The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is holding a lottery for more than 280 permits to hunters wishing to construct a blind to hunt ducks and geese on select state park lakes this waterfowl hunting season. All but one of the drawings will be held the morning of Saturday, August 17. Portage Lakes State Park will hold its lottery on Thursday, August 15. At all parks, applications will be taken locally with the lottery drawings following registration.
Interested applicants must appear in person at a participating state park office with proof of a 2019 Ohio hunting license, Ohio wetlands habitat stamp endorsement in the applicant’s name and a signed 2019 federal duck stamp. Applicants under the age of 18 are encouraged to have a parent or legal guardian present to sign the permit contract and provide the required license and stamps.
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. Most locations accept cash, check or credit card for payment, except 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, 2020.
Participating state parks include Portage Lakes and West Branch in northeast Ohio; East Harbor in northwest Ohio; Adams Lake, Caesar Creek, Cowan Lake, East Fork, Hueston Woods, Lake Loramie and Rocky Fork in southwest Ohio; Shawnee in southeast Ohio; and Alum Creek, AW Marion, Buck Creek, Buckeye Lake, Deer Creek, Delaware and Indian Lake in central Ohio.
Alum Creek State Park (Delaware County) will offer 24 blinds. Applications are accepted beginning at 8 AM with the drawing at 8:30 AM at 3305 S. Old State Road, Delaware 43015. Call 740-548-4631 for more information.
Delaware State Park (Delaware County) will offer 25 blinds. Applications are accepted beginning at 8 a.m. with the drawing at 8:30 AM. Meet at the park marina at 5202 U.S. Route 23 North, Delaware 43015. Call 740-548-4631.
