MetroParks recognizes that the population of white-tailed deer must be managed to ensure a healthy ecological system throughout the various lands owned by or under the management of MetroParks of Butler County. A humane and effective method for controlling white-tailed deer populations is through the implementation of a controlled bowhunting program.
MetroParks of Butler County will have a limited control bowhunt during the 2026/27 archery season. Available hunting opportunities will be reduced to 18 compared to 40 in 2025. This is due to two parks that have been temporarily removed from the program and a change in hunting periods. Hunting will occur at Day Farm (3 zones), Governor Bebb (1 zone), and Thomas Property (2 zones). Time periods will be 09/26/2026-10/31/2026, 11/01/2026-11/30/2026, and 12/01/2026-02/07/2027. Youth hunters will be permitted in zone 2 at Day Farm.
Applications:
Applications will be online and accepted from August 10th through September 7th, 2026. There will be a $20 application fee to cover administrative costs for processing applications.
Qualifications:
Qualifications will be held on Saturday September 12th from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Each applicant will be required to present a valid Ohio Hunting license at time of qualifications. All applicants must qualify with a compound bow and/or a crossbow. To qualify the applicant must place 4 out of 5 arrows into an 8 and half by 11-inch target from a distance of 20 yards. The location where qualifications will be held will be provided to applicants upon completion of an online submission.
Hunter Selection Process:
A lottery will be used to determine hunting zone and hunting period. At the completion of qualifications, hunters will select which of the 3 parks they would like to hunt in and put their name down for that park. Once qualifications are completed names will be drawn to select zone and hunting period.
For more information call (513) 867-5835.