TRUMBULL COUNTY, OH - The Trumbull County MetroParks (TCMP) has announced new hunting policies and requirements.

According to a release, deer hunting with a bow, gun or both (depending on location) is allowed at the following parks in Trumbull County:

- West Branch Wetlands Nature Preserve
- Eagle Creek Nature Preserve
- Lockwood Hunting Preserve
- Trock Forest
- Range Four Preserve

Those who choose to hunt within these properties are permitted from the start of bow deer season to February 28 of each year.

The parks' firearm regulations were also listed in the release:

- Conceal Carry is permitted.
- No Target shooting permitted.
- No random or reckless discharge of firearms is permitted. Shooting is restricted to legitimate hunting.
- Guns are restricted to legal hunting weapons.
- Violators will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Hunters can choose whether to participate in the TCMP fall lottery for deer hunting. If they choose not to, they are not allowed to hunt deer by gun or bow. Rules and regulations regarding the fall lottery can be found below.

  • All hunters licensed through ODNR are eligible to enter the lottery.
  • All hunters must provide the following by the last business day in August, to the Park Office at 3983 N River Road NE, Warren, OH 44484
          - A Completely Filled out Private Property Hunting Form
                 - Indicate on form what area they would like to Hunt.
                 - A Self Addressed Stamped Envelope.
          - Each Year, a new set of the above stated required information must be submitted.
          - Individuals can only submit for ONE lottery of ONE property. If an individual submits for multiple properties, they will NOT be accepted.
          - Individuals can include 1 Filled out Private Property Hunting Form for a child under the age of 16 with their application. They are not to be counted in total count of individuals on the property.
  • Priority will be given to Trumbull County Residents.
  • First Lottery will draw from County Residents to fill hunting slots.
  • Second Lottery will draw from Non-County Residents (In-State) to fill remaining open slots.
  • If slots remain after the 2 lotteries they can be filled on 1st come First Serve Basis regardless of residence.

The dates and times of the fall lottery are scheduled on a yearly basis. The lottery takes place at the TCMP park office in Warren. 

Each individual application submitted will be given a number, which will match the number on a ping pong ball. The labeled balls will be mixed inside a bowl and picked individually until all slots are filled for each property listed above.

To learn more about hunting regulations within Trumbull County, head to the hunting tab on the MetroParks website.