ODNR Hosts Special Veterans’Archery Hunt at Zaleski State Forest

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(Zaleski) – Sixteen Ohio veterans were treated to a guided archery hunt at Zaleski State Forest by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources this October. ODNR’s divisions of Forestry, Wildlife, and Parks and Watercraft partnered with the Buckeye Hero Hunt Committee to provide the veterans with the opportunity to hunt white-tailed deer.
 
“We are honored to provide meaningful opportunities for those who have sacrificed so much for our nation,” said ODNR Division of Forestry Chief Dan Balser. “We are proud to support this outstanding event each year, which provides veterans with an opportunity to enjoy hunting in our state forest in a way that promotes conservation.”

Veterans who applied to participate attended the event free of charge. Buckeye Hero Hunt Committee and volunteers supported the event by providing meals, lodging, and equipment. Eleven deer were harvested between Friday, October 10th and Saturday, October 11th.
 
“This event creates lasting memories for everyone involved, and we’re proud to host such an outstanding group at Zaleski State Forest,” said Zaleski State Forest Manager Courtney Cawood. “Each year, it’s a privilege to work alongside the Buckeye Hero Hunt Committee and its dedicated volunteers.”
 
The ODNR Division of Forestry promotes the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. This hunt provided an opportunity to effectively manage the damage white-tailed deer cause to the forest ecosystem in a specific area of Zaleski State Forest.
 
White-tailed deer can have substantial negative impacts on forest health and regeneration due to deer browsing on tree seedlings and herbaceous plants. Hunting is the most effective way to control deer populations, and the ODNR Division of Forestry is pleased to create this great opportunity for veterans.