NEGLEY (WKBN) — Columbiana County is on the list of locations for special deer-hunting opportunities on nature preserves.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Natural Areas and Preserves is holding special deer hunts at state nature preserves and state scenic river lands across Ohio during the 2026-2027 hunting season. The division is offering gun and archery hunts in 22 counties.

These locations were identified as areas where browsing by high deer populations poses a threat to native plant communities.

Permits for all special hunts will be awarded through a lottery system.

Sheepskin Hollow State Nature Preserve in Columbiana County will be open for archery and gun hunting. Archery dates are set from Sept. 26 through Nov. 29. Gun dates are set from Nov. 30 through Dec. 30. Both are organized in date blocks determined by the lottery.

For more information, look up ODNR’s guidelines on the drawing.

A mandatory meeting for anyone wishing to participate will be held Aug.16 at 3 p.m. at Middleton Township Fish and Game, located at 50501 Richardson Ave. After the meeting, hunters will have an opportunity to purchase a $5 ticket to be entered into the property’s special hunt drawing.

Entry forms will not be accepted by mail.

Other special hunt requirements:

— Hunters must possess a valid hunting license to purchase tickets. Individual hunts may have restrictions on youth hunter drawing eligibility.

— Names will be randomly drawn and those selected will be assigned a specific time to hunt.

— For archery hunts, an orientation will be conducted immediately following the drawing.

— Hunters will be permitted to hunt with a partner; the partner is not required to attend the drawing or orientation.

— Some of the hunts may be designated “antlerless deer only,” while others are “earn a buck” allow the taking of antlered deer but only after harvesting an antlerless deer first.