available through lottery drawings for blinds at the Mercer Wildlife Area on Grand Lake St. Marys and the Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area adjacent to Mosquito Lake State Park. The drawings will be held at the respective wildlife area offices on Saturday, Aug. 17. There is no fee for use of the blinds at these areas. Lottery participants must also have a current Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification.
Information on waterfowl hunting seasons, locations and restrictions will be discussed by park staff and wildlife officers during the lotteries. For general information about hunting seasons and regulations, call 800-WILDLIFE or visit wildohio.com.
