Ohio Opens Wildlife Lottery System
Ohio's Division of Wildlife launched a lottery system for fishing and turkey hunting opportunities this March. The initiative gives more people access to prime locations during spring season and helps manage demand for highly sought-after fishing and hunting slots through a transparent draw process.
The application window for Ohio's wildlife lottery is open from March 1 to March 31, with a non-refundable $3 fee for each entry. Hopeful hunters and anglers can apply for these coveted permits through the online Ohio Wildlife Licensing System or the HuntFish OH mobile app. A valid hunting or fishing license is required to enter the lottery. For anglers, the lottery offers exclusive access to a half-mile stretch of Cold Creek at the Castalia State Fish Hatchery in Erie County. This program features separate drawings for youth and adult anglers, ensuring opportunities for all age groups. In total, 98 adult and 86 youth permits are issued for the fishing season, which runs from May 1 to November 30, 2026. The spring turkey hunting lottery provides access to areas with controlled hunting to manage the wild turkey population and provide unique opportunities for hunters. Successful applicants are randomly drawn and receive a permit, rules, and a map of their designated hunting area. These controlled hunts are part of a broader wildlife management strategy, which includes managing deer populations to prevent negative impacts on native vegetation. For the 2026 spring turkey season, the state is divided into two zones. The south zone's youth season is proposed for April 18-19, with the regular season from April 25 to May 24. The northeast zone, which includes Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Trumbull counties, has proposed youth hunt dates of April 25-26 and a regular season from May 2 to May 31.
