MetroParks of Butler County
Administrative Office
2051 Timberman RoadHamilton, OH 45013
info@yourmetroparks.net
(513) 867-5835
Administrative Office
2051 Timberman Road
info@yourmetroparks.net
(513) 867-5835
Limited Control Bowhunt 2026/2027
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.
Sun, Mon., Tue., Wed., Thu., Fri., Sat. Sep. 26-Feb. 7, 12:00 AM
Offsite: Offsite Program 1
Offsite: Offsite Program 1
Pioneer Life
Travel back in time to early 1800s Ohio at the historic Pioneer Village. Immerse yourself in the daily life of Midwest pioneers as you taste traditional foods, learn skills that time forgot, meet historic interpreters, play games, and make candles.
Saturday. September 26, 12:00-4:00 PM
Governor Bebb MetroPark: Pioneer Village Area & Historic Cabins (Private Programs)
Governor Bebb MetroPark: Pioneer Village Area & Historic Cabins (Private Programs)
Pioneer Life
Travel back in time to early 1800s Ohio at the historic Pioneer Village. Immerse yourself in the daily life of Midwest pioneers as you taste traditional foods, learn skills that time forgot, meet historic interpreters, play games, and make candles.
Sunday. September 27, 12:00-4:00 PM
Governor Bebb MetroPark: Pioneer Village Area & Historic Cabins (Private Programs)
Governor Bebb MetroPark: Pioneer Village Area & Historic Cabins (Private Programs)
Women Who Wander Hike
Join us each month for a casual one-hour walk for women to find community. This event is open to women ages 18 and up. Be sure to dress comfortably for the weather and varied terrain. We look forward to making new connections!
Sunday. October 4, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Governor Bebb MetroPark: Howe Shelter
Governor Bebb MetroPark: Howe Shelter
Rooted Living: Intro to Beekeeping
Curious about beekeeping? This introductory class, taught by Bruce Benskin, a beekeeper with decades of experience, is for beginners who want to learn the basics of honeybees, hive management, equipment, and seasonal care. Whether you're considering starting your own hive or simply want to better understand these remarkable pollinators, this class provides a practical and engaging introduction to the world of beekeeping.
Registration required.
Saturday. October 10, 10:00-11:30 AM
Chrisholm MetroPark: CHF Augspurger House
Chrisholm MetroPark: CHF Augspurger House
Fall Foliage Hike with MetroParks
Why do leaves change color and what determines the predominant colors we see in them? Join us to enjoy nature's last bold display before the winter quiet.
Saturday. October 17, 10:00-11:00 AM
Harbin Park - Stone Shelter
Harbin Park - Stone Shelter
Rooted Living: Advanced Beekeeping
Take your beekeeping knowledge to the next level in this more advanced class. Explore more complex topics such as colony health management, queen rearing, swarm prevention, honey production, seasonal decision-making, and strategies for maintaining strong, productive hives. This course provides practical techniques to help you confidently manage thriving colonies.
Registration required.
Saturday. October 17, 10:00-11:30 AM
Chrisholm MetroPark: CHF Augspurger House
Chrisholm MetroPark: CHF Augspurger House
Nature in a Blink: Fall Foliage Hike
Experience Nature in a Blink, a year-long series where you become eyewitness to the elusive wonders of nature at your favorite MetroParks.
Why do leaves change color? What determines the colors we see? Walk through your MetroParks to explore these answers and more. Closed-toed shoes are recommended.
Saturday. October 17, 1:00-2:00 PM
Stone Bridge
Stone Bridge
Operation Fresh Air
Enjoy a peaceful hike while connecting with others and exploring the prairie at Salamander Run MetroPark. The majority of this trail is flat, but may be muddy after rain.
This experience, in partnership with MHARS and Butler County Veterans Services Commission, is an opportunity to unwind, recharge, and find peace in nature.
Thursday. October 29, 6:00-7:00 PM
parking area
parking area
Women Who Wander Hike
Join us each month for a casual one-hour walk for women to find community. This event is open to women ages 18 and up. Be sure to dress comfortably for the weather and varied terrain. We look forward to making new connections!
Wednesday. November 4, 5:30-6:30 PM
Davidson Woods MetroPark
Davidson Woods MetroPark