Ashland County Park District

Hunting Information  

     The lottery for deer hunting privileges in the parks is held annually around August. The turkey lottery is held annually in April. A notice will be posted of the date, time and location of the next lottery.

 The Ashland County Park District will hold its annual deer gun and waterfowl lottery for the 2011 hunting season. Parks included in this year’s lottery are Audubon Wetlands, Black Fork Bottoms, CookeFamilyPark, Cool Springs, Esbenshade Wetlands, and Gilliom-Cherp.

Deer and Waterfowl Hunting Lottery

This year’s lottery will be held on Tuesday August 16, 2011 at the Ashland County Conservation League, 1930 Co. Rd. 1035, Ashland, Ohio. The deer lottery will start at 6:30pm.and waterfowl will start at 7:30 pm.

For a $10.00 fee, you can put your name in the lottery.

Winning lottery hunters will be able to pick the park and day they want to hunt and will be allowed one hunting partner each day. You must be present at the lottery to secure your hunting dates.

There has been a change for the youth lottery drawing ONLY

A deer youth season lottery will also be held at no charge.

If you are the parent or guardian of a youth that is unable to attend the lottery,

the parent or guardian may enter the youth in the youth lottery ONLY. The parent or guardian needs to bring proof of youth's hunting license (hunting license or copy) No exceptions.

If the youth wants to be entered in the general lottery they must be present.

Maps and park regulations will be available and also posted on kiosks at each of the parks.

Any questions concerning the lottery please call

Tim McMillen at 419-289-8056 or

E-Mail at tmcmillen@zoominternet.net

Hunting Area Regulations

The hunting parks will be regulated by the Ashland County Park Board and its Hunting and Safety committee. Park users will follow all regulations and seasons as designated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and state and federal statutes.

ODNR Hunting Regulations

·        No camping

·        No overnight parking

·        The park will be closed daily from one hour after sunset until one hour before sunrise

·        No fires or grills of any kind

·        No cutting or trimming of trees or plant life

·        No disposal of trash – remove everything you take into the park

·        No motor vehicles beyond the designated parking area

·        No trespassing on park neighbors property

·        No building of permanent tree stands or digging goose pits

·        No use of climbing spikes or damage to trees is permitted

·        No alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs 

The park will be closed from October 1st to December 31st for all non-hunting uses, except as noted.  The park will remain open for hunting, but will also open Sunday afternoons from 12:00 noon until closing for non-hunting activities such as hiking. This exception does not apply during the gun deer hunting Sundays.  These Sundays will be posted at the park entrance. 

The park is not a target range.  No random or reckless discharge of firearms is permitted.  Shooting is restricted to legitimate hunting and dog training only.  Guns are restricted to legal hunting weapons, including shotguns, bows and crossbows, but excluding all rifles and handguns.  Violators will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Deer Hunting – No gun deer hunting will be permitted in this park due to the small size and safety considerations.  Bow hunting will be permitted daily throughout the season with the exception of gun seasons.

Waterfowl Hunting - Duck and goose hunting is permitted, including the early goose season.

Turkey Hunting – Turkey hunting will be permitted in this park.

Small and Upland Game Hunting – is permitted following ODNR State hunting regulations. 

Trapping and Predator Control - The committee will regulate trapping and predator control as needed.  No coon hunting is permitted.  All interested applicants may apply by calling 419-606-4561 for further information.

Dog training grounds will be designated and available for use.  Dog training is not permitted during deer gun seasons.  

These regulations may be modified by the Ashland County Park Board and the Hunting and Safety Committee for specific special events.  They will be reviewed annually.

Violators will be subject to appropriate criminal and civil prosecution.

Violations may be reported to the Ashland County Sherriff’s office 419-289-0911 or to the park committee at 419-651-4966.

Park Maps (PDF)

Audobon Wetlands

Blackfork Bottoms

Cool Springs

Cooke Park

Esbenshade Wetlands

Gilliom-Cherp

Hunting FAQ'S

Q. May I leave a tree stand or blind, in the park?

A. No, stands and blinds must be taken out the same day.

Q. When Deer season begins how does it affect waterfowl hunting?

A. There is no waterfowl hunting during deer season.

Q. When and where may I hike in the parks during hunting seasons?

A. Please see the website calendars and kiosks.

Q. May I feild dress my deer?

A. Yes, please try to do so away from regular trails.

Golden Eagle club

   A Special way to donate to the Ashland County Park District is to join the Golden Eagle club. For a donation of $1000 you will become a member of the Golden Eagle Club. As a member you will be able to use the bunkhouse at the new Cooke park, for one weekend. The bunkhouse features a large living/dining room, great room, well equipped kitchen, 8 bunk beds, wood fireplace, full bath w/ Jacuzzi tub, and more. This would be great for holiday get togethers, or hunting outings, birthday or anniversary celebrations, family reunions or special occasions. For more details, or to become a Golden Eagle club member (and reserve your weekend) Please call Roger Miller at 419-685-3090.

Fishing Permits

   Also available at Cooke park, are fishing permits for the 3 acre stocked pond. These permits are for the pond at Cooke park only, and they help pay to stock the pond and maintain the property. These permits are $25 for one family for one year. To purchase a permit Please call Roger Miller at 419-685-3090.

  Hunting park use calender