Summit Metro Parks We're Your Back Yard
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Deer Management

Archery Program

Summit Metro Parks will allow hunting by bow and arrow or crossbow in more than 20 selected areas by permit this fall as part of its ongoing deer management program.

Each permit is good for up to three adults and two juveniles. Only Summit County residents may enter the lottery, but individuals whose names are chosen may add non-Summit residents to their permits.

For details about the lottery for wheelchair users, contact us at archery@summitmetroparks.org.

2023 Lottery Dates:

  • Applications must be postmarked by July 10.
  • Drawing is July 20.
  • Winners will be notified by email no later than August 3.

2023 Lottery Documents:

 

Deer MANAGEMENT

Summit Metro Parks has managed deer populations in its parks and conservation areas since the early 2000s, in areas where the archery program isn't possible. Due to the absence of natural predators and the elimination of habitat, deer populations have soared above acceptable, natural levels of five to 20 deer per square mile. In some cases, we previously estimated up to 200 deer per square mile.

The damage caused by excessive deer browse is well-documented. Our program is designed to restore balance and maintain biodiversity.

Venison is donated to the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, providing nearly 500,000 meals since the start of the program.